I am 27, so my case might not apply to older people. However, for me in the US, I pay approximately $85/month for a high deductible plan as an individual. I am stuck with the first $5,000/year of medical expenses, of which in most years I only spend around $100-$200 for a checkup and labs, but I am covered 100% after that.

However, I can put $3,100/year into a HSA account. I immediately get to deduct the amount I put in from my taxes (which for someone with an income just about pays for the insurance), and I can grow it in the HSA and not pay any taxes on withdrawal if I use it for medical expenses (works kind of like a super IRA).