What is the average out-of-pocket for healthcare?

Asked by: Kenton Walter  |  Last update: July 28, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (3 votes)

Out-of-pocket healthcare expenses cost the average consumer $1,142 annually, according to the Milliman Medical Index. Pharmacy costs rose by 13% from 2023 to 2024, making up nearly half of the 6.7% increase in year-over-year healthcare expenses.

Is $200 a month good for health insurance?

On average, in the United States, health insurance premiums for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan without subsidies are around $477 per month2. For a Silver plan, the average cost is about $621 per month. So, $200 a month is actually quite reasonable compared to these averages.

What is a normal out-of-pocket max for health insurance?

Out-of-pocket maximum limits

The government has set limits that control how much healthcare insurers can charge for covered services per year. These are: For the 2022 plan year: The out-of-pocket limit for a Marketplace plan can't be more than $8,700 for an individual and $17,400 for a family.

How much does the average US citizen pay for healthcare?

U.S. health care spending grew 7.5 percent in 2023, reaching $4.9 trillion or $14,570 per person.

What are typical out-of-pocket expenses?

Common examples of work-related out-of-pocket expenses include airfare, car rentals, taxis or ride-sharing fares, gas, tolls, parking, lodging, and meals, as well as work-related supplies and tools.

Maximum Out-of-Pocket Explained

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How much do people pay out-of-pocket for healthcare?

Given that the average household income in the U.S. is $87,864, as of 2023, that means the average American family spends at least $4,393 in these expenses each year.

Is it better 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.

How much is a hospital bill without insurance?

The average per-day hospital cost in the U.S. is $2,883, with California ($4,181) the most expensive, and Mississippi ($1,305) the least. The average hospital stay is 4.6 days, at an average cost of $13,262. If surgery is involved, hospital costs soar through the roof.

What to do when you hit your out-of-pocket maximum?

Once you hit this limit, your insurance typically steps in to cover the rest. Picture it like this: your deductible, copayments, and coinsurance all contribute to your out-of-pocket spending. Once you reach your out-of-pocket maximum, your insurer typically takes over and covers the rest, giving your wallet a breather.

What is out-of-pocket maximum UnitedHealthcare?

You might have heard terms like out-of-pocket maximum or limit. But good news — they actually mean the same thing. So your out-of-pocket maximum or limit is the highest amount of money you could pay during a 12-month coverage period for your share of the costs of covered services.

Is it better to have a deductible or not?

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.

What is the cheapest health insurance in the US?

Blue Cross Blue Shield has the cheapest rates for roughly four in 10 Americans. It has the cheapest Bronze health insurance plans in 19 states. If you want better coverage, Ambetter offers the cheapest Silver plans, at $516 per month, on average.

How much of your paycheck should go to health insurance?

In 2025, a job-based health plan is considered "affordable" if your share of the monthly premium in the lowest-cost plan offered by the employer is less than 9.02% of your household income. The lowest-cost plan must also meet the minimum value standard.

What is the average out-of-pocket limit?

The average out-of-pocket limit for in-network services has generally trended down from 2017 ($5,297), though increased slightly from $4,835 in 2023 to 4,882 to 2024. The average combined in- and out-of-network limit for PPOs slightly increased from $8,659 in 2023 to $8,707 in 2024.

What happens in America if you can't afford healthcare?

Americans are no longer taxed for not carrying health insurance. Medical debt contributes to a large number of bankruptcies in America. Access to quality primary care is critical, but doctors have the right to refuse patients without insurance or who are able to pay out-of-pocket expenses.

What is a high deductible healthcare plan?

A High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a health plan product that combines a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), traditional medical coverage and a tax-advantaged way to help save for future medical expenses while providing flexibility and discretion over how you use your health ...

What is a good amount to pay for health insurance?

The premium you pay depends on factors like plan type, age, and location. For individual health insurance, costs vary based on coverage level. The 2024 average benchmark premium is $477, with ACA marketplace plans showing varying deductibles and monthly premiums.

How many people avoid healthcare due to cost?

Using data from a nationally representative survey of American adults, we find that approximately 1 in every 6 adults reports avoiding needed health care due to cost. Some of our findings are encouraging. For example, Medicare enrollees have levels of these problems no greater than the privately insured.

How much does the average American pay for health insurance?

The average annual health insurance premiums in 2024 are $8,951 for single coverage and $25,572 for family coverage. The average single coverage premium increased 6% in 2024 while the average family premium increased 7%. The average family premium has increased 24% since 2019 and 52% since 2014.

How much is health insurance if you make 60k a year?

You should have some pretty significant premium tax subsidies at your income level. Just doing a real quick estimate on the Healthcare.gov website, a family of 5 making $60,000 per year would be around $900-$1000/mo for a bronze plan.

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.