What is the lowest HDHP deductible?

Asked by: Dr. Eleanora Hirthe  |  Last update: November 5, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (31 votes)

High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are known for having high deductibles in exchange for lower monthly premiums. For 2025, an HDHP is any plan with a deductible of at least $1,650 for an individual or $3,300 for a family.

What is the minimum deductible for a HDHP?

Per IRS guidelines in 2025, an HDHP is a health insurance plan with a deductible of at least $1,650 if you have an individual plan or a deductible of at least $3,300 if you have a family plan. The deductible is the amount you'll pay out of pocket for medical expenses before your insurance pays anything.

What is the minimum deductible for HDHP 2024?

For calendar year 2024, a “high deductible health plan” is defined under § 223(c)(2)(A) as a health plan with an annual deductible that is not less than $1,600 for self-only coverage or $3,200 for family coverage, and for which the annual out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, co-payments, and other amounts, but not ...

Is $3,000 a high deductible for health insurance?

The higher the deductible, the more out-of-pocket costs you pay before your insurer begins covering medical expenses. The IRS defines high-deductible health plans for 2023 as: Individual plans with deductibles of at least $1,500. Family plans with deductibles of at least $3,000.

What is low premium high deductible?

A plan with a higher deductible than a traditional insurance plan. The monthly premium is usually lower, but you pay more health care costs yourself before the insurance company starts to pay its share (also called your deductible).

HDHPs vs. Low Deductibles: Which is Right for YOU?

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Are HDHP plans worth it?

HDHPs are popular because they have low monthly premiums. Because the premiums are lower than other health insurance plans, the deductible is higher. However, many HDHPs provide 100% in-network coverage for preventive services before you meet your deductible. This includes services such as physicals and vaccinations.

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.

Is it better to have HDHP or PPO?

HDHPs can be a good form of insurance for the young and healthy — especially if your employer offers you HSA contributions. But for anyone with significant medical expenses, an upcoming surgery, or a serious health condition, a PPO could be a better fit because of the lower deductible.

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.

What are the disadvantages of a high-deductible health plan?

Cons of High Deductible Healthcare Plans
  • Some Individuals May Avoid Healthcare Treatment Due to High Costs. ...
  • It Is More Expensive to Manage a Chronic Illness With an HDHP. ...
  • Few Exceptions to the Deductible Rules. ...
  • Premium Costs and Deductible Levels Seem to Rise Every Year. ...
  • Contributions to Your HSA Are Capped.

Can a HDHP have copays?

Copays are the set amount you pay for a covered health care service. For example, if a lab test costs $20 and the lab copay is usually $40, you'll only pay $20. There are no copays associated with Bronze high-deductible health plans (HDHPs).

What does the IRS consider a HDHP?

For 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines a high-deductible health plan as any plan with an annual deductible of at least $1,650 for an individual or $3,300 for a family. The maximum out-of-pocket expenses for an HDHP are $8,300 for an individual or $16,600 for a family.

What is the last month rule for HDHP?

If the last-month rule (see Last-month rule, earlier) applies, you are considered an eligible individual for the entire year. You are treated as having the same HDHP coverage for the entire year as you had on the first day of the last month of your tax year.

What is the minimum HDHP deductible for 2024?

HDHP Minimum Deductibles. The 2025 minimum annual deductible is $1,650 for self-only HDHP coverage (up from $1,600 in 2024) and $3,300 for family HDHP coverage (up from $3,200 in 2024).

What is the downside of an HSA?

Drawbacks of HSAs include tax penalties for nonmedical expenses before age 65, and contributions made to the HSA within six months of applying for Social Security benefits may be subject to penalties. HSAs have fewer limitations and more tax advantages than flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

Can I open my own HSA?

Can I open my own health savings account if my employer doesn't offer one? Yes, you can open a health savings account (HSA) even if your employer doesn't offer one. But you can make current-year contributions only if you are covered by an HSA-qualified health plan, also known as a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).

What is the quickest way to meet your deductible?

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.

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.

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 is the average premium for HDHP?

PREMIUMS AND WORKER CONTRIBUTIONS

In 2023, average annual premiums for covered workers in HDHP/HRAs are $8,217 for single coverage and $22,404 for family coverage. The premium for family coverage is significantly less than the average family premium for covered workers in plans that are not HDHP/SOs [Figure 8.6].

Do doctors prefer HMO or PPO?

HMO plans might involve more bureaucracy and can limit doctors' ability to practice medicine as they see fit due to stricter guidelines on treatment protocols. So just as with patients, providers who prefer a greater degree of flexibility tend to prefer PPO plans.

What happens if I switch from HDHP to PPO?

What if I decide to switch from a HDHP to a traditional PPO plan? If you are no longer on a qualified HDHP, you can still use your funds to pay for medical expenses, but you cannot contribute to the account. Keep in mind that an HSA can also pay for things like Medicare premiums in the future.

Does upping your deductible decrease the premium?

If you're enrolled in a plan with a higher deductible, preventive care services (like annual checkups and screenings) are typically covered without you having to pay the deductible first. And a higher deductible also means you pay lower monthly premiums.

Do I get my deductible back if I'm not at fault?

Yes, if you have to pay your deductible and you were not at fault, you may be able to get it back from the at-fault driver's insurance company. This is called subrogation. Your insurance company will pursue the at-fault driver's insurance company to recover the money paid for the damages, including your deductible.

Do I have to pay a deductible for hail damage to my roof?

Hail is typically a covered peril on standard homeowners policies, but your policy may have a separate deductible for damage caused by hail — especially if you live in an area prone to hailstorms.