Assuming the OP is living in the
USA and not intending to
cruise outside the
USA, then
health insurance is a major expense. Not having it can be a serious problem should a major
accident or injury happen that results in permanent health problems. True you can walk into any public hospital's
emergency ward and get treated under "welfare" provisions or State Medicaid. But now you have a "pre-existing" condition which can eliminate you from getting future coverage at a reasonable rate. You would be forced into "pool" insurance which will probably be many multiples more expensive than not having that "pre-existing" condition.
- - If you plan on cruising to someplace outside the USA, then the whole situation is significantly different and significantly more affordable. However, if you ever plan to return to live in the USA then again, not have an existing coverage prior to leaving and/or again having a
medical incident that sets up a "pre-existing" condition puts you right back into the highest premium pool. Paying lower premiums now even if you do not use the insurance can save you significant
money later when you return or get into the older age brackets.
- - Needless to say, it is a major problem to fathom whether carrying coverage while you are healthy versus waiting until you are older or more prone to adverse health to get insurance is cost effective or not.