Healthcare in the US is expensive—like, really expensive. If you’re a 40-year-old buying your own ACA Silver plan, you’re looking at about $539 a month. That’s nearly $6,500 a year just to have insurance.
If you’re lucky enough to have an employer plan, maybe you’re paying closer to $114 a month, or around $1,300 a year. Families? About $6,300 annually. And seniors on Medicare Part B still fork out about $185 a month, which adds up to over $2,200 a year.
Now compare that with elite or pro athletes. Many pay nothing at all—coverage is either free or heavily subsidized. That gap makes Venus Williams’ reason for coming back to the court hit a little different.
A Return After 16 Months
Venus Williams stepped back onto the court after a 16-month break. But it wasn’t the thrill of competition that pulled her back. It was health insurance. At 45, Williams laughed after her win over 23-year-old Peyton Stearns in Washington, D.C., saying, “I had to come back for the insurance.”
This lighthearted comment carried real weight. It showed how even legendary athletes think about coverage first.
The COBRA Reality Check
Williams explained that she had been placed on the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) earlier in the year. COBRA, a federal law, allows people to temporarily continue employer-sponsored health insurance after leaving a job. But anyone who has been on it knows—it comes at a steep price.
What The Women’s Tennis Association Actually Offers
Some assume pro tennis players fend for themselves when it comes to coverage. In reality, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) offers a comprehensive plan that includes global medical, dental, and vision coverage.
But there’s a catch: to qualify, players must rank inside the top 500 in singles or 175 in doubles and enter at least three major events within a year. For someone like Williams, returning meant re-establishing eligibility.
A Legendary Career And A Wild Card Return
Williams has earned more than $42.6 million during her career and once held the No. 1 ranking. She entered the U.S. Open through a wild-card invitation to become the oldest singles entrant since Renee Richards in 1981.
Healthcare Costs Keep Rising
Based on the Kaiser Family Foundation data, the average annual premium in 2023 was $8,435 for an individual and $23,968 for a family. Family premiums have climbed 22% since 2018 and nearly 50% since 2013. Fidelity reports a 65-year-old retiree now needs about $165,000 after tax to cover healthcare in retirement.
These numbers put Williams’ decision into perspective. Coverage can outweigh cash, even for someone who has earned millions.
Health Concerns Add Urgency
Williams has been open about her years-long battle with uterine fibroids, a condition that required surgery. She told fans in D.C., “I’m always at the doctor’s, so I need this insurance.”
That candid remark made her point clear: healthcare isn’t optional, even for champions. It’s as necessary as training or competing.
Why Her Story Resonates
While Williams’ comments may have been tongue-in-cheek, they highlight the same reality you face: healthcare is costly, confusing, and essential. Even icons of sport think less about trophies and more about doctor visits and prescriptions.
It’s a reminder that access to reliable insurance is always about peace of mind.
