I've never had to use mine.
I keep a 3-5k buffer in checking
a 5k savings (emergency fund)
and everything else is invested.
My heathcare is a HDHP with 5K family out of pocket max.
So i have 5k taken out of my check every year and plan on not seeing any of that.
As a result, as long as I stay in network I'll never have to tap any of my budgeted $ for heath care.
Dental and vision are separate, but thankfully, we have not had large expenses there.
Unexpected bills over the past few years
12,000 New Roof
8,000 new AC and Furnace
1,000 auto repair bill
1,000 fence replacement
Several 200-500 charges
When an unexpected bill comes:
my first question is,
#1. Do I have enough in checking that I can take the hit and still be in my 3-5k buffer range? If so, I do that.
#2. is 0% financing an option? If so, I do that.
#3. will charging it on a credit card and giving my self 30 days of float allow me to pay it off without breaching my buffer? If so, I do that, and I always pay it off, even if it drives my buffer down a little lower than I like.
#4. Would be to tap the emergency fund, which I have yet to have to do.