Health Insurance vs. Life Insurance

Patrick Olabode MSN, RN, CNP

I am compelled to write on this topic largely because of an ever-increasing cost of health in our society coupled with dwindling incomes, the challenges posed by partial or permanent disability with no means of livelihood or family survival and lastly because of recent incidents among the immigrant community in general.

Which is more important-Health insurance or Life insurance?

Here are two questions that we need to ask ourselves:

When are we going to get ill?

More than likely we don't know. Disease and sickness are inevitable of life just like death. I have not seen anyone who has opened a savings account for payment of medical/hospital bills except in form of health insurance. Chances are, everyone will be ill one time or the other and will need medical treatment. So, everyone needs health insurance to pay medical bills when ill.

When are we going to die?

Every one born is destined to die! Everyone on the face of the earth more than likely does not know when he or she will die, hence the need for life insurance to prepare for when that time comes. This will help in payment of expenses/debts incurred, and for final burial rights and family upkeep; that is, to keep the family in a good financial status that they are accustomed to. We are not promised tomorrow; no one is. 

Thus, everyone should be able to make a decision about which is more important between health insurance and life insurance-the decision is yours to decide. However, I am of the opinion that both are equally important and they are equally MUST HAVES!

PS: The next 2 topics in this series will address these two important MUST HAVES separately highlighting the advantages and information on how to obtain insurance.

Health is Wealth! Let us all remain healthy.

Patrick Olabode MSN, RN, CNP

patolabode@yahoo.com