'Should I Use My Emergency Fund For A Surgery?' Dave Ramsey's Advice On Shopping Around For Better Prices For Medical Services

Paying for unexpected medical emergencies can be overwhelming, especially when the insurance won't cover their part of it. A recent caller on The Ramsey Show asked hosts Dave Ramsey and George Kamel a pressing question regarding finances and her health. 

Ann, from Phoenix, Arizona, asked, "Is it worth dipping into our emergency fund while we fight insurance to make sure I’m okay medically?"

Don't Miss:

• Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved? The percentage may shock you.
• The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement — How do you compare?
• CD Popularity Soars: Over 50 Million Americans Embrace Safe Savings with 5–10% Annual Growth

Ann explained that the doctors think she's having an ectopic pregnancy. This life-threatening condition occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, a location where it won't be able to grow and develop properly. Ectopic pregnancies require immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications. 

Ann's husband wants to dip into their emergency fund to cover the cost of the ultrasound rather than wait for insurance approval – which they've already been fighting for weeks. As someone who has struggled with impulsive shopping in the past, Ann has a hard time spending money and is wondering if the financial strain is worth paying out of pocket. 

"Well, I think your husband is 100 percent right," Ramsey said. "What are you, a navy seal? You don’t think you need to do this? You need to take care of yourself, girl."

See Also: It’s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $70 million in art — this alternative asset has outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here’s how everyday investors are getting started.

Kamel agreed, stating that is exactly what an emergency fund is for. And while Ann agreed with their sentiment, she was upset about the insurance not doing their part and said that it should be on them, not her. 

"I think it’s your problem," Ramsey said. "You’re sick." He told Ann to keep fighting the insurance but emphasized that using the emergency fund is what she needs to do to take care of herself now. 

Ramsey also pointed out that Ann could still explore ways to minimize costs. He encouraged her to ask providers about cash discounts, stating that many providers offering services like the ultrasound she needs provide discounts to those who aren't using insurance. 

Kamel recommended the app Billy (not affiliated with The Ramsey Show), which allows users to compare prices for medical procedures by typing in a CPT code. Transparent pricing tools can be valuable for finding affordable care without sacrificing quality.

Trending: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Last Chance to get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!

Delaying necessary medical procedures can have serious consequences. According to the Commonwealth Fund, 41% of working-age adults who postponed care due to costs reported that their health worsened as a result.

Ann's situation illustrates the importance of acting quickly in medical emergencies. Her condition could become more severe without timely treatment, potentially increasing both health risks and financial burdens.

Medical expenses remain a significant challenge for many Americans. Research from KFF (formerly the Kaiser Family Foundation) reveals that one in four adults have skipped or postponed care in the past year due to costs. This issue disproportionately affects uninsured and underinsured individuals, leaving millions without affordable access to critical services.

Trending: Many are using this retirement income calculator to check if they’re on pace — here’s a breakdown on what’s behind this formula.

While financial strategies like shopping around can help, systemic challenges persist. According to the Commonwealth Fund, 23% of U.S. adults are underinsured, meaning their coverage doesn't adequately shield them from high medical expenses.

Emergencies like Ann's exemplify why having an emergency fund is essential. While financial prudence is important, Ramsey and Kamel's advice is clear: prioritize your health. If you have the resources, use them to address urgent medical needs, then focus on rebuilding your savings afterward.

By shopping around and leveraging cash discounts or price transparency tools, you can reduce costs while receiving the care you need.

Read Next:

• Studies show 50% of consumers think Financial Advisors cost much more than they do — to debunk this, this company provides matching for free and a complimentary first call with the matched advisor.
• I’m 62 Years Old And Have $1.2 Million Saved. Is This Enough to Retire Stress-Free?