Why Health Insurance is important by experiencing the Unexpected Food Alergy Shock in Cancun, Mexico

Sudden and unexpected, the food allergy shock I experienced in Cancun, Mexico, was a harrowing experience. What began as a leisurely meal turned into a frightening battle for breath and an unforeseen response from my body.

"Health is not valued till sickness comes." - Thomas Fuller

Panic set in as I struggled to breathe, and the severity of the situation escalated beyond anything I had imagined. Desperately seeking help, I requested the hotel doctor, hoping for a swift resolution.

"Your health is what you make of it. Everything you do and think either adds to the vitality, energy, and spirit you possess or takes away from it." - Ann Wigmore

Instead, my condition worsened rapidly, and it became apparent that immediate, specialized care was crucial. The only option was to call for an ambulance to rush me to the nearest emergency room at the hospital.

"Without health, life is not life; it is only a state of languor and suffering." - François Rabelais

The efficiency and quality of the medical treatment I received were commendable, but a shadow loomed over the relief—the staggering cost. The sheer expense of the emergency care and subsequent treatment was eye-opening.

"The greatest wealth is health." - Virgil

However, despite this daunting financial burden, I was fortunate. My father's company insurance covered the exorbitant costs, sparing me from any payment and ensuring I received the necessary care.

"Healthcare is a human right. No one should be denied the opportunity to see a doctor because of their inability to pay." - Bernie Sanders

Reflecting on this experience raises an important question: what about those who aren't as fortunate, who lack insurance or access to financial support in such emergencies?

"Healthcare should be a human right, not a privilege. We need a system that guarantees healthcare for all." - Bernie Sanders

The weight of this concern is immense. For individuals without insurance, a medical crisis like mine could not only jeopardize their health but also lead to overwhelming financial strain, potentially leaving them in a vulnerable and precarious situation.

"Healthcare is not a privilege; it's a human right. Every American should be able to access the care they need to stay healthy." - Bernie Sanders

The discrepancy in access to healthcare, especially in emergency situations, highlights a stark reality. While I was lucky to have the safety net of insurance, many others face the terrifying prospect of choosing between their health and financial stability.

"Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. It's time for universal healthcare." - Elizabeth Warren

This stark contrast underscores the pressing need for more accessible and affordable healthcare, not just in one location but on a global scale.

"Healthcare is a universal human right. It's time to make it accessible and affordable for everyone, everywhere." - Joe Biden

My personal encounter with an unforeseen health crisis abroad has underscored the importance of adequate insurance and accessible healthcare. It's a reminder of the privilege I hold and the disparities that exist for many others, emphasizing the urgency to address these disparities and ensure that quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege, for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

"Healthcare is a basic human right, and we must fight to ensure that everyone has access to quality care." - Kamala Harris