Does not having insurance motivate someone to stay healthy?

Yes, for some people: Being uninsured can motivate people to live healthier, but many studies show that on the whole, they are unhealthier than people with insurance. They're less likely to get preventative care and more likely to put off treatment for serious health problems. For all of the problems with our health system, being uninsured is bad for your health and your pocketbook if something unforeseen happens.