Millennials More Likely to Put Pet’s Health Before Their Own

Results from a millennial health insurance survey were recently released by HealthPocket, a free information service designed to help consumers find medical coverage, showing 62% of millennials would take their pet to the vet before going to the doctor for themselves.

According to the survey, HealthPocket wanted to better understand the priorities of millennials, so, 1,000 people in the U.S. between ages 20 to 35 were polled based on questions concerning their healthcare use.

The poll was weighted to receive representative samples from each state based on population. Race, education, and health insurance status were not examined, the survey says.

In addition to asking millennials if they put their pet’s health over their own, only 25% of them have pet insurance. Eighty-nine percent of millennials claim they currently have coverage. Survey results also share 40% of millennials have even stayed at a job they weren't happy at in order to keep their health insurance.

Related: Baby Boomers and Millennials Want More Frequent Communication

When it comes to paying medical bills, 47% admit to having to ask their parents for help. However, 54% report having gone without health insurance at some point.

In addition, the survey asks about certain behaviors and found millennials rely on technology when it comes to their health. Seventy nine percent say they ask "Dr. Google" about a health issue before calling an actual doctor. When millennials do see a doctor, 63% believe they should be able to text their doctor directly. However, 45% are more likely to try telemedicine before visiting a doctor's office.

Further findings to the survey shares 50% of millennials have used the wellness benefits of their health insurance policy. Twenty-one percent use a drop-in clinic for their routine medical care and 44% don't get an annual physical each year, compared to the 45% who do. While some millennials are not getting an annual physical, 26% aren’t making a regular yearly visit to a primary care physician either.