What is the amount the insured must pay before benefits begin called?

The amount the insured must pay before benefits begin is referred to as a deductible. This is a specific financial obligation that policyholders must meet before their insurance plan starts to contribute to covered healthcare costs. The purpose of a deductible is to encourage individuals to take a certain level of financial responsibility for their healthcare, and it helps insurance companies manage costs and avoid unnecessary claims.

For instance, if a patient has a deductible of $1,000, they must pay the first $1,000 of their medical expenses out of pocket before their insurance coverage kicks in. Once this deductible is met, the insurance policy typically begins to share the costs of future healthcare services based on the terms of the policy.

In contrast, a premium refers to the regular payment made to maintain the insurance policy, a co-payment is the fixed fee a patient pays at the time of receiving a healthcare service, and an out-of-pocket maximum is the cap on the total amount a policyholder would pay in a plan year before insurance covers 100% of covered services. Understanding these terms is crucial for navigating health insurance effectively and making informed decisions about medical care and expenses.