What is a "deductible" in insurance terms?

A "deductible" refers to the amount of out-of-pocket expenses that an insured individual must pay before their insurance coverage begins to contribute to the cost of medical expenses. This means that before any insurance benefits are available, the individual is responsible for covering these initial costs fully. For example, if a health insurance plan has a deductible of $1,000, the insured would need to pay that amount in eligible medical costs before the insurance company starts paying for covered services.

This term is distinct from other key insurance concepts: the fixed amount paid for each medical visit relates to copayments, the amount covered by the insurance provider pertains to coinsurance or policy benefits, and the total policy limit refers to the maximum amount an insurer will pay during a policy period. Understanding the deductible is crucial for individuals when planning their health care expenses, as it informs them of how much they will need to pay out-of-pocket before receiving assistance from their insurance coverage.