Let’s face it, you might get hurt. But as a reader of this blog you are no doubt some tough old salt of the earth kind of guy (or girl,) so you need not let a fear of injury phase you. Blue Collar life in America is awesome in many ways, but chances are good that you’re on your own for health care. Having just exploded my own ankle here’s some advice on how to handle yourself:

IMBA affiliate Adventure Advocates has a program, it’s $275 for a year, and it will cover your broken bones, lacerations, and general sort of “patch me up doc” stuff. It’s what you need, it’s a 10 second web-form to fill out and enroll. Adventure Advocates looks like the real deal. Non-profit organization, based in Colorado, qualified professionals on the board of directors, they return phone calls, and they’re endorsed by the IMBA. These people are here to help you, this is money well spent.

When you’ve hurt yourself badly enough to need medical attention, but not so badly that you’re in the back of an ambulance then you should survey your options. Call your general practitioner’s office or the county department of health, ask for advice, are there any free clinics? Does anybody offer financial assistance? If you can avoid the emergency room try to do so. “Urgent” care is a lot cheaper. If you do end up at a normal doctor’s office then talk about the cost of services — if you explain your income and your lack of insurance and you ask for a better price they can often help you out.