How Does Health Sharing Work?
Members pool monthly contributions ($115–$495 for individuals) into a shared fund. When someone gets a medical bill, they pay their IUA (like a deductible, $300–$5,000) out of pocket, and the community covers 80–100% of the rest. Processing takes 30–90 days. It's not insurance — it's a voluntary cost-sharing arrangement — but the big ministries have been doing this reliably for 30+ years.
Members pay monthly contributions ranging from $115 to $495 for individuals. When a member has a qualifying medical expense, other members' contributions are used to share that cost. Each member has an IUA (Initial Unshareable Amount) of $300 to $5,000 — the amount paid out of pocket before sharing begins. After the IUA, eligible expenses are shared by the community at 80-100%. Processing typically takes 30-90 days depending on the ministry.
Last updated: February 2026 | Data verified from official plan websites
Key Facts
| Monthly Contributions | $115 - $495/month (individual) |
| IUA Range | $300 - $5,000 |
| Co-Share After IUA | 0-20% (varies by plan) |
| Processing Time | 30-90 days |
| Sharing Cap | Unlimited (most plans) or $250K (Medi-Share) |
| Pre-Existing Wait | 0-12 months (plan dependent) |
What Happens When You Join a Health Sharing Plan?
When you enroll in a health sharing ministry, you agree to the plan's sharing guidelines and begin paying monthly contributions. Some plans (CHM, Samaritan Ministries) require a Christian statement of faith. Others (Zion HealthShare, Sedera, CrowdHealth) accept anyone regardless of religious beliefs. Enrollment is typically immediate, with coverage starting the first of the following month.
Your monthly contribution amount depends on your age, family size, and chosen IUA level. A 30-year-old individual choosing a $1,000 IUA with Zion HealthShare pays approximately $215/month. The same individual with CHM pays approximately $150/month but must meet a Christian faith requirement. Higher IUAs reduce monthly costs: a $2,000 IUA can save $50-$80/month compared to a $500 IUA on the same plan.
What Happens When You Have a Medical Expense?
When you visit a doctor, go to the emergency room, or have a planned procedure, you present your membership card (most plans provide one) and receive care. You pay the provider directly or the provider bills the ministry. You then submit the bill and any required documentation to your ministry for review.
The ministry reviews the bill against its sharing guidelines. If the expense is eligible and exceeds your IUA, the community shares the remaining cost. For example, if you have a $10,000 surgery with a $1,000 IUA and 20% co-share, you pay $1,000 (IUA) + $1,800 (20% of the remaining $9,000) = $2,800 total. The community shares the remaining $7,200. Most plans negotiate discounts with providers that reduce the total bill before sharing calculations.
How Do Processing Times Compare Across Plans?
| Plan | Processing Time | IUA Options | Co-Share | Sharing Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion HealthShare | 30-45 days | $500, $1000, $2000 | 10-20% | Unlimited |
| CrowdHealth | Immediate (community funded) | $500 | Variable (crowdfunded) | None — no maximum per event |
| Medi-Share | 45-60 days | $500, $1000, $2000 | 20% | $250,000 |
| Samaritan Ministries | 45-60 days | $300, $500, $1000 | 20% | Unlimited |
| Sedera | 30-45 days | $500, $1000, $2000 | 20% | Unlimited |
What Is Not Shared?
Every health sharing ministry publishes guidelines defining what expenses are and are not eligible for sharing. Common exclusions across most plans include dental care, vision care, cosmetic procedures, and injuries sustained during illegal activities. Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded during a waiting period of 6-12 months (except Zion HealthShare, which has no waiting period).
Some plans do not share prescription drug costs (CHM, Medi-Share, Samaritan Ministries). Mental health coverage is limited to Zion HealthShare, Sedera, and CrowdHealth. Telehealth is included by Zion, Medi-Share, Sedera, and CrowdHealth but not by CHM or Samaritan Ministries. Review your plan's specific sharing guidelines before enrolling — they are publicly available on each ministry's website.
The Bottom Line
Health sharing operates on a straightforward model: you pay monthly contributions, maintain an IUA (like a deductible), and the community shares eligible medical expenses above that amount. Processing takes 30-90 days. The model has worked reliably for over 40 years through ministries like CHM (founded 1981).
The key difference from insurance is that sharing is voluntary, not guaranteed. In practice, established ministries share eligible expenses consistently. Choose a plan based on your monthly budget, desired IUA level, faith preferences, and coverage needs. Use our comparison tool to see all plans side-by-side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a membership card like insurance?
Most health sharing plans provide a membership card that you can present to healthcare providers. Zion HealthShare provides a Cigna PPO card that providers recognize. Other plans provide their own membership cards. Providers are not required to accept health sharing cards, but most do — especially if the plan uses a recognized network like Cigna PPO.
Can I cancel health sharing at any time?
Yes. Health sharing is month-to-month with most plans. There are no long-term contracts or cancellation fees. You can cancel at any time by notifying your ministry. CrowdHealth specifically markets month-to-month flexibility as a key feature. Some plans may have a minimum enrollment period of 3-6 months.
What if I disagree with a sharing decision?
Each ministry has an appeals process for disputed sharing decisions. You can submit additional documentation, request a review, and escalate to a member advisory board in some cases. Because health sharing is not insurance, you cannot file a complaint with your state insurance department. However, ministries that are accredited by recognized organizations follow established dispute resolution procedures.
Is health sharing tax deductible?
Health sharing contributions are generally not tax deductible as health insurance premiums. However, if you are self-employed, you may be able to deduct contributions under the self-employed health insurance deduction. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation. Zion HealthShare is HSA-compatible, which provides additional tax benefits through a Health Savings Account.
How do I choose between a high and low IUA?
A lower IUA ($300-$500) means you pay less out of pocket when you have a medical expense, but your monthly contributions are higher. A higher IUA ($2,000-$5,000) reduces your monthly cost but increases your out-of-pocket risk. If you are generally healthy and rarely visit the doctor, a higher IUA saves money over time. If you anticipate medical expenses, a lower IUA provides more predictable costs.
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