A deductible is the fixed amount you pay for covered medical services before your insurance kicks in. For example, if your plan has a $1,000 deductible, you will need to pay the first $1,000 of the costs for health care services. Once you have paid this amount, your insurance will begin to pay a portion, or all, of your health care costs, depending on the health plan.
If you choose a health plan with a high deductible, you will have a lower monthly premium. If you choose a health plan with a low deductible, you will have a higher monthly premium.