Is it possible to have no deductible?

Asked by: Prof. Chet Roberts  |  Last update: January 13, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (7 votes)

Having zero-deductible car insurance means you selected coverage options that don't require you to pay any amount up front toward a covered claim. For example, say you opted for collision coverage with no deductible. If you have a covered claim for $1,500 in repairs, your insurer would reimburse you the full $1,500.

Can you have a $0 deductible?

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.

Can insurance not have a deductible?

Some insurance policies, such as liability insurance, may not have a deductible at all.

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 deductible mandatory?

Depending on your policy, and the types of coverages you have, a deductible may be required. With an auto insurance policy, coverages like comprehensive and collision may require a deductible before said coverages apply in the event of a covered incident.

Can I get non-deductible health insurance?

19 related questions found

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.

Are deductibles optional?

In some states, policyholders can choose to pay a higher premium in return for a traditional dollar deductible; however, in high-risk coastal areas, insurers may make the percentage deductible mandatory.

Is no 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.

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.

How can I hit 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.

How do I avoid deductible?

How Can I Avoid Paying a Car Insurance Deductible?
  1. Choose not to file a claim until you have the money.
  2. Check your policy, as you may not have to pay up front.
  3. Work out a deal with your mechanic.
  4. Get a loan.

Is 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.

Is it illegal to not pay your deductible?

If you do not pay your deductible you are committing a crime. Technically, this is a form of insurance fraud. Most homeowners' insurance policies will have a concealment or fraud section.

Can deductible be waived?

In most situations, for coverages with a deductible, a deductible will apply - but there are some circumstances in which the deductible may be waived. For example, if you have comprehensive coverage and make a claim to repair windshield glass damage, then your deductible may be waived.

What happens if I can't afford to pay my deductible?

If you can't pay your auto or home insurance deductible, you won't be able to file a claim and get your repairs covered.

What is the lowest deductible for car insurance?

Generally, drivers tend to have average deductibles of $500. Common deductible amounts also include $250, $1000, and $2000, according to WalletHub. You can also select separate comprehensive and collision coverage deductibles.

What happens if my health insurance doesn't have a deductible?

Impact on finances: Choosing a no-deductible plan means you'll pay more each month, but you'll be protected from some large medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses. In contrast, high-deductible plans can help you lower your monthly bills, but major medical problems could result in large out-of-pocket expenses.

What happens if you get surgery and can't pay?

You can take steps to make sure that the medical bill is correctly calculated and that you get any available financial or necessary legal help. If you do nothing and don't pay, you could be facing late fees and interest, debt collection, lawsuits, garnishments, and lower credit scores.

Can my doctor waive my deductible?

Waiving copays and deductibles removes the disincentive for utilization, thereby potentially increasing payor costs. Accordingly, federal and state laws as well as payor contracts generally prohibit waiving cost-sharing absent genuine financial hardship.

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.

Can I negotiate deductible?

Negotiate a Payment Plan

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.

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 it good to have a $0 deductible?

Zero-deductible plans, which are most commonly platinum, may appeal to some consumers. If you visit doctors or specialists frequently, or have a chronic illness that requires several medications, health insurance with no deductible or no copay could help you spread your medical costs over the year.

Do you pay 100% before deductible?

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.

Is a $2500 deductible good home insurance?

For customers who have enough money in an emergency fund to handle it, experts often advise that the savings that come with a higher deductible are worth it. By switching from a $500 deductible policy to a $2,500 deductible, customers save more than $500 per year on average on premiums, according to Insurance.com.