FAQs — Globalwide HealthShare

Question 1

What is health cost-sharing?

Accepted Answer

Health cost-sharing is a community-based model where members voluntarily contribute to a shared fund each month. When a member has eligible medical expenses, those costs are paid from the shared fund — people helping people, not a profit-driven insurance model.

Question 2

Is this the same as health insurance?

Accepted Answer

No. Globalwide HealthShare is NOT an insurance company, and membership is not an insurance policy. It is a voluntary sharing arrangement among like-minded community members. Members are self-pay patients who agree to share in each other's eligible medical expenses.

Question 3

Is Globalwide HealthShare a nonprofit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Globalwide Association (dba Globalwide HealthShare) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Our mission is to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable through community-based cost sharing.

Question 4

Does Globalwide HealthShare have network restrictions?

Accepted Answer

No. One of the key benefits of membership is the freedom to choose any healthcare provider you prefer. There are no network restrictions — you can see any doctor, specialist, or hospital.

Question 5

Who is eligible to join?

Accepted Answer

Globalwide HealthShare is open to individuals, couples, and families. There are no restrictions based on age, geographic location, or health history. No member is ever removed from membership, nor is their monthly contribution increased because of an expensive health condition.

Question 6

When can I enroll?

Accepted Answer

There is no open enrollment period. You can join Globalwide HealthShare at any time of the year — enrollment is always open.

Question 7

Can I join if I have pre-existing conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Members with pre-membership medical conditions are still welcome to join our community. Sharing for pre-membership conditions follows a graduated schedule outlined in the Member Guidelines.

Question 8

How do I add a newborn to my membership?

Accepted Answer

If a parent wishes to add a newborn who was not born in connection with an eligible maternity sharing request, the parent must submit a membership enrollment form for the baby.

Question 9

How does the sharing process work?

Accepted Answer

When you have eligible medical expenses that exceed your chosen Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA), you submit a Sharing Request. The community fund is then used to pay those eligible costs. We share 100% of eligible medical bills according to our Guidelines.

Question 10

What is the unit system?

Accepted Answer

Globalwide HealthShare uses a unit system for monthly contributions. No family pays for more than three units per month, regardless of the number of dependent children — making it a fair and predictable cost for larger families.

Question 11

What is the Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA)?

Accepted Answer

The IUA is the portion of eligible medical expenses you are responsible for before the community begins sharing. You can choose from several IUA levels to customize your monthly contribution amount — a higher IUA means a lower monthly contribution.

Question 12

How much does membership cost?

Accepted Answer

Monthly contributions vary based on your chosen program, membership type (individual, couple, or family), and your selected Initial Unshareable Amount. Visit our Programs page or contact us for a personalized quote.

Question 13

Will my contribution increase if I get sick?

Accepted Answer

No. Your monthly contribution will never be increased because of a health condition or medical history. Contribution changes are based only on program-wide adjustments, not individual health status.

Question 14

Can I open a Health Savings Account (HSA)?

Accepted Answer

Certain Globalwide HealthShare programs are compatible with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Please refer to the specific program details or contact our team for guidance.

Question 15

How do I submit a medical bill for sharing?

Accepted Answer

When you receive an eligible medical bill, notify Globalwide HealthShare within 90 days of the medical event. Submit your itemized medical bills and supporting documentation along with a completed Sharing Request form — online or by mail.

Question 16

What medical expenses are eligible for sharing?

Accepted Answer

Eligible expenses include medically necessary treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, emergency care, and other services outlined in the Member Guidelines. We share 100% of eligible bills according to our Guidelines.

Question 17

Are preventive services covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Globalwide HealthShare supports preventive care as a cornerstone of healthy living. Certain preventive services are included as part of membership benefits. Please refer to the Member Guidelines for a complete list.

Question 18

What expenses are NOT eligible for sharing?

Accepted Answer

Certain expenses are not eligible, including cosmetic procedures, experimental treatments, and expenses arising from activities inconsistent with membership guidelines. Please review the Member Guidelines for a full list of ineligible expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Health Sharing

Membership & Eligibility

How Sharing Works

Costs & Contributions

Medical Bills & Claims

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