Consumers Beware: Here Are 5 Unexpected Healthcare Costs That Can Break the Bank

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Many Americans have medical debt. Take a look at some of the healthcare costs that caused it. 

Medical debt is surprisingly common in America. A recent study from the research firm KFF found that 40% of Americans have healthcare debt. Contrary to conventional wisdom, many people with medical debt say that it came from a one-time or short-term medical expense, often unexpected, and not from a long-term illness.

Whether someone goes into medical debt depends on how much money they have in a savings account, their level of income, and what type of insurance coverage they have. A medical expense doesn’t necessarily have to be huge to break the bank for someone.

Here are the five most common unexpected expenses that push people into debt.

1. Lab fees or diagnostic tests

The top reason people go into media debt is because of lab or diagnostic tests, like X-rays or MRIs. X-ray costs can vary depending on the part of the body that needs to be observed and how many X-rays need to be taken. But if you have a high deductible on your insurance, you could pay between $100 to $1,000, according to healthcare company K Health.

And if you need an MRI, you may have to pay much more. The average cost for an MRI varies widely between $400 to $12,000, according to GoodRx.

2. Doctor visits

The next-largest healthcare cost that puts some Americans into medical debt comes from accumulating expenses from doctor visits. Whether it’s for an illness that won’t seem to go away, a pediatric visit for your kids, or a trip to the cardiologist, there are lots of different ways a doctor’s bill could put pressure on your bank account.

If you don’t have insurance, the average doctor visit will cost between $300 to $600, according to Mira Health.

3. Emergency care

Emergency rooms are an excellent service when you need medical attention quickly, but they can also be one of the most expensive types of medical care. The average trip to the ER costs a staggering $2,200.

Like all other medical expenses, the type of treatment you receive will decide how much you end up paying. For example, Mira Health says that getting stitches in an ER may cost you $500, while going in for a broken bone and undergoing surgery for it may cost you $10,000.

4. Dental care

This was one of the most surprising reasons why people fall into healthcare debt that I came across. And it’s not just people without insurance who are at risk. According to KFF, 60% of people who are in medical debt because of dental visits had dental coverage when it happened.

Out-of-pocket expenses vary by procedure and insurance coverage, but a few common costs include up to $800 to have a single wisdom tooth extracted, $1,500 for a metal crown, and up to $1,500 for a molar root canal, according to health insurance company Humana.

5. Hospitalization

An extended stay in a hospital can be a scary and expensive thing. The average three-day hospital stay costs an eye-watering $30,000, according to the U.S. Health Insurance Marketplace.

Even when you have insurance, you could still be left covering part of the bill depending on your deductible and coverage type.

How to prepare for unexpected medical expenses

While there’s no sure-fire way to stay out of medical debt, there are two important things you can do to ensure you’re in the best position possible if unexpected healthcare costs pop up.

1. Review your current health insurance coverage

If you have health insurance, review your current coverage to ensure it meets your needs. Balancing your monthly premium with your deductible and out-of-pocket costs can be difficult, but knowing what circumstances you’ll be responsible to pay for — and adjusting your coverage accordingly — can help you close any potential gaps.

If you don’t have coverage, consider buying it from Healthcare.gov, the U.S. healthcare insurance marketplace. As an independent contractor that doesn’t receive insurance through an employer, I’ve used the marketplace many times to find health coverage for my family.

2. Build up your emergency savings

Putting even a small amount — like $10 or $20 per month — into a high-yield savings account could make a big difference the next time you have to pay for a doctor’s visit. One-third of adults with medical debt owe less than $1,000, so saving a little bit each month could help you stay out of debt.

You can’t plan for every worst-case scenario, but looking closely at your current insurance coverage and setting up automatic deposits into your savings account could keep you from struggling with unexpected healthcare costs.

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