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You’ve probably heard me say this before, but let’s make it crystal clear:
A health share will never, ever be health insurance.
And honestly, that’s the whole point.
Today, I’ll break down why that’s a good thing—and why you might be glad that health shares play by different rules.
Why Health Insurance Feels So Complicated
Health insurance is an entire industry built on risk, regulation, and contracts. Because of that, it comes with layers of complexity that most people struggle to fully understand:
- Deductibles (how much you pay before insurance starts helping)
- Co-pays (flat fees every time you see a doctor)
- Co-insurance (a percentage of the bill you still owe even after insurance pays)
- In-network vs. out-of-network rules (which can force you to change doctors)
On top of all that, you’re paying premiums every month whether you use the system or not.
Insurance companies have to comply with hundreds of state and federal regulations, meet government mandates, and negotiate contracts with hospitals and providers. All of that adds cost. All of that adds confusion. And all of that adds frustration for everyday families.
What Health Shares Do Instead
Health shares looked at this mountain of red tape and essentially said: “We’re not doing that.”
Instead, they operate on a much simpler model:
- Community-based → Members voluntarily join together to share in one another’s medical expenses.
- Direct → Instead of running through layers of contracts, money moves from members to members.
- Transparent → Health share guidelines are usually written in plain English, not in 100-page legal documents.
This is why health shares don’t call themselves “insurance.” They’re not tied to the same legal structure. They’re membership-based organizations with their own set of rules—rules members actually agree to upfront.
Why Not Being Insurance Is a Feature
Now you might be wondering: If it’s not insurance, isn’t that a bad thing?
Actually… it’s one of the biggest advantages.
Because they’re not bound by the same regulations, health shares can:
✅ Skip unnecessary mandates that drive costs higher
✅ Keep monthly contributions lower than insurance premiums
✅ Allow you to see any doctor you want instead of restricting you to a narrow network
✅ Focus on larger, unexpected medical needs instead of nickel-and-diming you with small claims
It’s important to note: health shares don’t guarantee payment for every single medical bill. They’re not designed that way. Instead, members agree to guidelines that define what is and isn’t shareable. The tradeoff? Members often report that their medical needs are shared faster and at a lower overall cost than they ever experienced with insurance.
No Networks. No Premiums. No Headaches.
Here are a few of the biggest differences that make health shares feel refreshingly simple:
- Freedom of choice → With most health shares, you can choose any doctor or hospital. No more “out-of-network surprise bills.”
- Your money has purpose → Monthly contributions don’t go toward insurance company profits—they go toward helping other members with real medical needs.
- Simple responsibility → Instead of juggling deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance, you usually just have one “member responsibility amount” to meet per medical event.
It’s healthcare without the constant headaches.
A Simple Analogy
Think of it this way:
Health insurance is like flying with a big commercial airline. You’re charged for every little thing—baggage, seat upgrades, snacks—and you spend half the time waiting in line, hoping the flight doesn’t get canceled.
A health share is more like flying private with friends. Everyone chips in, the process is straightforward, and the whole experience is simpler, friendlier, and more personal.
See the difference?
The Bottom Line
A health share will never be health insurance. But that’s not a problem—it’s actually the reason they work.
If you’re tired of:
- Skyrocketing premiums
- Confusing networks
- Surprise bills and fine print
…then it might be time to explore a different approach.
Want to Learn More?
I put together a full guide to help you compare options and find the right fit for your situation.
Check out the Best Health Shares here.
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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