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When people join a health share, there’s one mistake I see over and over again—and it can cost you big time.
That mistake? Not reading the Member Guidelines.
I get it. The guidelines are long, they can be boring, and no one is excited to curl up on the couch with a 50-page PDF. But skipping them is the fastest way to end up frustrated—or worse, stuck with a medical bill you weren’t expecting.
Why the Member Guidelines Matter
Most people first hear about health shares through a friend, family member, or someone online. And word-of-mouth is powerful—if your friend has had a great experience, it’s natural to trust their recommendation.
But here’s the catch: what works for your friend might not work for you.
Example 1: Motorcycle Accident
Take Medi-Share, for example. In their Member Guidelines, there are specific limits on how much they’ll share in medical costs if you ride a motorcycle.
If your friend doesn’t ride, they may have skimmed right past that section without giving it a second thought. Everything has gone smoothly for them, so they recommend it to you.
But what if you do ride? If you joined without reading the guidelines, you might not realize those limits exist until the worst happens—a serious motorcycle accident. By then, it’s too late to discover that your medical bills aren’t fully shareable.
Example 2: Pre-Existing Conditions
Here’s another common situation.
Maybe your friend doesn’t have any pre-existing conditions, so they skipped that section. But you do. Most health shares have waiting periods or limits before they’ll share expenses related to pre-existing issues. If you don’t read the guidelines, you might not realize how that affects your situation until you need care.
Example 3: Religious vs. Secular Health Shares
And let’s not forget about religious affiliation.
Many health shares are faith-based, requiring members to sign a statement of belief or maintain certain lifestyle standards. For your friend, that might not be a big deal—it fits perfectly with their values.
But for you? Maybe you’d prefer a more flexible or secular option. If you didn’t read the guidelines, you might be surprised later when those requirements come up.
Setting the Right Expectations
Here’s the bottom line: even if you read the guidelines and still decide to join, you’ll be going in with your eyes wide open. You’ll know exactly what’s shareable and what’s not.
That means no surprises. And honestly, setting the right expectations is the difference between being frustrated with a health share—or being genuinely happy with your choice.
Why This Matters
Health shares can be a fantastic option for the right person. They often cost far less than traditional insurance, and many members appreciate the community aspect. But to have a good experience, you need to take the time to understand the details before you join.
Skipping the Member Guidelines might feel like a shortcut—but in the long run, it’s the biggest mistake you can make.
If you’re ready to compare your options, check out my post on the Best Health Share Plans. It walks through today’s top programs and can help you narrow down which one might be the right fit.
Health shares are not insurance and do not offer insurance coverage. Membership in a health share does not guarantee the payment or reimbursement of medical expenses. Each organization operates under its own membership guidelines, which determine what expenses may be eligible for sharing. This publication is for informational purposes only and is not provided by an insurance company. For state-specific notices and full program details, please visit the respective health share’s official website.
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