[FlFishOn]

"However, this fails to take into consideration the power that health insurrance companies have in negotiating lower rates. So their rake is mitigated. "

I've had success getting providers to bill me at PP rates in some situations. Also, there are dozens of expensive proceedures that are common for the insured that are almost worthless health-wise that as a self-pay I decline. Overall I'm 15 years worth of premiums ahead by self-insuring. That includes surgery this year.