Of course, cheap health insurance does exist, but it can be difficult to find, or even qualify for, and the coverage isn’t necessarily suitable for you. Costs really can start to rack up, especially if you’re unemployed or self-employed, or you’re not covered by your employer’s health insurance scheme. But there are ways to keep costs down, whatever your insurance coverage looks like.
Get regular checkups
When your health gets out of hand, treatment tends to become more costly. When you keep a close eye on your body and mind, you’re far less likely to end up faced with an expensive surprise. Regular checkups allow your clinician to catch problems early, when treatment is cheaper, quicker, and less invasive. Think about it in terms of your heart. Catching high cholesterol or high blood pressure early, when you can take tablets to keep the problem at bay, ends up far cheaper (and less dramatic) than a stay in hospital and surgery following a heart attack. Try to visit your doctor for a full welfare checkup at least every couple of years, and avoid any expensive surprises.
Understand your insurance
To break it down simply, different health insurance policies cover different procedures. One of the most expensive and frustrating mistakes is not understanding which procedures are covered under your policy. When choosing a policy, don’t just go for the cheapest, although it might seem like the most sensible option for saving money. Try to completely understand each policy and what might be applicable to you before you make any final decisions.
Get help with prescriptions
If you’re suffering from any long-term medical problems, there could be financial help available. Speak to a patient advocate about affordable prescriptions to see what help you could get. If you need a lot of medication for an ongoing problem, the cost can really start to add up, so any help is appreciated.
Lead an active and healthy lifestyle
They say prevention is better than the cure, and when it comes to healthcare, that certainly seems to be the case. A person who lives an unhealthy lifestyle is far more likely to experience diabetes, heart problems, and is at a higher risk of cancer and other problems. An unhealthy person is even at a higher risk of bugs and viruses, as their immune system tends to be weaker. If you really want to save money on your health, your best bet is to stay healthy.
Keep your weight in check by eating well and exercising regularly. Give your overall wellbeing, as well as your immune system, a boost with high nutrient foods, ensuring you get all the vitamins and minerals you need. And don’t forget your mental health – if you have any concerns about anxiety or depression, seek help before it gets out of hand. And remember to have fun, enjoy life, and laugh. Happy people are scientifically proven to have stronger immune systems!
Healthcare doesn’t have to cost the earth, just remember to be proactive, and don’t bury your head in the sand.
