You don't need to come down with a life-threatening disease to affect your finances. Here is an article I found after a quick search:
https://www.mozdex.com/necessary-health-insurance/ Similar info can be found elsewhere.
A quote from there:
"In the United States, the average cost of a trip to the emergency room is almost $1,100. This does not count tests and any follow-up care or necessary hospitalization. The $1,100 covers the cost of the emergency room doctors and supplies. If X-Rays are needed, expect your bill to increase by at least $125 to $150. MRIs will drive up your bill by another $1,800. CT scans average $1,200.
A broken leg winds up costing you approximately $7,500. This price includes X-Rays, casting, any necessary surgical procedures, and physical therapy. A damaged rotator cuff (common ailment with baseball pitchers) costs almost $8,500 to repair."In my personal experience, earlier this year I came down with a stomach flu and had to go to the emergency room due to dehydration (I drove myself there and honestly did not think I was in ER-type condition, but in the US there are no options other than immediate acceptance at the ER or scheduling an appointment with a doctor days ahead). They did some tests (including my favorite one: "Are you pregnant?" "No, I am absolutely, positively sure I'm not pregnant". Pregnancy test done anyway: $90. Question, why ask me in the first place then??), said it could be bacterial or viral infection (i.e. no real diagnosis) and gave me some clear fluid through an IV (no drugs, just the saline solution). Oh, and some saltines and Gatorade.
Final bill: $1,700. Because I'm employed and DO have insurance, I had to cover "only" $700 of this out of pocket.
My point is, it's easy to rack up the costs if you need any kind of medical attention here. And yes, although a major disease is concerning in itself more than the associated costs, a concussion or a broken bone will heal but it will take a while longer to pay off the debt associated with it if you were caught without insurance.