Imagine a man getting ready for a month-long trip traveling through India. He goes to his travel agent, where she books the trip for him, but expresses concern over him traveling there by himself, especially considering he’s done little to no research on the country. She provides him with maps and tour books, but recommends he get a guide—someone who can show him around, speak the language and understand the laws and customs.

The travel agent explains money will be saved since the guide understands the currency and, more importantly, how to negotiate for goods and services so not to get ripped off. In turn, the price paid for hiring a guide will easily pay for itself. After the trip, the man realized hiring a guide was the best decision he could have made.

Health care guide

Wouldn’t it be nice if we all had a guide for the stuff in life we don’t fully understand – such as health insurance and health care? Sure, it’s a long way from Mumbai, but for a lot of people the health care system can be just as confusing – it truly is a different world.

After all, insurance and health care professionals have their own language; consumers don’t know the cost of services or how to negotiate for a lower price; it’s not always clear where to go for a second opinion; and there’s a ton of fine print on both insurance and medical forms. No wonder people have trouble navigating the system.