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The role of emotions in buying health insurance

As consumers face more choice, complexity, and financial exposure for their health care in an increasingly uncertain world, what they are really seeking is peace of mind.

emotions health insurance article, emotionally based consumer choice health insurance, Health Care

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More than 140 million Americans currently have discretion over health insurance purchases, representing a total of $785 billion in premiums or premium equivalents. Yet most are unable to revisit their current insurance status. A combination of economic anxiety, confusing insurance products, and inadequate distribution is leading to consumer paralysis. Moreover, our research suggests that millions would fail to make rational economic choices even if they understood their options better. Unlike employers that purchase health insurance for their workers, consumers approach this issue by factoring in much more than expense management. More specifically, consumers’ purchasing decisions are often emotionally based, as they are seeking peace of mind in their choices.

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