Your 20s are full of firsts. Your first proper job, your first car, your first place and, unfortunately, your first real taste of monthly expenses.
Between rent, groceries, petrol and trying to have some kind of social life, there’s already a lot competing for your salary.
So, when someone mentions health insurance, your first thought might be, “Do I really need another monthly expense?”
Especially when you’re young, healthy and can’t remember the last time you visited a doctor.
But here’s the thing. Being young doesn’t mean you’re immune to accidents, illness or unexpected medical bills.
And while health insurance might not be the most exciting part of becoming an adult, it could be one of the more practical decisions you make.
Here are five reasons why.
1. You need health insuance because you’re young, not invincible
We get it. You’re healthy, you exercise (sometimes) and getting sick isn’t exactly something you spend much time thinking about.
But accidents and illnesses don’t check your age before showing up.
One minute you’re enjoying a weekend away with friends. The next, you’ve twisted your ankle, need stitches or have a stomach bug that just won’t go away.
And suddenly, a doctor’s appointment you hadn’t budgeted for becomes a priority.
That’s where having health insurance can make a difference.
Depending on your chosen cover, health insurance can help pay for certain medical expenses when you get sick or injured.
You might not need to use it every month, but knowing you have some financial protection when something unexpected happens can make life a little easier.
2. Private healthcare isn’t exactly cheap
Let’s talk money.
Everything seems to be getting more expensive, and healthcare is no exception.
A private doctor’s appointment, blood tests, X-rays or treatment for an unexpected injury can quickly add up.
And if you’re only starting to build your savings, an unexpected medical bill probably isn’t something you’re excited to pay for.
Health insurance can help make private healthcare more affordable by covering certain medical expenses, depending on your policy.
For example, with Oneplan Health Insurance, you can access benefits for eligible healthcare expenses without having to cover the full cost yourself, provided you have sufficient available benefits.
And because Oneplan pays approved day-to-day claims upfront onto your Oneplan Claim Card, you can have the funds available before your appointment.
That’s one less thing to worry about when you’re already dealing with being sick.
3. Your health shouldn’t be an ‘I’ll deal with it later’ situation
Be honest. How many times have you ignored a symptom because you were too busy, didn’t think it was serious or didn’t want to spend money on a doctor’s appointment?
We’ve all been tempted to Google our symptoms and hope for the best.
But putting off medical care isn’t always the best idea.
Taking care of your health while you’re young can help you build good habits and identify potential problems before they become more serious.
That includes things like:
- Regular doctor visits: Getting symptoms checked instead of waiting for them to get worse.
- Dental check-ups: Keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
- Health screenings: Checking things like blood pressure and cholesterol when recommended.
- Vaccinations: Staying up to date with recommended immunisations.
- Mental health: Knowing when to reach out for professional support.
Having health insurance with day-to-day benefits can make certain healthcare expenses easier to manage, depending on what your plan covers.
And with Oneplan, you have the freedom to visit a registered doctor of your choice in South Africa, subject to your policy benefits.
Because looking after your health shouldn’t always be something you leave for another day.
Discover why you need to invest in Health Insurance.
4. Your savings have other plans
Saving money in your 20s is already a challenge.
Maybe you’re saving for your first car, planning a holiday, moving into your own place or simply trying to build an emergency fund.
Then life happens.
An unexpected illness or injury means you suddenly need money for medical treatment.
And just like that, the money you’ve worked so hard to save is going towards a medical bill instead.
Having health insurance can help reduce the financial impact of certain unexpected healthcare expenses.
Of course, it doesn’t mean every medical bill will be covered. You’ll still need to consider your policy limits, waiting periods and exclusions.
But having the right cover can help you avoid relying entirely on your savings whenever you need eligible medical care.
And that’s a pretty good reason to consider it.
5. Health insurance doesn’t have to cost a fortune
One of the biggest reasons young adults put off getting health insurance is the cost.
And fair enough. When you’re juggling rent, groceries, transport and everything else, another debit order might not sound appealing.
But here’s something worth knowing. You don’t necessarily need a huge monthly budget to get access to private healthcare.
Affordable health insurance options are available in South Africa, including plans designed for people who want financial assistance with everyday healthcare expenses.
The key is finding cover that suits your lifestyle, healthcare needs and budget.
Before choosing a plan, ask yourself:
- How often do I visit the doctor?
- Would I be able to afford an unexpected medical expense?
- What healthcare benefits would I actually use?
- How much can I comfortably afford each month?
- What are the plan’s limits, waiting periods and exclusions?
It’s also important to understand that health insurance isn’t the same as medical aid. Health insurance provides specific benefits according to your policy, rather than the same level of cover offered by a medical scheme.
With Oneplan, there are different Health Insurance options available, so you can compare the benefits and choose cover that makes sense for where you are in life.
Discover the important things you need to know before comparing plans.
So, is health insurance worth it when you’re young?
Here’s the thing. Nobody plans to get sick or injured.
And when you’re in your 20s, it’s easy to think healthcare is something you’ll worry about when you’re older.
But your health doesn’t suddenly become important when you turn 30.
Whether you’re starting your first job, moving out of your parents’ house or just trying to make your salary last until payday, having a plan for unexpected medical expenses is worth considering.
You don’t have to wait until something goes wrong to start taking your health seriously.
Your 20s are for making memories, building your future and figuring things out along the way. Having the right health cover can help you do all of that with a little less financial worry.
Ready to give your health some attention? Explore Oneplan Health Insurance and find cover that suits your needs and budget.
