What's considered a high deductible?
Asked by: Dr. Aaliyah Yost DVM | Last update: November 25, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (58 votes)
What is considered a high deductible?
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.
Is $1500 a high deductible?
The benefits of a high-deductible versus a low-deductible medical plan. In 2023, health insurance plans with deductibles over $1,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a family are considered high-deductible plans.
What is too high of a deductible?
For individuals, a health plan can qualify as high deductible if the deductible is at least $1,350, and the max out-of-pocket cost (the most you'd pay in a year for medical expenses, with insurance covering everything else) is at least $6,750.
Is 3500 a high deductible?
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.
How does a High-deductible Health Plan (HDHP) work?- Kaiser Permanente
What is a disadvantage of having a high deductible?
Cons of High Deductible Healthcare Plans
Individuals who are stretched thin for funds may delay or avoid seeking medical treatment due to the high cost of treatment. For example, someone injured may avoid the emergency room if they know it will result in an expensive bill that will be applied to the plan deductible.
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.
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.
What if I need surgery but can't afford my deductible?
In cases like this, we recommend contacting your insurance, surgeon, or hospital and asking if they can help you with a payment plan. Remember that your surgery provider wants to get paid so they may be very willing to work with you on a payment plan.
What is a good deductible price?
Generally, drivers tend to have average deductibles of $500. Common deductible amounts also include $250, $1000, and $2000, according to WalletHub. You can also select separate comprehensive and collision coverage deductibles.
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.
Is $2000 a high deductible?
In an HDHP, the deductible is $1,400 or more for individuals and $2,800 or more for families. For example: If you have an HDHP with a $2,000 deductible, you must pay the first $2,000 of your medical bills in a year.
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.
Do high deductibles save money?
Lower monthly premiums: Most high-deductible health plans come with lower monthly premiums. If you anticipate only needing preventive care, which is covered at 100% under most plans when you stay in-network, then the lower premiums that often come with an HDHP may help you save money in the long run.
Is $750 a high deductible?
In 2023, the median annual deductible for private industry workers participating in HDHP plans was $2,500. For private industry workers participating in non-HDHP plans, 18 percent did not have an annual individual deductible. For the 82 percent with a deductible, the median annual deductible was $750. (See chart 2).
Is 1200 a high deductible?
To qualify for an HDHP in 2023, an individual plan must have a deductible of at least $1,500 and family plans must have a deductible of at least $3,000. An HDHP's total yearly out-of-pocket expenses (including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance) can't be more than $7,500 for an individual or $15,000 for a family.
What if my deductible is too high?
Negotiate payment plans with healthcare providers: If you have a high deductible, it can be overwhelming to pay for medical services in a lump sum. Don't be afraid to negotiate payment plans with your healthcare providers. They often have options available to help spread out the costs over a longer period of time.
Can my doctor waive my deductible?
Waiving copays and deductibles removes the disincentive for utilization, thereby potentially increasing payor costs. Accordingly, federal and state laws as well as payor contracts generally prohibit waiving cost-sharing absent genuine financial hardship.
What happens if I can't afford to pay my deductible?
If you can't pay your auto or home insurance deductible, you won't be able to file a claim and get your repairs covered.
What is a typical high deductible?
1. 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 downside of a high deductible?
Namely, you're responsible for paying a larger portion of your healthcare expenses out of pocket. This can be a significant financial burden for those with a lot of medical expenses and could lead to financial strain. HDHPs may not be the best choice for those with chronic or frequent medical needs.
Is $5000 a high-deductible health plan?
The IRS currently defines a high-deductible health plan as one with a deductible of at least $1,350 for an individual or $2,700 for a family, according to healthcare.gov. Field notes that many deductibles are in the range of $5,000 to $6,000.
Is $10,000 a high deductible?
If you are on a High Deductible health plan:
For many plans, the deductible can be greater than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for families i.e. you have to pay this amount out of pocket before insurance starts covering your cost of medical care.
What is the main disadvantage of choosing a high deductible?
The primary disadvantages of a high-deductible health plan include the high out-of-pocket costs and the potential reluctance to seek medical care due to upfront expenses. While HDHPs have lower premiums, individuals may face financial strain if they need medical services before meeting the deductible.
Is a $0 deductible good?
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.