Do You Really Need Health Insurance If You’re Young & Healthy?

If you're in your 20s or early 30s, you might be wondering: “Do I really need health insurance if I’m young and healthy?” With no chronic conditions and a busy, active lifestyle, it’s easy to assume you can skip the monthly premium and just pay for care as needed.

But here’s the reality: affordable health insurance in Maryland isn’t just for emergencies it's an essential tool for protecting your financial future, accessing preventive care, and preparing for life’s unexpected turns.

In this post, we’ll break down common myths about health insurance for young adults, explore why skipping coverage can be risky, and show you how to find a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Looking for personalized help selecting a plan? Contact our licensed brokers today.

Myth #1: “I’m Healthy, So I Don’t Need Insurance”

Even if you don’t have any current health concerns, you’re not immune to accidents or unexpected illnesses. A single visit to the ER for a broken ankle or allergic reaction could cost thousands of dollars.

Here’s the truth:

• Emergency room visits average over $2,000 without follow-up care.

• Hospitalization for an injury or sudden illness could run $30,000 or more.

Health insurance protects your finances, ensuring one incident doesn’t turn into long-term debt.

Myth #2: “Health Insurance is Too Expensive for Young People”

One of the biggest myths about coverage is that it's unaffordable. But in Maryland, young adults often qualify for low-cost plans through the ACA and state marketplaces.

You may be eligible for:

• Premium tax credits based on income

• Catastrophic plans with ultra-low monthly premiums

• Medicaid, if you fall within income thresholds

For example, a 26-year-old earning $32,000/year might pay as little as $30/month for a bronze-tier plan.

Get Started

Don’t wait for an emergency to get covered. Talk to a licensed Global Insure advisor today to get a free quote and plan review customized to your needs.

Myth #3: “I Can Just Get Insurance Later”

Health insurance doesn’t work like a subscription service. Outside of Open Enrollment (November to January), you can’t sign up unless you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) like:

• Losing your job

• Getting married

• Moving to a new state

Without a QLE, you’ll be stuck uninsured until the next enrollment window, potentially leaving you vulnerable to major expenses.

Myth #4: “I’m Still on My Parents’ Plan”

While you can stay on your parents’ insurance until age 26, that date sneaks up quickly and not all coverage is created equal.

Things to consider:

• Out-of-network issues if you live in a different state

• Lack of control over plan features

• Potential privacy concerns with shared accounts

When the time comes, you’ll need your own policy that fits your lifestyle and income. Fortunately, many affordable options are available in Maryland.

Myth #5: “I’ll Just Pay Cash or Use Urgent Care”

It might seem cheaper to pay out-of-pocket for the occasional doctor visit, but that logic doesn’t hold up over time.

Why this strategy is risky:

• Urgent care visits average $100–$300, not including labs or imaging.

• Prescription medications can cost hundreds per month.

• You miss out on free preventive care, such as annual checkups, mental health screenings, and vaccines.

Many of these services are included at no additional cost.

How Health Insurance Supports Systemic Equity

At Global Insure, we believe health insurance is a vehicle for community equity. When young adults have coverage, they’re:

• Less likely to take on medical debt

• More likely to access preventive services

• Better positioned to maintain economic stability

That’s especially important for communities historically excluded from care. Bridging the gap through accessible insurance solutions supports health and financial resilience at the community level.

What Type of Plan Is Best for You?

Here are a few options we recommend for young adults in Maryland:

Catastrophic Plans

• Lowest premiums

• High deductibles

• Ideal for unexpected, worst-case scenarios

Bronze Plans

• Low monthly cost

• Good for people who don’t use care often

Silver Plans

• Moderate cost

• Lower out-of-pocket expenses

• Eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) if you qualify

Medicaid

• Free or extremely low cost

• Available year-round in Maryland

Browse Global Insure to compare what fits your needs and budget.

Real Story: Malik’s Wake-Up Call

Malik, 27, thought he didn’t need insurance. But after fainting one night and hitting his head, he racked up a $9,000 medical bill. With a basic health plan, he would’ve paid closer to $500 out of pocket.

Don’t let one incident ruin your financial footing. Health insurance isn’t a luxury it’s a smart, necessary protection.

Get Covered, Stay Protected

So, do you really need health insurance if you’re young and healthy? The answer is yes because you can’t predict the future, and affordable options exist right now that can shield you from financial risk.

At Global Insure, we specialize in helping Maryland residents, especially young adults, get the best health insurance for their needs and income.

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