How many adults in the US don't have health insurance?
Asked by: Tiffany Boyle | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (10 votes)
What percentage of Americans don't have health insurance?
An estimated 26 million Americans, or 8 percent of the U.S. population, lacked health insurance in 2023.
What percentage of American adults do not have life insurance?
Only about 52%1 of Americans have life insurance. That leaves a lot of people who either haven't gotten around to getting coverage or decided they don't need it.
What happens in the US if you don't have health insurance?
What are the financial implications of being uninsured? Uninsured individuals often face unaffordable medical bills when they do seek care. These bills can quickly translate into medical debt since most people who are uninsured have low or moderate incomes and have little, if any, savings.
Can you live without medical insurance?
In most cases, people survive without medical insurance until they have an accident or develop a serious illness or infection. Sadly, they often have unmanaged conditions that will lead to early death or disability after they qualify for Medicare at age 65.
My Husband Doesn't Believe In Health Insurance
Why are some US citizens without healthcare coverage?
Nearly all of the growth in the uninsured is among people aged 18 to 64, most of whom are working. The average family premium for employer based cover is $11 480 (£5900; €8800) a year. Employers have cut back on coverage and benefits in response to rising healthcare costs and adverse economic circumstances.
Is it even worth having health insurance?
Health insurance provides important financial protection in case you have a serious accident or sickness. People without health coverage are exposed to these costs. This can sometimes lead people without coverage into deep debt or even into bankruptcy.
What happens if you go to hospital in America with no insurance?
If you have a serious medical problem, hospitals must treat you regardless of whether you have insurance. This includes situations that meet the definition of an emergency. Some situations may not be considered true emergencies, such as: Going to the ER for non-life-threatening care.
How many Americans cannot afford healthcare?
Overall, 16.9% of Americans report at least 1 financial barrier. Among those with private insurance, the poor (28.4%), near poor (24.3%), and those with functional impairments (22.9%) were more likely to report avoiding care due to cost.
How much is a hospital bill without insurance?
The average per-day hospital cost in the U.S. is $2,883, with California ($4,181) the most expensive, and Mississippi ($1,305) the least. The average hospital stay is 4.6 days, at an average cost of $13,262. If surgery is involved, hospital costs soar through the roof.
Which age group in America is most likely to be uninsured?
Young Adults (Ages 18 Through 24 Years)
Almost three out of every ten young adults do not have health insurance. Members of this age group are nearly twice as likely to be uninsured compared to members of the general population under age 65.
What is the average death benefit payout?
The average life insurance payout in the U.S. is about $168,000, according to Aflac. However, the payout of your life insurance policy will depend on the face amount (death benefit) you choose and any money accelerated, borrowed against or withdrawn from the policy prior to the payout.
Who buys the most life insurance?
Millennial and Gen X generations are significantly more likely to own term life insurance when compared to younger and older generations. 72 percent of Gen Z Americans are likely to own permanent coverage, the most likely group of the generations.
Which US state has the highest uninsured health rate?
Texas is home to the country's largest share of Americans under 65 without health insurance, according to new Census Bureau data, with 18.8% of residents uninsured as of 2022.
Who pays for uninsured patients?
Hospitals do get help with the unpaid bills – from taxpayers. The majority of hospitals are non-profits and are exempt from federal, state and local taxes if they provide a community benefit, such as charitable care. Hospitals also receive federal funding to offset some of the costs of treating the poor.
How many Americans have medical debt?
According to the CFPB, 100 million Americans owe $220 billion in medical debt. George told me that medical debt has had several devastating impacts on his life: Inability to borrow money for a mortgage or a car.
What happens if you can't afford medical treatment in America?
Hospital charity care may be available based on your income and savings. In fact, according to Fox, some hospitals are required by state law to provide free or reduced services to low-income patients. As soon as your bills arrive, let your providers know if medical problems have affected your income and ability to pay.
What country has the best healthcare?
According to the 2024 Mirror, Mirror report, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have the best healthcare systems, though the differences in overall performance among most countries are relatively small.
Is it better to have health insurance or pay out of pocket?
People without insurance pay, on average, twice as much for care. This means when you use a network provider you pay less for the same services than someone who doesn't have coverage – even before you meet your deductible.
Which state does not require health insurance?
New Jersey, California, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia require their residents to have health insurance coverage or face penalties. Vermont recommends that residents have coverage, but there's no noncompliance penalty.
Can a hospital refuse to treat you if you have no insurance?
Because of EMTALA, you can't be denied a medical screening exam or treatment for an emergency medical condition based on: If you have health insurance or not. If you can pay for treatment.
What happens if you can t pay your hospital bill in america?
Collection agencies—Your provider may turn your bill over to a collection agency, who will work to get payments from you. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from harassment.
What if I need surgery but can't afford my deductible?
In cases like this, we recommend contacting your insurance, surgeon, or hospital and asking if they can help you with a payment plan. Remember that your surgery provider wants to get paid so they may be very willing to work with you on a payment plan.