Why I Bought Health Insurance in My 20s (and Why You Probably Should Too)
“You’re young and healthy — why do you need health insurance?”
That’s what my friend said right before he got hospitalized for appendicitis. The bill? $6,000 in the US. ₹80,000 in India. Neither was pretty.
Let me tell you the truth: health insurance isn’t for old people. It’s for smart people. And I learned it the hard way — so you don’t have to.
Chapter 1: I Thought I Was Invincible… Until Life Happened
In my early twenties, I believed two things:
- I’d never get sick.
- Health insurance was a waste of money.
Then I got dengue. And I spent ₹30,000 out of pocket in one week. My “savings” turned into “zero-ings.”
In the US? A single ER visit could bankrupt you faster than a crypto crash. I’ve seen a friend pay $1,200 for stitches. Stitches!
Chapter 2: Understanding What the Heck a Health Plan Actually Is
Words like “deductible,” “co-pay,” and “network hospital” sounded like ancient riddles to me. But here’s the breakdown:
- Premium: What you pay monthly/yearly to stay covered
- Deductible: What you pay before insurance starts helping
- Network hospitals: Where the insurer will cover more of your bill
In India, plans like Star Health, Niva Bupa, or HDFC ERGO are solid. In the US, check out marketplace options at healthcare.gov.
Chapter 3: Choosing the Right Plan (Without Losing Your Mind)
Don’t just pick the cheapest one. I made that mistake. It didn’t cover half the stuff I needed.
Here’s what I consider now:
- Cashless hospitals near me
- Room rent limit (this matters more than you think)
- No claim bonus (because not falling sick deserves a reward!)
And yes — always read the fine print. Like, actually read it. I once missed a 2-year waiting period for dental coverage. My teeth still hate me.
Chapter 4: The Unexpected Benefits (That Actually Slap)
Besides saving you from financial doom, good health insurance gives:
- Free annual checkups (early detection = peace of mind)
- Tax benefits (under Section 80D in India, or tax credits in the US)
- Mental health coverage (increasingly included post-COVID)
It’s basically self-care, with paperwork.
Chapter 5: TL;DR – Why You Need to Stop Procrastinating
Here’s what I’d say to 22-year-old me:
- Buy a basic plan now — it’s cheaper when you’re young
- Upgrade later — as your needs (and income) grow
- Don't wait until you're in a hospital bed Googling “cheap insurance fast”
Health is unpredictable. Your finances don’t have to be.
Bonus: My Current Setup
India: Niva Bupa Health Companion, ₹8,500/year for ₹5 lakh coverage
USA: Bronze plan from ACA marketplace, $230/month with $0 deductible thanks to subsidy
Not sponsored. Just helpful.
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