What does it mean if I have a $500 deductible health insurance?

Asked by: Jocelyn Schowalter  |  Last update: June 20, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (71 votes)

Let's say your deductible is $500. First, you would need to pay $500 in out-of-pocket costs for medical expenses, such as a surgery, hospital stay, or x-ray. Advertisement. Once you've reached $500 within a policy year, your benefits kick in (for the rest of the year).

How does a $500 deductible work for health insurance?

Deductible: The amount you must pay out of your own pocket before your insurance company will start paying for services. (Example: If you have a $500 deductible per year, and each doctor's visit costs you $100, your insurance may not kick in until you've been to the doctor five times.)

Is 500 deductible full coverage good?

A $500 deductible for comprehensive or collision insurance can lower your out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident and make it easier to file a claim.

Do I pay full price until I meet my deductible?

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. If you haven't paid your deductible yet: you pay the full allowed amount, $100 (or the remaining balance until you have paid your yearly deductible, whichever is less).

Do you get money back from a deductible?

Yes. The insurance company will refund the amount you overpaid. Generally, once you have met your deductible then it goes to a split between you and the insurance company. So say your split is 80/20. You pay 20% of the bill until you reach your max out of pocket. Then you pay nothing for the rest of the year.

What Does A $500 Deductible Mean In Health Insurance? - InsuranceGuide360.com

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What does $500 deductible with full glass mean?

For instance, if you're considering full glass coverage with a $500 deductible and an additional cost of $5-$10 per month on your premiums, it means that before your insurer covers any repair or replacements due to glass damages on your vehicle's windshield, sunroof, or even side windows during an accident or other ...

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.

What is a normal deductible for health insurance?

What is a typical deductible? Deductibles can vary significantly from plan to plan. According to a KFF analysis, the 2024 average deductible for individual, employer-provided coverage was $1,787 ($2,575 at small companies vs. $1,538 at large companies).

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 you still have a copay if you meet your deductible?

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

Do I pay my deductible to the Body Shop?

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.

What is too high of a 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.

Do you have to pay deductible if not your fault?

If your coverage includes a Direct Compensation and Property Damage (DCPD) deductible, you must still pay the DCPD deductible even if you are not at fault.

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.

How to meet your health insurance deductible fast?

Consider these ways to meet your deductible before the end of the year.
  1. Order a 90-day supply of your prescription medicine. ...
  2. See an out-of-network doctor. ...
  3. Pursue alternative treatment. ...
  4. Get your eyes examined.

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.

What happens if I don't meet my deductible?

What happens if you don't meet your deductible? If you do not meet the deductible in your plan, your insurance will not pay for your medical expenses—specifically those that are subject to the deductible—until this deductible is reached.

What is the difference between a PPO and a HMO?

HMOs (health maintenance organizations) are typically cheaper than PPOs, but they tend to have smaller networks. You need to see your primary care physician before getting a referral to a specialist. PPOs (preferred provider organizations) are usually more expensive.

Is $500 a high-deductible?

A higher deductible means a reduced cost in your insurance premium. For example, say your policy has a line of $5,000 in coverage. A low deductible of $500 means your insurance company is covering you for $4,500. A higher deductible of $1,000 means your company would then be covering you for only $4,000.

Is a $0 deductible good for health insurance?

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 if I can't pay my deductible health insurance?

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.

What type of deductible is best?

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.

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.

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.