What is the minimum for a high deductible health plan?

Asked by: Prof. Jarvis Ritchie  |  Last update: October 2, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (36 votes)

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 IRS minimum for a high-deductible health plan?

For calendar year 2025, 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 $1,650 for self-only coverage or $3,300 for family coverage, and for which the annual out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, co-payments, and other amounts, but not ...

What is the out-of-pocket limit for HDHP?

The maximum out-of-pocket expenses for HDHPs in 2025 are $8,300 for an individual and $16,600 for a family.

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's the downside to having a high 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.

When is a High Deductible Health Plan with an HSA a Good Choice?

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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.

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).

What is the 12 month rule for HSA?

It means you must remain eligible for the HSA until December 31 of the following year. The only exceptions are death or disability. If you violate the testing period requirement, your ineligible contributions become taxable income.

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's the point of health insurance with a high-deductible?

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.

What is the IRS deductible limit for 2024?

For tax year 2024, for family coverage, the annual deductible is not less than $5,550, an increase of $200 from tax year 2023; however, the deductible cannot be more than $8,350, an increase of $450 versus the limit for tax year 2023.

What is the threshold for a high-deductible health plan?

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.

Who should avoid a high-deductible health plan?

While these types of plans can be beneficial to those who are relatively healthy, they can be very expensive for those who have chronic conditions or who experience a medical crisis. It's important to carefully consider your expected medical expenses before choosing to participate in a high deductible health care plan.

What disqualifies you from contributing to an HSA?

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”).

How much is a typical high-deductible health plan?

The average annual premiums for workers in HSA-qualified HDHPs are $7,662 for single coverage and $22,378 for family coverage [Figure 8.7]. These amounts are significantly less than the average single and family premium for covered workers in plans that are not HDHP/SOs.

What is the minimum deductible for HSA 2024?

Under the section heading Health Savings Account (HSAs), the paragraph under Eligibility, a qualifying HDHP must have a deductible of at least $1,600 for self-only coverage and $3,200 for family coverage.

What is the 60 day rule for HSA?

Generally, you must complete the rollover within 60 days after you received the distribution. An HSA can only receive one rollover contribution during a 1-year period. See Pub. 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), for more details and additional requirements regarding rollovers.

Can HSA be used for dental?

Yes, you can use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) for dental expenses.

Who should not use an HSA?

HSAs might not make sense if you have some type of chronic medical condition. In that case, you're probably better served by traditional health plans. HSAs might also not be a good idea if you know you will be needing expensive medical care in the near future.

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

The cons of high-deductible health plans

Yes, HDHPs keep your monthly payments low. But there are some downsides you should consider, including: Large medical expenses: Since HDHPs generally only cover preventive care, an accident or emergency could result in very high out-of-pocket costs.

Is it better to have an HSA or copay?

If you don't have an HDHP, have a family, and require frequent diagnostic medical care, a copay plan may be a better option. Neither an HSA or copay plan is better than the other; you just need to decide which plan meets all of your needs and will benefit you the most.

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.

Why would someone choose a high-deductible health plan?

If you receive medical care frequently, opt for an LDHP to keep your out-of-pocket expenses affordable. Individuals who don't need healthcare often should go for an HDHP to save on their monthly premiums. But in the end, having an HDHP is better than going uninsured, even if you'd prefer an LDHP.

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.