Freelance life has a lot going for it — setting your own hours, choosing your own clients, and wearing jeans to work every day. But let’s be real: when it comes to things like affordable health insurance for photographers, being self-employed can feel less like freedom and more like trying to cross a tightrope in a windstorm.
That’s where ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers) steps in. If you’re a member — or even thinking about becoming one — you should know there are real, tangible benefits beyond the usual networking and industry support. And yep, affordable health insurance options are one of them.
Why Health Insurance Matters (Even When You’re Young and “Invincible”)
Look, I get it. When you’re in your twenties or thirties (or honestly, just stubborn), paying for health insurance feels about as exciting as buying a fire extinguisher.
But the thing about emergencies is… you don’t get a warning. One fall off a ladder during a shoot, one bad flu season, one dropped light stand on your foot — and suddenly that monthly premium looks a lot cheaper than the ER bill.
Pro tip: Health insurance means you take your own safety seriously. Liability insurance means you take your clients’ safety seriously. Both matter if you want to build a business people trust.
What Health Insurance Options Does ASMP Offer?
Through ASMP Membership Benefits, you can access:
- Major medical insurance (including ACA-compliant plans)
- Short-term health plans (great if you’re between coverage)
- Dental and vision insurance (because squinting through a dirty lens is bad enough)
- Telemedicine services (talk to a doctor from your car between shoots)
- Supplemental insurance (for accidents, hospital stays, and more)
Not every plan is perfect for every photographer. But having access to these vetted options — often at better rates than you could get solo — gives you a huge advantage over trying to decode the healthcare marketplace on your own.
Other Member Discounts You Might Be Missing
While we’re on it, ASMP also hooks you up with deals on:
- Equipment insurance (because accidents don’t only happen to health)
- Business liability insurance (essential if you’re shooting on corporate sites)
- Discounts on software, gear, and travel (hello, cheaper Adobe subscriptions)
- Legal resources (contracts, copyright advice, etc.)
Translation: Being a member could actually pay for itself — just by saving you from a few expensive headaches a year.
Why Bigger Clients Care About Your Insurance
Here’s something a lot of new photographers don’t realize: Corporate and commercial clients often require proof of liability insurance before they’ll hire you.
No insurance? No gig.
Health insurance protects you. Liability insurance protects them.
And having both shows you’re running a real business — not just showing up with a camera and a dream.
(Plus, it’s a whole lot easier to sleep at night when you know you’re covered.)
Quick Tips for Picking a Health Insurance Plan
If you’re standing there feeling like a deer in the open enrollment headlights, here are a few things to think about:
- Monthly premium vs. deductible: Lower premiums usually mean higher deductibles. Know your own risk tolerance.
- Network size: Make sure your favorite doctors (or at least the local ER) are in-network.
- Telehealth: Super handy if you travel a lot for work.
- Out-of-pocket max: This is the absolute most you’d have to pay in a bad year. Know the number.
It’s not the most glamorous research you’ll ever do. But spending an hour now could save you thousands (and a lot of Advil) later.
Final Thoughts: You’re a Business. Protect Yourself Like One.
Photography isn’t just an art — it’s a business. And just like you wouldn’t head to a corporate client shoot without backup batteries and memory cards, you shouldn’t build a freelance life without good health insurance and business protections. Affordable health insurance for photographers? Just do it.
ASMP membership (links to the national organization… If you are looking for your local chapter use /state after asmp.org) gives you a leg up, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been lugging C-stands up staircases for decades. It’s one less thing to worry about, so you can get back to worrying about more important stuff. (Like why the sun always goes behind a cloud exactly five minutes before golden hour.)
Want a photographer who takes professionalism seriously?
Learn more about ASMP member benefits here and how Paul’s commitment to health and liability insurance protects your business, ensuring a seamless and safe experience on every shoot.
If you’re a potential client reading this and wondering how all of this relates to your next photography project, rest assured, Paul’s commitment to both health and liability insurance means you’ll always have peace of mind knowing your shoot is in safe, responsible, professional hands.
Whether it’s corporate headshots, event coverage, or location portraits, Paul’s insured business practices ensure a smooth and worry-free experience for you and your team.
(Guest blog post for ASMP.org/colorado)