What's better

I breathe much easier having it

why wouldn’t you want insurance?

Honestly it depends. Kids and older adults yes. In the middle I think it depends on the person. Looking to start a family Yes.
Avoids drs like they give away the plague thats what I have a care credit card for. My partner does not go to the Dr's unless something is broken or needs stitches. Payment plans are still a thing. Small things like eye appointments and things I use care credit for including when I paid out of pocket for 3 tooth extractions for myself. I pay for health insurance when I know I will use it. Pregnancy or problems like blood pressure, heart problems, mental health or even severe health problems insurance is great to have due to lots of drs appointments and meds. Simple checkups once a year and such I pay out of pocket and pay less

It’s so much better to have it and not need to use it much, than need it and not have it.

It can be frustrating trying to sort out things that aren't your fault when insurance messes up, but correcting some of those things has saved us $22,000+ we wouldn't have saved otherwise

Way better to have insurance in the US lol medical costs can get dangerously high at times

A lot of doctors don't accept self pay and are insurance only, so keep that in mind! Unless you find a doctor/pediatrician that is a god send, you're looking at paying thousands for vaccines/check ups. Most specialists also need referrals from a primary care physician before they're willing to see you so unless you have insurance you'd be paying to see the primary just to get a referral. Also unless you get on Medicaid most private insurances only let you join during their "enrollment period" unless you have a qualifying event, so keep that in mind too!

there are tax penalties for not being covered alongside of the scary Idea that if anything were to happen outside of your control that you'd be solely responsible

There are State programs available that could assist you if your income has anything to do with this decision

Never gotten a tax penalty for not having insurance. I spent a year paying off bills for when I had insurance and only when to the doctors 4 times.

It is always safer to have insurance. Without it, medical debt can absolutely cripple you. If you don’t have insurance through an employer, see if you qualify for your states Medicaid plan, or seek out a plan on the marketplace.