Churches operate on tight budgets, and a Christian health share can provide an affordable, faith-based alternative to traditional insurance.
When healthcare costs for staff and missionaries start climbing, it’s not just a financial strain—it’s a challenge to their ability to serve.
The rising expense of traditional health insurance, now averaging nearly $24,000 per employee annually, puts churches in a tough spot.
How do you balance providing quality care for clergy, staff, and missionaries without sacrificing the resources needed for ministry?
For many, the answer lies in finding sustainable, values-driven alternatives that align with their faith and financial priorities.
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Why Traditional Health Insurance Falls Short
Christian communities often find themselves at odds with standard health insurance plans.
Many traditional policies cover procedures that conflict with Christian values, such as abortion, in vitro fertilization, or gender reassignment surgeries.
For churches and religious organizations, this isn’t just a financial concern—it’s a matter of faith and principles.
Relying on secular health insurance can feel like compromising on deeply held beliefs. As a result, more churches, charities, and faith-based organizations are actively seeking alternatives that align with their values.
These alternatives help them avoid supporting practices they oppose. They also allow them to build a community of care aligned with their moral and spiritual values.
READ MORE: Can I Get a Health Plan That Doesn’t Cover Abortion?
Embracing Christian Health Sharing: A Faith-Centric Approach
Health sharing organizations offer a unique model where members share each other’s medical expenses in accordance with a shared set of values.
These organizations operate on the principle of mutual aid and responsibility, echoing the early Christian tradition of sharing resources within the community.
What Is Christian Health Sharing?
Christian health share programs operate on the biblical principle of mutual aid—members share each other’s medical expenses within a faith-centered community.
It’s a lower-cost alternative to traditional insurance models. It’s also more suitable for churches and Christian organizations that prioritize operating by their values.
How Health Sharing Works
- Monthly Contributions: Members contribute a set amount each month, which is pooled to help cover the medical expenses of other members in need.
- Faith in Action: Health sharing goes beyond finances. It embodies the Christian principle of mutual aid and responsibility within a faith-centered framework.
- Community Support: Members provide more than financial assistance. They also offer prayers, encouragement, and emotional support, creating a sense of unity and care.
- Ethical Alignment: Contributions only support procedures and lifestyles that align with Christian values, ensuring the program reflects shared moral and spiritual beliefs.
- Affordable Alternative: Health sharing plans often cost significantly less than traditional insurance, making them a practical solution for churches, missionaries, and religious organizations.
- Flexibility in Care Choices: Unlike traditional insurance, health sharing plans often allow members to choose their own healthcare providers, offering greater freedom and accessibility.
A Commitment to Christian Living
Christian health sharing organizations also emphasize accountability and a commitment to Christian living principles.
Members commit to health and ethical standards based on Christian teachings. This includes avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse while maintaining a wholesome lifestyle aligned with Biblical values.
Additionally, health share organizations require new members to agree to their statement of faith or values.
Some organizations require members to attend regular worship services. Others simply ask members to profess the divinity of Christ and the Triune God to join their Christian health share ministry.
LEARN MORE: Health Share Statements of Faith: 2024 Comparison Guide
The Community Aspects of Health Sharing
Beyond financial support, a christian health share fosters a robust community spirit.
Christian health share ministry members often pray for each other and provide emotional support. They may also offer extra help to those facing serious medical challenges.
This sense of community is a cornerstone of health sharing, reflecting the Christian ethos of compassion and mutual aid.
Cost Savings of Health Sharing
Health sharing plans offer a much more affordable alternative to traditional insurance for churches and missionary organizations.
Health sharing plans are not insurance, so they can exclude individuals with pre-existing conditions. They may also screen out those with habits or behaviors likely to increase costs for other members.
As a result, health share plans can cost up to 50% less than unsubsidized health insurance. They still offer substantial sharing capacity to cover large or catastrophic healthcare needs.
This affordability is crucial for church workers and missionaries operating within limited budgets.
LEARN MORE: How Much Does Health Sharing Save Compared to Health Insurance?
Flexibility and Freedom in Healthcare Choices
Unlike HMOs, PPOs, and EPOs, health share plans don’t limit you to seeing doctors in their approved network of providers.
Instead, health share members have much more freedom to choose their own doctors. This allows them to choose healthcare providers that best meet their needs, whether they are at home or abroad.
This flexibility is especially critical for missionaries who may require healthcare access in various global locations.
Health Sharing and Travel Insurance for Missionaries
For short-term missionary work or international travel, combining travel insurance with health sharing plans is not just helpful—it’s essential.
Many countries require proof of travel insurance or financial responsibility before granting entry, making this coverage a non-negotiable part of mission planning.
Travel insurance provides critical support for missionaries and staff abroad. It covers unexpected medical expenses, emergency treatments, and even medical evacuation back to the United States if needed.
Without it, an emergency evacuation alone could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, creating a significant financial burden for individuals and the church.
Unlike traditional health insurance or health sharing plans, travel insurance ensures your team has access to the care they need. It also offers peace of mind, knowing your staff can focus on their work rather than worrying about unexpected medical costs or logistical hurdles.
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Get Expert Help Choosing a Christian Health Share Plan
Understanding the ins and outs of a christian health share and insurance can feel overwhelming.
Our expert Personal Benefits Managers (PBMs) are here to guide you through the process. They offer personalized advice to help you find the best options for your church or organization.
Click here to arrange a free consultation with a Personal Benefits Manager.
There’s no obligation. And we can save you hours of research and hassle.
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