If you’re healthy and rarely see a doctor, it might seem as if paying a monthly premium for health insurance you’ll hardly use is a waste of money. Here are some reasons to reconsider:

• You’re not invincible: Life is unpredictable, regardless of the shape you’re in. And a sports injury, or medical emergency like appendicitis could cost you. One good twist of a knee in a soccer match or skiing accident that tears your ACL might cost much more than a year’s worth of premiums, once you add up an emergency room visit, X-rays, treatment and physical therapy. For instance, Compare Maine lists the average cost for an arthroscopic ACL surgery at $14,994.

• You want to stay healthy: Health insurance isn’t just for emergencies or when you’re sick. Insurance covers most preventive care, like screenings, vaccinations and annual check-ups like a well-woman visit. You can also look for wellness benefits in a health plan, like Community Health Options’ Healthy Maine plans, which provide copays for most provider visits, including acupuncture or a chiropractor visit, as well as a digital wellness program with unlimited free health coaching.

• You want to feel better about you: The link between physical and mental health is indisputable, and at Community Health Options, we don’t separate the mind and soul from the body when it comes to the benefits and access to the behavioral care you need. A good health insurance plan won’t let you go it alone, giving you support to help you manage all of your health needs. Importantly, all behavioral health care providers will cost you the same amount out-of-pocket as your primary care provider.

• You’re financially secure—and want to stay that way: More than 40% of Mainers have medical debt, according to a Consumers for Affordable Health Care survey. Remember that twisted knee? Unless you have a spare $15,000 set aside for emergencies, health insurance can keep you from maxing out your credit cards, giving you a safety net and peace of mind.

• You’ll have a network when you need it: When you call a doctor, one the of the first questions you’re asked is, “Who’s your health insurance company?” If you don’t have an answer, getting an appointment can be a challenge. So, when you get health insurance, check out the network so that you know you’re getting insurance you can actually use.

Community Health Options offers the broadest provider network in Maine, includes hospitals in New Hampshire and all Centers of Excellence in Massachusetts, along with national coverage if you need it. To make access even easier, we even offer virtual primary care to all our Members over 18.

• It might be cheaper than you think: Depending on your income, you may be eligible for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions through CoverME.gov. And if you’re 30 years or younger, you can buy a simple Catastrophic plan.

And when you do need to use your coverage, Community Health Options gives you $0-cost urgent care telehealth on non-HSA plans, $0 birth control on all plans, free first primary care and behavioral health visits on non-HSA plans, and $5 for many common medications.

Have we convinced you? Open Enrollment begins Nov. 1, and we’ve put together a handy checklist to help you research your options. You can also start exploring our plans right now. If you’re still not sure, or if you’d rather talk to someone, give our Maine-based Member Service team a call at (855) 624-6463. You can also contact us via email.