✅ How Health Shares Are Similar to Traditional Health Insurance
- They Support Medical Costs
Both models help members manage and pay for healthcare expenses like doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, lab tests, and more. - They Often Involve a Monthly Payment
Health shares have a monthly “share amount” (similar to a premium) that members contribute toward the community funds. - They Use a Form of Cost Sharing
Just like insurance has deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, health shares have concepts like Personal Responsibility Amounts (PRAs) or Member Responsibility Amounts. - There Are Guidelines About What’s Eligible
Both models have rules about what types of care or conditions are included (though health share memberships call them “shareable expenses”).
❌ How Health Shares Are Different from Traditional Insurance
- They’re Not Insurance
Health shares are not legally considered insurance. They are voluntary associations where members agree to help with each other’s medical expenses. - No Network Restrictions (Usually)
Many health shares allow you to see any licensed doctor or provider which means that you’re not locked into a specific insurance network. - More Flexibility, Fewer Bureaucratic Rules
Members often find it easier to manage costs and navigate care without insurance red tape (e.g. pre-authorizations, denials, network disputes). - Religious or Lifestyle Expectations
Some health shares (like Christian ministries) have faith-based requirements. Others, like Knew Health, are more secular and emphasize healthy lifestyles instead. - No Guarantee of Payment
Since they’re not insurance, there’s no legal obligation to pay your medical bills. However, reputable memberships like Knew Health have strong track records of reliably sharing costs. - May Not Support Preventive or Routine Care
Unlike ACA-compliant insurance, health shares might not support things like annual physicals, birth control, or pre-existing conditions (at least not right away). - Portability & International Access
Health shares can be a great option for travelers and expats as many share in emergencies internationally, which traditional U.S. insurance often does not.
🔍 Key Differences between Health Shares and Traditional Insurance Plans
| Feature | Health Shares | Traditional Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Legally Required Coverage | No | Yes (under ACA) |
| Network Restrictions | Usually None | Yes |
| Access Abroad | Often Included | Rare |
| Legal Guarantee to Pay | No (but reliable plans do) | Yes |
| Encourages Healthy Lifestyle | Yes | Not typically |
🧠 So, Is a Health Share Right for You?
A health share could be a great fit if you:
- Are generally healthy and don’t need frequent care
- Want lower monthly costs than insurance
- Prefer to choose your own doctors
- Like the idea of a community-based, ethical model
- Travel frequently or live abroad (plans like Knew Health offer international access)
- Want to have a safety net as a self-pay patient
👉 Learn More About Knew Health Membership
*use promo code “JENNY30” for 30% off 1st 6 months
