Is hitting your deductible a good thing?

Asked by: Deondre Dicki  |  Last update: June 6, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (44 votes)

Once you've met your deductible, a significant shift occurs in your health insurance coverage, impacting the way various medical services are handled. At this point, certain services may be covered at full cost, while others might still require partial payments or co-payments.

Is it good to hit your deductible?

Meeting your deductible is important because it allows your insurance plan to start covering a larger portion of your healthcare costs. If you don't meet the deductible, you'll end up paying more out-of-pocket for any medical care you receive during that policy period.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Generally speaking, yes, a higher deductible is the better choice long term. Especially if you have a good driving history.

Is it bad if you meet your deductible?

Simply put, once you meet your deductible, you pay less and they pay more. This is why we urge people to schedule those treatments, scans, and procedures they've put off all year—after meeting their deductible. Keep in mind, when it comes to out-of-pocket costs, there are caveats.

What is the downside of having a deductible?

Cons. Higher deductible: If your deductible is higher, it means you are required to pay for your medical care out of pocket up to that amount before your health plan begins to help pay for covered costs. The exception is for preventive care, which is covered at 100% under most health plans when you stay in-network.

How does a health insurance Deductible work?

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Is it better to have a high or low deductible?

Individuals. You would most likely benefit from a low-deductible plan if you're older, have a chronic condition, or simply receive frequent medical care. Having an LDHP can save you money if you have costly health issues or a larger family.

How do I meet my deductible fast?

How to Meet Your Deductible
  1. Order a 90-day supply of your prescription medicine. Spend a bit of extra money now to meet your deductible and ensure you have enough medication to start the new year off right.
  2. See an out-of-network doctor. ...
  3. Pursue alternative treatment. ...
  4. Get your eyes examined.

Why am I still paying if I met my deductible?

Coinsurance – Your share of the costs of a covered health care service, calculated as a percent (for example, 20%) of the allowed amount for the service. You pay the coinsurance plus any deductibles you owe. If you've paid your deductible: you pay 20% of $100, or $20. The insurance company pays the rest.

How high is too high deductible?

In 2023, health insurance plans with deductibles over $1,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a family are considered high-deductible plans.

Is it better to have a copay or deductible?

Deductibles are cumulative annual amounts. While copays are fixed amounts paid per service. Additionally, copays are usually a predictable fixed cost, whereas deductibles can lead to more variable out-of-pocket expenses depending on the healthcare services used.

Do I get my deductible back if I'm not at fault?

Yes, if you have to pay your deductible and you were not at fault, you may be able to get it back from the at-fault driver's insurance company. This is called subrogation. Your insurance company will pursue the at-fault driver's insurance company to recover the money paid for the damages, including your deductible.

What is a disadvantage of having a high deductible?

Cons of High Deductible Healthcare Plans

Individuals who are stretched thin for funds may delay or avoid seeking medical treatment due to the high cost of treatment. For example, someone injured may avoid the emergency room if they know it will result in an expensive bill that will be applied to the plan deductible.

What is a good amount for deductible?

Standard homeowners insurance deductibles often range from $500 to $2,000, although they can be higher or lower depending on your insurance carrier and budget. With a standard flat deductible, the amount you pay out of pocket typically won't change over time unless you modify your home insurance policy.

What should I do after I hit my deductible?

Steps to take after meeting your deductible
  1. Fill your prescriptions. Once you've met your deductible, it's a good idea to fill your prescriptions for the year, if possible. ...
  2. Complete your annual physical. ...
  3. Get in with specialists. ...
  4. Schedule testing, screenings, and lab work.

Is everything free after a deductible?

A: Once you've met your deductible, you usually pay only a copay and/or coinsurance for covered services.

Will my insurance go up if I use my deductible?

A high deductible will lower your overall insurance rate, however it will increase your out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.

Why is it not a great idea to have a high deductible?

Large medical expenses: Since HDHPs generally only cover preventive care, an accident or emergency could result in very high out-of-pocket costs. Future health risks: Because of the costs, you may refrain from visiting a physician, getting treatments, or purchasing prescriptions when they're not covered by your HDHP.

Is it better to have high or low deductible?

Key takeaways. Low deductibles are best when an illness or injury requires extensive medical care. High-deductible plans offer more manageable premiums and access to HSAs. HSAs offer a trio of tax benefits and can be a source of retirement income.

Is $5000 a high-deductible health plan?

For families, the deductible has to be at least $2,700, with a $13,500 max out-of-pocket. Many high deductible plans actually have a much higher deductible ($5,000-$7,000).

Do you pay 100% until deductible is met?

Let's say your plan's deductible is $2,600. That means for most services, you'll pay 100 percent of your medical and pharmacy bills until the amount you pay reaches $2,600. After that, you share the cost with your plan by paying coinsurance and copays.

Is it cheaper to have health insurance or pay out-of-pocket?

People without insurance pay, on average, twice as much for care. This means when you use a network provider you pay less for the same services than someone who doesn't have coverage – even before you meet your deductible.

Do I have to pay a deductible for a doctor visit?

Summary. Depending on a patient's health plan, credit history, medical needs, and choice of hospital, the patient may be asked to pay some or all of their deductible upfront, before receiving medical care.

Do you still pay copays if you meet your deductible?

Once a person meets their deductible, they pay coinsurance and copays, which don't count toward the family deductible.

What if I need surgery but can't afford my deductible?

In cases like this, we recommend contacting your insurance, surgeon, or hospital and asking if they can help you with a payment plan. Remember that your surgery provider wants to get paid so they may be very willing to work with you on a payment plan.

Do you pay deductible immediately?

You typically pay your car insurance deductible after your car is fixed. Depending on your insurer and the situation, your insurer may pay the repair shop directly, minus your deductible — if that's the case, you'll need to pay the repair shop your deductible.