As health insurance premiums continue to climb, many families wonder whether the monthly cost is worth it. For self-employed workers, small business owners, and families who do not qualify for government assistance, premiums can rival a mortgage payment. Even after paying the monthly premium, many still face thousands of dollars in deductibles before their insurance begins to cover the cost of care.
This raises an understandable question: Can you save money by going without health insurance?
Possibly, at least until something unexpected happens. But the better questions to ask are whether the financial risk is worth the potential savings and what other options are available.
In 2024, 26.7 million Americans under age 65 were uninsured, marking the first increase since 2019, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Many are working families making difficult choices between healthcare coverage and other essential household expenses.
While going without health insurance may reduce your monthly expenses, it can expose you to significant financial and medical concerns. Before deciding, take time to assess the risks and understand your options. The more informed you are, the better prepared you’ll be to make the right decision for your family.
Why more families are asking this question
The math has changed for American families.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family health coverage reached nearly $27,000 in 2025. Workers contributed an average of $6,850 toward that cost before deductibles, copays, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
As those costs continue to rise, many families are rethinking how they pay for healthcare. Some continue with traditional health insurance despite the expense. Others begin looking for alternatives that offer assistance while keeping monthly costs more manageable.
Is health insurance required?
If you’ve been wondering whether health insurance is still required, the answer is a little more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
For many years, the Affordable Care Act required most Americans to have health insurance or pay a federal tax penalty. That changed in 2019, when the federal individual mandate penalty was reduced to zero. Today, most Americans can legally go without health insurance without paying a federal penalty.
That said, some states have enacted their own mandates and may impose financial penalties on uninsured residents. Before deciding to go without health insurance, check your state’s current requirements to determine whether any penalties or reporting requirements apply.
Even if you are legally allowed to go without traditional health insurance, doing so does not eliminate your financial responsibility for medical expenses. Instead, it shifts that burden to you. A single emergency room visit, hospitalization, or unexpected diagnosis could result in medical bills that far exceed what many families budget for healthcare in an entire year.
If you are a member of a qualified health cost sharing ministry, such as Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), you may qualify for an exemption from state individual mandate requirements. CHM provides tax information and resources to help members understand their state’s reporting requirements and available exemptions.
What happens if you need medical care without health insurance?
You can still receive medical care even if you do not have health insurance or are a member of a health cost sharing ministry and are considered self-pay. Many hospitals and healthcare providers offer payment plans or self-pay discounts. These options can help reduce the amount you may owe.
Even so, a minor concern can require more care than expected. The financial hardship may not stem from a medical emergency. Sometimes it is simply a symptom that fails to improve. It may start with:
- Persistent back pain
- A lingering cough
- Fatigue that lasts
A single office visit can quickly lead to multiple follow-ups, lab work, imaging, specialist appointments, or other costs.
Whether you’re dealing with a sudden emergency or a minor issue that requires ongoing care, medical expenses can add up quickly. Having a plan in place before you need care can help you ask better questions, understand your options, and avoid delaying care because of cost.
The hidden cost of delaying preventative care
One of the most overlooked financial risks of going without healthcare coverage is not the emergency that happens. It is the symptom you ignore. The appointment you don’t make.
When healthcare costs feel overwhelming, preventive care is often one of the first things families cut. Annual physicals are skipped, lab work is delayed, and recommended screenings are postponed. It may feel like the only affordable option in the moment, but delaying care can have lasting consequences.
Many health conditions develop quietly, long before symptoms appear. Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes often go undetected for years. Some cancers may not cause symptoms until they are more advanced. Without routine care and recommended screenings, these conditions may go undiagnosed, increasing the risk of serious complications.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine screenings for conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and depression because early detection improves health outcomes. Staying current with recommended preventive care gives you the best opportunity to identify potential health concerns before they become more serious. A delayed screening should never become a missed opportunity to protect your health.
Alternatives to health insurance
As the price of health insurance continues to rise, many families are exploring ways to manage healthcare costs. Some qualify for Medicaid or become eligible for Medicare. Others pay routine healthcare costs out of pocket or set aside savings for unexpected medical expenses.
For families looking beyond traditional health insurance, health cost sharing ministries are another option to consider.
CHM is a faith-based health cost sharing ministry that has helped members share eligible medical expenses since 1981. Many families choose CHM as an alternative that aligns with their budget, needs, and Christian values.
CHM also offers care solutions designed to help members navigate healthcare and manage costs, including:
- Coordinated support for planned surgeries
- Virtual primary and urgent care visits
- Prescription savings resources
These are designed to complement CHM’s health cost sharing programs and are just a few of the resources available to members.
If you’re considering health cost sharing, CHM has resources that explain what it is and how it works, along with common myths to help you compare these programs with traditional health insurance.
How to choose the right option for your family
Choosing how to manage healthcare costs is a personal decision. The right choice depends on your family’s health needs, financial situation, and personal values.
Before making a decision, it can help to pause and pray. Start with an honest conversation with God. Ask Him to guide you through the process, give you understanding, and help you make a wise decision. First Peter 5:7 reminds us to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (NIV).
As you compare your options, consider these questions:
- How often does your family typically need medical care?
- Do you have any ongoing health conditions or prescription medication needs?
- What monthly healthcare expense fits comfortably within your budget?
- If an unexpected medical event occurred tomorrow, what financial resources would you have available?
- Does your healthcare option align with your personal values and priorities?
No healthcare solution is perfect, and every family has different priorities. The goal is to choose an option that gives you confidence you can access the care you need without jeopardizing your financial future.
Making your decision
Healthcare costs are real, and for many families, they are a growing burden that affects their monthly budgets, the care they seek, and the future they plan for. Whether you choose traditional health insurance, a health cost sharing ministry such as Christian Healthcare Ministries, or another approach, having a plan in place before you need medical care can help protect your health and financial future.
Take time to review the guidelines, processes, and resources associated with each option. Understanding how medical expenses are handled and what steps you will need to follow can help you determine which approach is the right fit for your family.
Make your decision from a place of knowledge, not fear. Ask questions, compare the details, and seek God for the wisdom and peace He alone can bring. Psalm 143:8 says, “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” (NIV)
References
- Kaiser Family Foundation. (2025). 2025 employer health benefits survey. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/2025-employer-health-benefits-survey/
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (n.d.). A and B recommendations. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation-topics/uspstf-a-and-b-recommendations
- Healthcare.gov. (n.d.). Health coverage exemptions. https://www.healthcare.gov/health-coverage-exemptions/exemptions-from-the-fee/
Make the best choice for your family!
Download these questions and reference them as you research healthcare options to make the best decision for your family.
