Dave Ramsey Christian Health Insurance: When it comes to health insurance, Dave Ramsey is one of the most trusted voices in personal finance. Many people follow his advice to get out of debt and manage money wisely.
One topic he often discusses is Christian health insurance, also known as health care sharing ministries (HCSMs).
But what exactly are these plans, and what do Dave Ramsey’s Christian health insurance reviews say about them?
If you’re curious about whether a Christian health sharing program is right for you, this article breaks down what Dave Ramsey recommends, how these plans work, and what real users say about them.
What Is Christian Health Insurance?
Christian health insurance isn’t traditional insurance at all—it’s a health care sharing ministry where members share each other’s medical expenses.
Members of these organizations typically:
- Share common Christian beliefs and values.
- Pay a set monthly “share” instead of a premium.
- Contribute money that goes directly to help pay another member’s medical bills.
Unlike regular insurance companies, Christian health sharing ministries are not regulated by state insurance departments and do not guarantee payment of medical costs.
Popular Christian health sharing ministries include:
- Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM)
- Medi-Share
- Samaritan Ministries
- Liberty HealthShare
- Solidarity HealthShare
These organizations were created to help Christians manage health care costs while avoiding the high premiums and restrictions of traditional insurance.
What Does Dave Ramsey Say About Christian Health Insurance?
Dave Ramsey has often talked about Christian health insurance alternatives on his radio show and website. According to him, health care sharing ministries can be a smart choice for some people—but they’re not for everyone.
Here’s a summary of what Dave Ramsey’s Christian health insurance reviews generally highlight:
He Likes the Concept of Faith-Based Sharing
Ramsey appreciates the community aspect—members helping each other in times of need. He sees it as a practical, faith-based alternative to traditional health insurance.
He Recommends Only Established Ministries
Dave Ramsey specifically mentions Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) as one he personally endorses. CHM has been around since 1981 and has a strong reputation for reliability and transparency.
He Warns It’s Not the Same as Insurance
Ramsey is careful to remind his audience that health sharing ministries are not insurance. There’s no legal obligation for them to pay your medical bills. It’s based on trust and shared faith, not contracts.
He Advises Having an Emergency Fund
Because these programs can take longer to process payments than traditional insurance, Ramsey encourages members to maintain an emergency fund to handle medical bills temporarily until reimbursement arrives.
Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) – Dave Ramsey’s Top Pick
Among all Christian health sharing organizations, CHM (Christian Healthcare Ministries) is the one Dave Ramsey most often recommends.
How CHM Works
Members choose from three main levels of sharing:
- Gold: Up to $125,000 per illness (unlimited with Brother’s Keeper add-on).
- Silver: Up to $125,000 per illness, with a higher out-of-pocket cost.
- Bronze: Up to $125,000 per illness, but lower monthly costs.
Members submit their medical bills to CHM, which then reviews and reimburses eligible expenses using funds contributed by other members.
Why Dave Ramsey Recommends CHM
Dave Ramsey praises CHM for its:
- Long history of reliable payments.
- Affordable monthly costs compared to traditional health insurance.
- Strong alignment with Christian values.
- Transparency and member satisfaction.
He often mentions that CHM can be a good fit for people who are self-employed, early retirees, or those who can’t afford traditional health insurance but want faith-based coverage.
Pros of Christian Health Insurance (According to Reviews)
Many people who follow Dave Ramsey’s Christian health insurance recommendations report positive experiences. Here are the most common benefits mentioned in reviews:
Lower Monthly Costs
Monthly “shares” in health care ministries are often much cheaper than premiums from traditional insurance companies. For example, CHM’s Gold plan may cost under $200 per person, which is significantly lower than most ACA marketplace plans.
Freedom of Choice
Members can typically choose any doctor or hospital, since there are no network restrictions.
Faith-Based Community Support
Many users appreciate the spiritual and emotional support that comes from being part of a faith-based community. Some ministries even send prayers and letters to members facing medical challenges.
No Hidden Fees or Bureaucracy
Unlike insurance companies, there’s no middleman or complex claims process. You simply submit bills, and the community shares in your costs.
Cons of Christian Health Insurance (According to Reviews)
While there are benefits, Christian health insurance isn’t perfect. Even Dave Ramsey admits it’s not for everyone.
Here are common complaints from user reviews:
It’s Not Legally Binding
Because these programs aren’t regulated by state insurance laws, they aren’t required to pay claims. Payment depends on the ministry’s guidelines and available funds.
Delayed Payments
Some members report long wait times—sometimes months—before reimbursements are processed. That’s why Dave Ramsey advises keeping an emergency fund.
Limited Coverage
Certain medical services—like mental health care, birth control, or pre-existing conditions—might not be eligible for sharing.
Religious Restrictions
Members must agree to live by certain Christian principles, such as abstaining from tobacco, drugs, and premarital sex. Failing to follow these rules could affect eligibility for coverage.
Real User Reviews of Dave Ramsey Christian Health Insurance Options
When looking at Christian Healthcare Ministries reviews (the plan Dave Ramsey endorses), you’ll find mostly positive feedback, but some mixed experiences:
- Positive Review Example:
“We’ve been CHM members for five years and saved thousands compared to traditional insurance. They paid our hospital bills in full after our daughter’s surgery.” - Critical Review Example:
“CHM took almost three months to reimburse us. It’s cheaper, but the waiting can be stressful.”
Overall, CHM holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and high satisfaction among members who understand how health sharing works.
Who Should Consider Christian Health Insurance?
According to Dave Ramsey and user feedback, Christian health insurance works best for:
- Self-employed individuals who don’t get coverage from an employer.
- Families with strong faith values who prefer a community-based approach.
- People in good health who rarely need medical care.
- Those seeking affordable alternatives to ACA marketplace plans.
However, if you need consistent, guaranteed coverage or have ongoing medical conditions, traditional insurance might be safer.
Is Dave Ramsey’s Christian Health Insurance Recommendation Worth It?
Based on Dave Ramsey’s reviews and real-life user feedback, Christian health sharing programs—especially CHM—can be a smart choice if:
- You understand it’s not traditional insurance.
- You’re comfortable with faith-based requirements.
- You’re willing to pay medical bills upfront and wait for reimbursement.
For many people, the cost savings and community support make it worth it. But for others who want fast claim processing and guaranteed coverage, it may not be ideal.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the verdict on Dave Ramsey’s Christian health insurance reviews?
Dave Ramsey views Christian health sharing ministries as an affordable, faith-centered alternative to traditional health insurance—especially for those who want to save money and share medical costs with like-minded believers.
While it’s not without risks or delays, many satisfied members report positive experiences with ministries like Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM).
If you value faith, community, and financial freedom, this could be a good fit. But if you need guaranteed coverage or have complex medical needs, you may want to stick with a traditional health insurance provider.