The Hidden Costs of Delaying Preventive Care—And How to Avoid Them

We all get busy. Between juggling work, family, and daily life, it can be easy to put off that annual check-up or skip a routine screening. But what many people don’t realize is that delaying preventive care can lead to serious health consequences—and serious financial ones, too.

Preventive care is designed to catch health issues early, often before symptoms even appear. When conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or certain cancers are detected early, they can be managed more effectively and at a much lower cost. Waiting until symptoms arise often means more invasive treatments, more time off work, and higher out-of-pocket costs.

Here’s a real-world example: Treating early-stage colon cancer can cost around $30,000. Treating late-stage colon cancer? That cost can easily triple. The same goes for managing diabetes or heart disease—early intervention saves lives and saves money.

The good news? Most health plans, including High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs), cover preventive care at 100% when you use in-network providers. This means annual physicals, screenings, immunizations, and even some wellness visits are free to you.

If you’re an employer, encourage your team to take advantage of their preventive care benefits. Share reminders, offer flexible scheduling for appointments, and help educate employees on what their plan covers.

Not sure what your plan includes? Let’s review it together. Preventive care isn’t just good health policy—it’s good business.