Many people only need health insurance to protect them against financial hardships in the event of a major medical illness or accident. Since the costs associated with treating a serious illness can run into the thousands of dollars, most people would suffer financial hardship if they were left with the responsibility of paying 100% of these medical epenses. Many hospitals will not incur the costs of treating a patient if that patient is unable to provide proof of the ability to pay for the cost of treatment. Those that are unable to provide proof of ability to pay are referred to county hospitals where they may not receive the same level of care provided by private hospitals. Providing proof of insurance to the hospital is considered adequate proof that the medical bills will be paid if treatment is provided. Also known as catastrophic health insurance, a basic hospital plan protects the insured against the most costly medical epenses and allows them to seek health care at the private hospital of their choice. Basic hospital insurance does not typically provide coverage for office visits, medications or out-patient care, so they are less epensive than health plans that are more comprehensive. Only treatments that are in-patient hospital charges or part of the rehabilitation following a hospital stay will be covered under a basic hospital plan. Most basic hospital plans have a deductible that must be met before the insurance company pays their share. Deductible options can vary based on the preference of the plan member. The monthly premium amount will be directly related to the selected deductible. Some basic hospital plans provide preventative health care benefits that encourage the plan member to monitor their health status to prevent illnesses that could result in more costly treatments or hospitalization. With the growing cost of health care, more and more people are opting for basic hospital coverage and paying the less costly medical epenses out of their own pockets. Premiums are usually very affordable and coverage under a basic hospital plan provides the insured member the peace of mind that they have protection against more serious illnesses.