To keep medical premiums lower all insurance companies offer different deductibles.  This is the amount you are required to spend each year under the plan before the insurance company begins paying part of the covered cost.  The larger the deductible the lower the premium you pay to the insurance company.  You pay for the smaller bills up to the deductible amount; then the insurance starts paying their part.  Deductibles can be from $250 to $10,000 per year.  You choose the deductible at the time you apply for coverage.