We ditched traditional insurance about two years ago and have been happy with the coverage but thankfully we haven't met our max share amount so I can't tell you how it would be if that was the case.
Our family plan is about 1/6 the cost of my work high deductible plan but all seven of us are in good health. We've never had a problem seeing a doctor because the PPO network the plan uses has every doctor we've ever tried to see. There aren't any well visit expenses covered.
There are a lot of restriction though and they don't cover most pre existing conditions. If you are in a car accident and "drunk" they don't have to cover any healthcare costs. If you have head trauma while riding your bike without a helmet they don't have to cover medical expenses. If you have an occasional cigar or smoke at all they could theroretically drop you if they found out. The whole reason they are cheaper is because the risk pool is much lower, at least in my plan (Medishare)
Anyway, I hope that helps with a little first hand knowledge. It's worked well for us but it's not for everyone.
Tom @ HIP
