No matter where you live, getting sick is a fact of life. Some of us get sick more than others and when we do, there are usually costs involved. First, there is the out-of-pocket expense for a doctor’s care and prescription medications. Then there is the loss of work expense that either comes from our pay check or reduces our benefit days through our employer.

However, there are choices we can make to reduce our out of pocket healthcare costs.

Get fit and healthy

You have complete control over your medical profile. No, you cannot always keep yourself from getting sick. But, you can improve your health and make your body strong enough to fight off illnesses that may try to invade you.

The human body is a pretty incredible machine. It will naturally fight off infection. However, it must be maintained. If given the right fuel and building the muscular and skeletal systems, your body will stay healthy longer, and get well faster when it is attacked.

The good thing is that you don’t have to spend hours in the gym to improve your health and fitness. Just 10-30 minutes 4-5 days per week is enough for most to see improvements. Alongside going to the gym there are lots of other ways to boost your health and fitness such as:

• Walking
• Running
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Home Workouts
• Sports

It’s important to pick activities that you enjoy, you will then be more likely to sustain them into your weekly routine.

Alongside fitness it’s important to eat a healthy and balanced diet. I’m not saying you have to cut out takeouts and tasty treats, but it’s good to be more mindful of what you’re eating and try to make small improvements such as:

• Drinking an extra glass of water each day
• Having only 1 take out per week (rather than 2)
• Eating a little more veggies
• Chewing your food properly
• Being mindful when you eat – sitting at the dinner table away from distractions

REMEMBER…

Small changes add up and over time lead to life-changing results.

Be proactive

It is a mistake to only visit your doctor when you are ill. You must be proactive. Go for your annual check-ups (even if you don’t think you need to). Form a relationship with your healthcare provider. When you are known to him or her, they know when something looks a bit off. They can spot things and stop them before they stop you. If you have any doubts about your health make sure to visit your doctor.

Don’t do it alone

Even if you think you are a loner, you are not. There are people in your life. Create a support system within your circle. Make eating healthy, exercise, and rest part of your family routine. Remember that there are lots of people/resources that can help you…

From friends and family to coaches, apps, online articles, forums, local community groups, support networks, and personal trainers, which brings me on to my next point…

Personal Trainers and gyms

Expand your circle to include professionals in the world of improving your body. You do not have to be training for a marathon to seek the services of a personal trainer. Maybe, you have allowed yourself to get out of shape and you need someone to guide you through the recovery process.

• Invest in a 1-1 personal trainer or fitness coach
• Include dietitians and nutritionist in your circle
• Do not do fad diets- they can ruin your health
• Learn what foods do and how to use them
• Join a running club or fitness class with a qualified coach guiding you

Check your coverage and billing

People often feel that they cannot question their doctor. But, they are there to help you. Ask them what all of your options are. Is there a natural way to heal with therapy and nutrition? Ask him how long he expects the treatment to take and if you cannot afford it, speak up. There is rarely only one choice.

When you receive an invoice from your doctor or healthcare provider, check it carefully. Make sure they did not make any errors on your bill, If you were billed for something that you did not receive, call them. Follow-up and make sure it gets removed. Doctors and medical staff are humans and humans make mistakes.

To reduce your out of pocket expenses, make sure you have the best life insurance that is available to you and take a vigorous approach to getting and keeping your body healthy and fit. I know life insurance is a bit of a morbid topic, but it’s really important to have a plan in place as you never know what could happen and what’s around the corner. Make sure you plan ahead, get yourself covered and keep yourself fit and healthy.