I have an individual (non-work related) plan that costs $155 per month. It's not bad in my opinion. The deductible is high, but when I had a lower deductible, I only met it once so what's the difference? I save alot more in premiums with the higher deductible. It is an incentive to stay healthy--to keep my premiums low. It includes three doctor visits per year at $35 copay. Historically, I have rarely gone to a doctor three times in a year; usually it's just the one check up per year. Having insurance means getting insurance rates, which are much lower than non-insurance rates, so even out of pocket expenses are lower than if I didn't have insurance. Frankly, I really like having a non-work related plan. I spent way too much of my life tied to a job I hated just because it had insurance. Never again.

I could never afford $1000+ on premiums that some of you pay. There are alternatives out there.

When I got sick in Europe and had to go to the ER, I didn't pay anything. That was refreshing.