Why Do You Need Health Insurance at the Age of 25?

In your youth, you are full of energy and in good health. This is because the body is still in its prime and most organs are functioning at peak levels. The natural defence mechanism is strong, making it less vulnerable to diseases and illnesses.

However, even if you are healthy today, you cannot guarantee the same tomorrow. The importance of being prepared for the unexpected cannot be overstated. According to the Harvard Gazette Study, young adults with cardiovascular risk factors early in life are more likely to suffer from heart diseases and acute events, such as strokes and heart attacks.^*1 There is a significant rise in hypertension and diabetes and obesity among young adults, with no major improvement in the control of blood pressure or blood sugar levels.

With medical inflation hitting the skies, an unexpected medical emergency can deplete your entire savings. So it is wise to invest in health insurance to protect yourself from financial hardship whenever you need medical treatment - even if you’re in your 20s and the pink of your health!

So, if you are around 25 years old and still wondering whether you need health insurance, this article is for you. Here, we will discuss why getting health insurance early in life is much more beneficial than waiting until later.

Why Do You Need Health Insurance at the Age of 25?

Here are a few reasons why buying health insurance at 25 is advantageous -

Coverage For Medical Expenses

Accidents, injuries, and illnesses can strike anyone at any age. So, it is essential to be prepared for such sudden situations. Health insurance can help ensure that you have access to quality medical care at the time of need. It offers you protection from the financial storms of medical costs when you least expect them.

Advantage Of Lower Premium

Younger individuals are generally healthier and are less likely to fall sick. Consequently, they are less likely to require frequent hospitalisation. Health insurers, therefore, offer lower premiums to young people. Basically, it is cheaper to purchase health insurance at 25. This cost-saving benefit is especially beneficial to young adults, who often have limited disposable incomes.

Fewer Chances of Rejection

Health insurance companies assess your risk profile at the time of policy purchase. As mentioned before, younger people pose less risk to insurers. If you are young and healthy with no record of illnesses, your application has a higher probability of being accepted. So, buying a health insurance policy early in life can also reduce your chances of rejection or denial of coverage.

Pre-existing Conditions

Age increases your likelihood of developing pre-existing medical conditions. As per the technical definition by the IRDAI, a pre-existing illness is a medical condition, illness, disease, or injury, that has been diagnosed and treated within 48 months before buying a health insurance plan. Some plans exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or charge higher premiums if you have a history of certain health issues. Therefore, it is essential to buy health insurance at an early age when you are in good health - to avoid such inconveniences.

Coverage For Preventive Care

Prevention is better than cure. Taking preventive measures to avoid a particular issue or illness is often more cost-effective and less time-consuming than treating it later. And the good news is health insurance covers preventive services such as vaccinations, screenings, annual check-ups, etc. Such services can help you identify potential health issues before they become more serious - helping you reduce the overall cost of the healthcare you’ll need.

Coverage For Medical Emergencies

No matter how young or old you are, you can never be too prepared for the unexpected. Medical emergencies can strike at any time. Taking the necessary precautionary measures now can save you a lot of trouble in the future. So, invest in comprehensive health insurance early to ensure that you can receive medical attention in an emergency without being burdened by the financial implications.

Provides Mental Health Support

There is a high prevalence of mental health issues among young adults. In a UCSF study, 48% of young adults reported mental health symptoms, of which 39% used prescription medications and/or received counselling and 36% reported unmet counselling needs.2 These numbers indicate a growing need for mental health services for young adults. With health insurance, you have immediate access to services like counselling, therapy, etc. The availability of necessary care can empower you to address your mental health issues and take control of your well-being.

Coverage During Transitions

At 25, individuals are often on the brink of embarking on a new journey, both personally and professionally. You may be entering the workforce, pursuing higher education, or no longer be covered by your parents' insurance. Having your own health insurance with continuous coverage during these transitions will make you feel more secure. This will also provide peace of mind and security as you take on new challenges and responsibilities.

Tax Benefits

Health insurance plans can help you save on taxes. If you've just begun a career, you may have started paying taxes and that money can easily be saved by opting for a health insurance policy. This is a win-win situation since you are not only saving money but also taking care of your health.

Wrapping up!

Taking health insurance at a young age like 25 has many advantages like lower premiums, less chances of policy rejection, etc. It gives you peace of mind that you are adequately protected and can focus on other aspects of life without worrying about the financial repercussions of quality healthcare. After all, your health is your valuable asset - so don't wait any longer to make sure you are protected.

Sources ¹https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/03/trend-showing-decline-in-health-of-younger-adults-draws-concern/
²https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2022/04/422611/48-young-adults-struggled-mental-health-mid-2021