This post is provided by our partner, Galileo Medical. Get unlimited medical care and 24/7 access to the country’s top doctors from the convenience of your phone, starting at $229 per year. No copays or deductibles involved. Learn more at https://freelancersunion.org/galileo/

Figuring out health care as a freelancer may be one of those “headache” tasks right next to doing your taxes and chasing late payments. Misunderstandings and high costs around health care even hold some people back from pursuing self-employment altogether.

The good news is you have options! Digital health is on the rise, making care accessible right from your phone. But what’s it all about? Is it a good option for you?

To help you choose the best freelance health care for your unique lifestyle, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about traditional health insurance, like plans you may get through a marketplace and digital care, like Galileo.

This article covers everything that’s important to consider, from the quality of providers to out-of-pocket costs.

What to look for when shopping for healthcare

Start by brainstorming your dream care situation. What are some of your health needs? Affordable prescriptions? Preventative care? The amount of time a doctor sits with you? Do you want mental and physical care options? A team of providers or just one? Even write down a monthly or yearly budget that works best for you.

Typically, the quality and quantity of health care can come with a high price tag. The more you see a doctor, or the more specialized the doctor, the higher the premiums and copays. But the healthcare industry is changing.

With over 64 million freelancers in 2023 and counting in the coming years, digital health solutions like Galileo are improving accessibility, convenience, and quality with affordability at the forefront.

Cost Analysis

Getting health insurance through a full-time employer is often simple. Employers sponsor a company-wide health policy and offer it fully or partially subsidized to their employees.

Freelancers, on the other hand, have to foot the whole bill themselves. This includes a monthly premium payment, deductibles, and per-visit copays until insurance kicks in to help.

With Galileo, a flat membership fee gets you access to unlimited digital care. There are no deductibles to meet or restrictions on the providers you have access to. You can talk to a provider 24/7, as often as needed, throughout the year. You can also get prescriptions, refills, and labs ordered without the hassle of an office visit.

Comprehensive Care

Prescription drug benefits are part of most health insurance plans but may come with limits. In the case of a hospital or emergency center visit, insurance may cover some expenses after you meet your yearly deductible. When seeking a specialist, insurance companies have a list of in-network providers to choose from.

Specialist visits through Galileo are included with your membership (and unlimited). Galileo’s medical team can treat almost every condition, from simple things like the common cold to complex chronic conditions, without the need for a specialist visit.

Quality & Convenience

Let’s say you’re not feeling so hot, so you call your primary care provider to schedule an appointment. The next available is the following week. You book it and adjust your work schedule to free up the afternoon.

Once you’re there, you sit in the waiting room (still sick), maybe you pay a copay, and then you get a few minutes with the doctor to talk about what’s happening. They use what they know about symptoms to diagnose and treat you.

Galileo uses a team-based approach. Our hand-picked providers work together on your care, meaning that you’re always getting a built-in second opinion. This team-based approach ensures that you’re always getting the attention and care you deserve, fast.

Application Process

Applying for a traditional health insurance plan happens during open enrollment between November and January each year. There is an exception called special enrollment throughout the year, which kicks in if you move or get married. But generally, you pick an insurance plan at the beginning of the year and have it until the end. 

Digital health options are on a monthly or yearly basis. Meaning you have more flexibility to increase your care if something changes in your life.

Overview Of Traditional Health Insurance Plans

Traditional health insurance is the most common way to access health care. As a freelancer, you’d pay a monthly premium and work within the bounds of your insurance company to find doctors and specialists. Each year, you’d have a new deductible to reach and copays to cover as well.

Health insurance may be a good option if you want some financial security in the event of large emergency bills or procedures. It can also be good if you take prescription medications. Shop plans and ensure you always have enough savings to cover your monthly premiums, copays, and deductibles.

Overview Of Digital Healthcare

Digital healthcare is a growing affordable option. You can pair it with traditional health insurance (to bypass copays and deductibles) or use it as your primary health care.

It’s often more accessible, flexible, and diverse. For freelancers on the road, having a doctor on your phone affords you even more freedom and peace of mind. Many companies offer digital care, so shop around for the best fit. 

Galileo provides high-quality, affordable care, all through an easy-to-use app. Its team of multidisciplinary providers is able to treat 90% of conditions on the app, from the common cold and acne, to diabetes and depression. You can also request prescriptions, referrals, or labs, all in one place. 

Best of all, Galileo offers unlimited medical care for one flat fee. We even offer a discounted yearly rate for Freelancer’s Union.

Final Thoughts

Freelance life comes with its ups and downs, but your access to health care should be comfortable and consistent. There are many options of care on the market today. Whatever form of health care you choose, make sure it works for you. Check out Galileo to get a feel for a top-rated digital healthcare app and take advantage of the discount for Freelander’s Union!