What is first dollar coverage in major medical expense policies?

Asked by: Naomi Tremblay  |  Last update: November 1, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (9 votes)

First dollar coverage is a type of insurance policy with no deductible where the insurer assumes payment once an insurable event occurs. While there is no deductible, the amount the insurer will pay out is often lower than on similar plans that have a deductible, or premiums for the first dollar plan will be higher.

What is first dollar medical coverage?

What Is first dollar coverage? First Dollar Coverage is an insurance policy in which the insured does not have copays or out-of-pocket expenses required before coverage begins. Instead, the insurer begins payment from the very moment an insurable event occurs, so there is no financial pressure placed on the insured.

Does major medical expense policy cover first dollar coverage?

Comprehensive Major Medical

In these policies, the first dollar of medical expenses is covered under the base portion of the plan, without any deductible, up to a specified policy limit. The Major Medical portion of the plan begins to pay only after the base portion is exhausted.

Which term best describes first dollar coverage?

The option amongst the listed, which best describes the first dollar coverage principle in basic medical insurance states that the insured is not required to pay a deductible. Option 4 is the answer.

What is the first dollar liability coverage?

First Dollar Defense (also known as a “Loss Only Deductible”) is a specific professional liability coverage feature that is either in a policy form or added by endorsement and may be subject to certain qualifications. FDD occurs when an insurer pays the “first dollar” to defend a firm in a claim.

Medical Expense Insurance

31 related questions found

Which of the following provides coverage on a first dollar basis?

Which of the following provides coverage on a first-dollar basis? A basic policy will provide coverage on a first-dollar basis (no deductible) the insured must pay a CORRIDOR DEDUCTIBLE before the major medical coverage will pay benefits.

What are the two most common liability coverage?

It's important to note there are two types of liability coverage: bodily injury and property damage.

What does the first dollar coverage apply to?

That means that the insured doesn't pay anything out of pocket, and the insurance company covers the whole expense related to the loss—there is no financial pressure placed on the insured. You can typically secure first dollar coverage policies for car, health, and homeowner's insurance.

What is the difference between HRA and HMO?

The bottom line is that generally a plan with an HRA is going to have higher out of pocket costs and require more leg work for reimbursement but lower premiums. an HMO with low out of pocket costs will have higher premiums. Each persons choice for health plan depends on their personal situation and overall health.

When an insured has a major plan with first dollar coverage How does this impact the benefits paid?

An insured with a major medical plan with first dollar coverage means that no deductible payment is required. This means that the insured does not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses before the insurance company starts paying benefits. Instead, the insurance company covers the entire bill from the beginning.

What is not covered under major medical policies?

Health insurance typically covers most doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, wellness care, and medical devices. Most health insurance will not cover elective or cosmetic procedures, beauty treatments, off-label drug use, or brand-new technologies.

Does HSA have first dollar coverage rule?

You can't contribute to an HSA if you have Medicare coverage, or a plan that pays its share of a covered service without you having to pay deductibles or copayments first (called “first dollar coverage”).

What is considered major medical expense insurance?

Major-Medical Health Insurance is comprehensive coverage which, on average, pays for at least 60% (usually much higher) of your expected healthcare costs throughout the year. Major-Medical Health Insurance plans cannot place lifetime or annual dollar limits on coverage.

Which is not a characteristic of a major medical expense policy?

The characteristic that is NOT associated with a Major Medical Expense policy is first dollar coverage. These policies usually include deductibles, co-insurance, and high coverage limits, whereas first dollar coverage does not require an initial out-of-pocket payment by the policyholder.

What is first dollar coverage Blue Shield?

First Dollar Services credit

Blue Shield credits you with a dollar amount each year to use for certain routine care services. These routine care services are called First Dollar Services. You do not have to meet any Calendar Year Deductible before Blue Shield provides Benefits for First Dollar Services.

What is the first dollar fixed indemnity benefit payment?

First dollar coverage means you are paid your benefit first, without having to meet a deductible or coinsurance payment. Many fixed indemnity plans, though not all, are first dollar products.

Is there a downside to HRA?

You are not taxed on the money your employer puts in your HRA, but you cannot invest the money, can only withdraw it for eligible medical services, and will lose it if you leave your job unless you choose COBRA continuing coverage.

What are the two most common health insurance plans?

Before choosing a health insurance policy for yourself, your family, or your employees, you must know what types are available. Some popular health insurance policy options are: Preferred provider organization (PPO) plans. Health maintenance organization (HMO) plans.

Which is better, HRA or PPO?

Although the option of opening an HSA is attractive to many people, choosing a PPO plan may be the best option if you have significant medical expenses. Not facing high deductible payments makes it easier to receive the medical treatment you need, and your healthcare costs are more predictable.

What best describes first dollar coverage?

First dollar coverage is a type of insurance policy with no deductible where the insurer assumes payment once an insurable event occurs. While there is no deductible, the amount the insurer will pay out is often lower than on similar plans that have a deductible, or premiums for the first dollar plan will be higher.

What is the first dollar approach?

The term "first-dollar program" means that College Promise funds are provided to students first, or before any other grant or awarded funding. By contrast, the term "last-dollar program" means that students would draw upon any available public funding before being awarded College Promise funds.

What is first dollar hra?

Health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) Page 1. This HRA provides first dollar coverage for eligible expenses. The employer funded portion of the medical deductible and other expenses eligible under the HRA can be used prior to the member spending out-of-pocket dollars.

What is better than liability insurance?

Adding comprehensive and collision coverage costs more than minimum liability coverage since it provides significantly more protection. And you may be willing to pay the higher premium if you wouldn't be able to replace your car out of pocket if you cause an accident.

What must you pay before an insurance company will pay a claim?

Your deductible.

Make sure you know how much your deductible is — it's the amount you'll have to pay out of pocket toward repairs to your vehicle before insurance coverage kicks in. For example, say you have a $500 collision coverage deductible and the damage to your vehicle totals $1,500.

What is umbrella insurance coverage?

Umbrella insurance is extra insurance that provides protection beyond existing limits and coverages of other policies. Umbrella insurance can provide coverage for injuries, property damage, certain lawsuits, and personal liability situations.