What Is a Health Share?

Understanding Healthcare Sharing Programs Beyond Insurance

Keywords: health share, healthcare sharing program, medical cost sharing, alternative to health insurance, non-religious health share, health share vs insurance, Prestige x WOW Health

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional health insurance, you may have heard of health shares—also known as healthcare sharing programs. These programs offer a way to manage medical costs by pooling money with other members, often at a lower monthly cost than insurance.

While many health shares are faith-based, there are also non-religious or secular options available today, making these programs accessible to a broader audience.

In this article, we’ll explain what a health share is, how it works, and what to consider when deciding if it’s right for you.

What Is a Health Share?

A health share is a membership-based program where individuals and families contribute monthly to help cover each other’s eligible medical expenses. These are not insurance plans, but rather community-based models of cost-sharing.

Originally, most health share programs were run by religious organizations, but today there are also non-faith-based options designed to serve people who prefer a more secular approach to healthcare sharing.

How Does a Health Share Work?

Here’s a basic overview of how healthcare sharing programs operate:

1. Monthly Contribution: Each member pays a set monthly amount into the program.

2. Submit Medical Bills: When a member has an eligible medical need, they submit the bills for review.

3. Cost Sharing: The organization uses the community’s contributions to pay for or reimburse medical expenses.

4. Member Matching: In some models, members send funds directly to each other, reinforcing a sense of personal responsibility and community support.

Faith-Based vs. Non-Faith-Based Health Shares

Feature	Faith-Based Health Share	Non-Faith-Based Health Share
Belief Requirements	Statement of faith required	No religious affiliation required
Lifestyle Standards	Typically includes moral and health commitments	Focus on healthy living, not religion
Examples	Medi-Share, Samaritan Ministries, CHM	Prestige x WOW Health, Sedera, Zion HealthShare, CrowdHealth

🏥 Spotlight: Prestige x WOW Health

Prestige x WOW Health is a rapidly growing, non-faith-based health share that focuses on transparency, affordability, and freedom of provider choice. Designed for individuals, families, and employers seeking an alternative to traditional insurance, it combines direct-pay pricing with a national provider network and flexible care options, including telemedicine and international coverage.

Key Differences Between Health Shares and Health Insurance

Feature	Health Share	Traditional Insurance
Regulation	Not regulated like insurance	Highly regulated
Guarantee of Payment	No legal obligation	Legal contract
Monthly Costs	Generally lower	Often higher
Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions	Often limited	Usually included
Preventive Care & Prescriptions	Limited or excluded	Typically included
Provider Networks	More flexibility	Often restricted to a network

⚠️ Important: Health shares are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and may not meet all federal requirements for health coverage.

Who Can Join a Health Share?

Most programs welcome individuals who:

• Want an alternative to insurance

• Are generally healthy

• Can manage out-of-pocket costs

• Are comfortable with some risk and limited coverage

Faith-based programs usually require agreement to a statement of faith, while non-faith-based health shares like Prestige x WOW Health typically emphasize healthy lifestyle choices, financial transparency, and access to care without religious criteria.

Pros and Cons of Health Share Programs

Pros:

• Lower monthly costs compared to traditional insurance

• Flexibility in choosing doctors and providers

• Community-focused or value-driven approach to healthcare

• Increasing number of secular options like Prestige x WOW Health

Cons:

• Not legally required to pay medical bills

• May not cover all types of care (e.g., mental health, maternity, preventive care)

• Limited coverage for chronic or pre-existing conditions

• Not accepted as insurance by all providers or hospitals

Is a Health Share Right for You?

A health share may be a good fit if you:

• Want to reduce healthcare costs

• Are self-employed, a gig worker, or uninsured

• Are in good health with minimal ongoing medical needs

• Are comfortable with limited coverage and shared risk

It may not be ideal if you need comprehensive coverage, take regular medications, or have chronic medical conditions that require ongoing care.

Final Thoughts

Health shares offer a flexible, community-based approach to managing healthcare expenses—whether you’re part of a faith-based community or prefer a secular, values-driven model like Prestige x WOW Health. As these programs evolve, they’re becoming a realistic option for many people seeking affordable, alternative healthcare coverage.

Before joining, make sure to:

• Compare different programs and costs

• Understand what is and isn’t covered

• Read the fine print, especially for pre-existing conditions and coverage limits

Ready to explore your options? Stay tuned to our blog for updates on the top health share programs—both faith-based and secular—plus tips for making smart, affordable healthcare decisions.