The risks of traveling full-time without health insurance

The Urban Institute recently published a study showing the effects of lack of health insurance on 25-64 year olds. From 2000 to 2006, about 137,000 adults died because of lack of health insurance. Other studies have shown that in the 55-64 age group, providing them with health insurance would have reduced deaths by around 25%.

According to Ron Pollack, executive director of the nonprofit group Families USA, "The uninsured often go without preventive care, or forego screenings and tests that could detect life-threatening illnesses." Families USA released the results on a state-by-state basis.

If you do not have health insurance, health fairs are one way to get basic blood tests and screenings done at a low cost. By doing a Google search for "Health fairs Illinois," for example, you can often find a schedule. In Arizona, Bashas Supermarket schedules screenings at their stores through out the state.

Because of our large deductible, my late husband Bill (who also did not like going to doctors) delayed checking out symptoms of intestinal gas and discomfort. His colon cancer was inoperable by the time he was diagnosed.

No doubt health care is expensive, but don't forego the basics. Take advantage of low-cost services and don't ignore unusual symptoms. Jaimie Hall-Bruzenak

For more information on finding health insurance and low-cost health care, see Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com.