Deductibles are an important aspect of insurance coverage, and it’s important to understand how they work in order to make the most of your insurance policy. Here’s what you need to know about deductibles:
What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance company will cover the rest of the expenses. For example, let’s say you have a $1,000 deductible and a medical bill for $10,000. You would be responsible for paying the first $1,000 and your insurance company would cover the remaining $9,000.
Why do deductibles exist?
Deductibles serve two main purposes. First, they help reduce the overall cost of insurance. They require policyholders to pay a certain amount out of pocket before the insurance company covers the rest. This helps to lower the premiums that policyholders pay. Second, deductibles help to ensure that policyholders are more careful about using their insurance coverage. If policyholders know that they’ll have to pay a certain amount out of pocket before the insurance company covers the rest, they may be more hesitant to use their insurance for minor issues and only use it for major expenses.
How are deductibles calculated?
Deductibles are usually calculated based on a percentage of the policy’s coverage limit. For example, if you have a policy with a coverage limit of $100,000 and a deductible of 10%, your deductible would be $10,000. However, some policies may have a fixed deductible amount, regardless of the coverage limit.
Can deductibles be waived or reduced?
In some cases, deductibles can be waived or reduced. For example, you have a high deductible health plan (HDHP) and you meet certain criteria, such as having a certain level of preventive care services. In this case, your deductible may be waived or reduced. Additionally, some insurance policies may offer deductible waivers or reductions. Especially if you have a history of good driving or no claims on your policy.
How do deductibles affect my insurance coverage?
The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums will generally be. However, this means you’ll have to pay more out of pocket before your insurance company covers the rest of your expenses. On the other hand, if you have a lower deductible, your premiums will generally be higher. But, you’ll have to pay less out of pocket before your insurance company covers the rest of your expenses.
It’s important to carefully consider your deductible when choosing an insurance policy. If you’re comfortable with paying more out of pocket in exchange for lower premiums, a higher deductible may be a good option for you. However, let’s say you’re not comfortable with the idea of paying a large amount out of pocket. In this case, a lower deductible may be a better option.
Overall, understanding how deductibles work is an important aspect of insurance coverage. You need to know how they’re calculated and how they can affect your insurance policy. Therefore, you can make an informed decision about the right deductible for your needs.
Wondering about what health coverage that you could be eligible for? Well, look no further than Healthedly. Give us a call at 855-522-2201 so our agents can give you a free quote for health insurance.
