HealthShare plans are growing in popularity as an alternative to traditional health insurance — but many people are not sure exactly how they work. This plain-language guide explains community cost-sharing, what it covers, and whether it might be right for you.
The Core Idea: Sharing Instead of Insuring
The concept behind HealthShare is simple: instead of paying premiums to an insurance company that profits from your coverage, you contribute to a shared pool with other members. When someone in the community has a qualifying medical need, the pool helps cover it. The model has roots in faith-based communities but has expanded significantly into secular nonprofit and international contexts.
Globalwide Association's HealthShare plan is built for a global membership — people living, working, and traveling across 100+ countries who need flexible, internationally-applicable coverage that traditional domestic insurance cannot provide.
How the Cost-Sharing Process Works
Member contributes monthly
Each member contributes a set monthly amount to a shared pool. The amount varies by plan tier and family size.
Member incurs a qualifying medical expense
When a member has a qualifying medical need — an emergency, surgery, or eligible treatment — they submit a cost-sharing request.
Request is reviewed
The HealthShare administrator reviews the request against the plan guidelines to confirm eligibility.
Costs are shared from the pool
Eligible costs are shared from the member pool, up to the plan limits. The member pays any applicable personal responsibility amount first.
Provider is paid
Payment is made directly to the provider or reimbursed to the member, depending on the plan structure.
Key Advantages of a HealthShare Plan
- Lower cost: Monthly contributions are typically far lower than traditional insurance premiums, especially for healthy individuals and families.
- International flexibility: Unlike most domestic insurance plans, Globalwide's HealthShare plan is designed to work across borders.
- Community mission: Your contributions support a nonprofit organization — not a for-profit insurer's bottom line.
- Transparency: Members can see how the pool is used and what guidelines govern sharing decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a HealthShare plan the same as health insurance?
No. HealthShare plans are not insurance and are not regulated by state insurance departments. They are voluntary cost-sharing arrangements. Members are not guaranteed payment — sharing is based on plan guidelines and available funds.
What does a HealthShare plan typically cover?
Most plans cover qualifying emergencies, hospitalizations, surgeries, and major medical events. Routine preventive care, pre-existing conditions, and elective procedures may have waiting periods or exclusions depending on the plan.
Can I use a HealthShare plan internationally?
Globalwide Association's HealthShare plan is designed for international members and includes provisions for qualifying medical events abroad. This is one of its key advantages over domestic-only insurance products.
What is a personal responsibility amount?
Similar to a deductible in traditional insurance, the personal responsibility amount is what you pay out of pocket before the sharing pool contributes. It varies by plan tier.
Ready to explore Globalwide's HealthShare plan? View membership plans starting at $25/yr, or learn more about our medical assistance program.