NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - It's a risky bet, but the escalating cost of health insurance is forcing many more entrepreneurs to opt for no coverage, according to a report published Monday.

According to USA Today, about 27 percent of self-employed workers did not have health insurance in 2002, up from 24.6 percent in 2001, according to the latest data from the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The report said that the latest figures for 2003, expected this week, will likely show another jump overall, with 18.1 percent of all workers having no insurance.

Given that one in 13 workers is self-employed, the statistics indicate that many U.S. workers are hoping that they won't fall seriously ill or be injured, the newspaper said.

Insurance costs about $3,700 a year per person for the average employer. The cost is often even more for self-employed workers who can't get group rates, the report said.

Without insurance, those who are self-employed are exposing themselves to several potential risks, including ruining their business or tapping their personal savings, the newspaper said.