Why healthy people need health insurance is a question many people ask. If you’re young, active, and rarely visit the doctor, you might wonder whether health insurance is worth the cost. It’s a common thought: why pay for coverage you might not use? But skipping insurance could leave you financially vulnerable and limit your access to care when you need it most.
This guide outlines 5 important reasons why healthy people still need health insurance and how ICT Insurance Group can help you find affordable coverage in Kansas and across 29 other states.
1. Accidents and emergencies happen unexpectedly
Even if you take great care of your health, accidents are unavoidable. A broken arm from a weekend game, an emergency surgery, or a car accident could leave you facing thousands of dollars in bills. Without insurance, you’d be responsible for the full amount.
Health insurance caps your annual spending through an out-of-pocket maximum. That protection means one unexpected hospital visit won’t put your financial future at risk. This is one of the key reasons why healthy people need health insurance.
2. Preventive care is free with insurance
Marketplace health plans cover preventive services — like annual checkups, vaccines, and screenings — at no cost when you see an in-network provider. This is one of the most overlooked benefits of having insurance.
These preventive visits catch problems early and help you build a relationship with a doctor before issues arise. Even if you feel perfectly healthy now, regular preventive care keeps you on track for the future. Preventive services highlight another reason why healthy people need health insurance.
3. Insurance makes prescriptions and specialist care affordable
At some point, even healthy people may need prescription medication or specialist care. Without insurance, these costs can add up quickly. With coverage, you’ll have access to lower copays, negotiated rates, and a network of providers.
Mental health services, physical therapy, or diagnostic imaging are examples of care that can cost thousands without coverage. Insurance ensures you can get the care you need without the financial burden. This affordability is central to why healthy people need health insurance.
4. Financial help may lower your costs
Many people assume plans are too expensive, but most who shop through the ACA Marketplace qualify for premium tax credits that reduce monthly costs.
If your income is on the lower side, you may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions that reduce deductibles and copays, or even Medicaid or CHIP for your children. Younger adults often pay less because premiums are partially based on age, making coverage more affordable than you might expect. Financial help and subsidies further reinforce why healthy people need health insurance.
5. Being uninsured carries risks beyond money
Skipping insurance doesn’t just mean paying out-of-pocket for care — it can also mean delaying or avoiding care altogether. Studies show uninsured people are less likely to see a doctor, get prescriptions filled, or receive preventive screenings. Small health issues can quickly grow into larger, more expensive problems.
And while there’s no longer a federal penalty for being uninsured, some states do charge fees. Even in Kansas and the other states ICT Insurance Group serves where there’s no penalty, the risk of being uninsured outweighs the savings. This shows another reason why healthy people need health insurance.
How to choose the right coverage
The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. At ICT Insurance Group, we help you compare Marketplace, private, and short-term health insurance plans. We explain how premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance fit together so you can find a plan that balances monthly costs with out-of-pocket protection.
For healthy individuals, the right plan may prioritize preventive care and affordable premiums. For families, it may mean stronger protection against unexpected costs. Whatever your situation, our group is here to guide you through Open Enrollment 2026 and beyond and show you why healthy people need health insurance.
Take the next step today
Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage begins November 1, 2025. Whether you’re in Wichita or any of the 29 states where we’re licensed, ICT Insurance Group can help you prepare, compare options, and enroll in the plan that best fits your needs.
Call us at (316) 440-6111 or request a free quote online. Even if you’re young and healthy, the peace of mind that comes with health insurance is invaluable — another clear example of why healthy people need health insurance.
