What Are The Benefits Of Medical Insurance?

According to a 2007 article by the Northern California Neurosurgery Medical Group, the first medical insurance began in the middle of the 19th century, taking the form of accident insurance for people riding those new-fangled steam locomotives and steamboats. Since them, medical insurance has grown to be a guaranteed right in some countries and something considered a legitimate need in many others. But just what are the advantages of having medical coverage?

Major Medical Expenses

According to research conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the population of the United States spent $1.9 trillion, or just under $7,000 per person, on medical treatment in 2004. Considering that the average United States household income for that same year was $44,000, a family of four could easily owe nearly half their yearly salary in a single year of health care expenses. Medical insurance replaces those heavy bills with a lower monthly premium payment and manageable deductibles. In short, medical insurance makes adequate medical care affordable for working families.

Longevity and Health Span

According to Drs. Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz, authors of health book "YOU: The Owner's Manual," regular medical treatment is a key component to living a long and healthy life. If you are paying your medical expenses, often several hundred dollars for a simple physical, out of pocket, you're likely to go to the doctor only when seriously ill or injured. This means skipping the physicals, checkups and investigations of minor complaints that make up the lion's share of preventative medicine. Having health insurance encourages those visits by making them affordable, thus potentially increasing life span and quality of life.

Rapid Recovery

The Mayo Clinic states that sleep disorders, a lowered immune system and eating problems can be symptoms of high stress levels, including financial stress. If you are ill or injured with no health insurance, the financial burden of your medical bills can actually keep you sick longer. This racks up additional medical bills during your recovery, which exacerbates your stress, spinning into a vicious cycle. Medical insurance can ease the financial burden, removing a significant portion of stress from your recovery situation.