Is it cheaper to get insurance or pay for doctors visit if not often sick?

Medical Insurance is not just for paying doctors and prescriptions when sick. It is there for emergency medical needs. In the case you are in an accident and require intimidate, emergency treatment, the hospital bill can cost upwards of $200,000. Without insurance, you are paying the entire bill yourself, but with insurance you may only have to pay a couple thousand dollars out of pocket, and raised premiums (if that).

Also consider that when you do get sick, most prescription medications cost hundreds per refill. With the insurance co-pay, the price is dropped to a reasonable $30.00 or less. So in the short run, health insurance is much like throwing money away, but in the long run (especially after you reach an age where you can't get insurance) it will be a significant return on your investment.