Is it good to have a $0 deductible health insurance?

Asked by: Dr. Murphy Mitchell  |  Last update: September 21, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (8 votes)

Health insurance with zero deductible or a low deductible is best if you expect to need major medical care in the upcoming year. Even though you'll pay more for the plan, it will help you save overall because the full benefits begin right away.

What does $0 deductible health insurance mean?

A no-deductible health plan, also called a zero-deductible policy, is a health insurance plan that doesn't require participants to meet a minimum out-of-pocket amount before their insurance company begins paying their medical expenses.

Is it better not to have a deductible?

It depends on your health needs and your budget. If you and your covered family members are in good health and don't often see a doctor, a high-deductible plan may be a better option. But if you think you or your family members may need to seek medical care often, a low-deductible plan may be the best fit.

Is zero deductible worth it?

A no-deductible plan can be a good choice for your family if you want immediate coverage without needing to meet a deductible first, especially if multiple family members need regular care. However, these plans often have higher premiums, so consider your budget.

Is it good to have a low deductible health insurance?

Having an LDHP can save you money if you have costly health issues or a larger family. The higher premium would be far less than what you would pay in deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums with an HDHP. For many people, paying a little more each month is easier than covering a large medical bill.

Zero Dollar Deductible Plans explained!

16 related questions found

Is $200 a month good for health insurance?

Health insurance that costs $200 per month is a good deal in California. Silver plans typically cost $513 per month for a 21-year-old or $656 per month for a 40-year-old. The best way to get cheap rates is to use health insurance subsidies, which lower the cost of an insurance plan based on your income.

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

Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.

What are the disadvantages of a deductible?

Disadvantages of Deductibles
  • Delayed Care. If you have a high health insurance deductible, you may hesitate to seek medical care until you've met your deductible. ...
  • Limited Provider Network. ...
  • Higher Out-of-Pocket Costs. ...
  • Complexity of Healthcare Costs.

Do copays count towards deductible?

No. Copays and coinsurance don't count toward your deductible. Only the amount you pay for health care services (like the medical bill you receive) count toward your plan's deductible.

Is 0% after deductible good?

It's great to have 0% coinsurance. This means that your insurance company will pay for the entire cost of the visit or session. But often, you first have to meet your deductible in order for the coinsurance to kick in.

What is considered a good deductible for health insurance?

A plan that has a deductible of at least $1,400 (for individuals) or $2,800 (for a family) is considered a high-deductible plan. If your insurance plan has a low deductible, this means you may reach the threshold earlier and get cost-sharing benefits sooner.

What if I can't afford my health insurance deductible?

Your healthcare provider can't waive or discount your deductible because that would violate the rules of your health plan. But they may be willing to allow you to pay the deductible you owe over time. Be honest and explain your situation upfront to your healthcare provider or hospital billing department.

Is it better to have a deductible or not?

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 an hmo or ppo better?

HMO plans typically have lower monthly premiums. You can also expect to pay less out of pocket. PPOs tend to have higher monthly premiums in exchange for the flexibility to use providers both in and out of network without a referral. Out-of-pocket medical costs can also run higher with a PPO plan.

What does $0 deductible excess mean?

Excess/deductibles can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Zero Excess means that you won't be responsible for paying anything in the event the car is damaged or in an accident.

What is a $0 deductible in health insurance?

A no-deductible health insurance plan has a $0 deductible. That means you can skip the part of the plan where you're paying the full cost of medical care yourself before reaching the plan's deductible amount. Instead, as soon as the plan begins, insurance will pay part of your bills for medical care and prescriptions.

Why do doctors bill more than insurance will pay?

It is entirely due to the rates negotiated and contracted by your specific insurance company. The provider MUST bill for the highest contracted dollar ($) amount to receive full reimbursement.

What happens if I don't meet my deductible?

For example, if you get services during an office visit from an in-network provider and your health plan's allowed amount for an office visit is $100, you'll pay $100 for that visit if you haven't met your deductible, and the visit is subject to the deductible.

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.

Why are healthcare deductibles so high?

The first factor is the high cost of health care services. The cost of medical treatments, procedures, and prescription drugs has continued to skyrocket year over year with seemingly no end in sight. As those costs have grown, both the individual deductible and family deductible have increased in tandem.

Is a lower deductible always better?

A lower deductible plan is a great choice if you have unique medical concerns or chronic conditions that need frequent treatment. While this plan has a higher monthly premium, if you go to the doctor often or you're at risk of a possible medical emergency, you have a more affordable deductible.

What should my insurance deductible be?

You pay a deductible each time you file a claim with your auto insurance coverage. Most drivers choose a $500 auto insurance deductible, but policies with higher deductibles cost less. Choosing a plan with a higher deductible to get a lower insurance rate means higher out-of-pocket costs when filing a claim.

Does health insurance deductible reset every year?

For most health plans, the deductible resets every calendar year on January 1. Taking advantage of preventive care that you can access without meeting your deductible and pursuing as much care as possible after meeting your deductible can be a strategic and cost-effective way to manage your deductible.

Do you have to pay health insurance deductible upfront?

They can certainly ask for it, and patients have the option to pay some or all of their deductible upfront. But your health plan likely prohibits in-network medical providers from denying care if you can't or don't want to pay your deductible ahead of time.