Can I negotiate deductible?

Asked by: Delilah Hettinger  |  Last update: March 11, 2025
Score: 5/5 (28 votes)

Your healthcare provider can't waive or discount your deductible because that would violate the rules of your health plan. But they may be willing to allow you to pay the deductible you owe over time. Be honest and explain your situation upfront to your healthcare provider or hospital billing department.

What do I do if I can't afford my deductible?

You can check with the hospital to see if they have any income-based payment assistance programs or ask them for a payment plan. The amount you'll owe originally gets credited to the deductible even if the hospital can reduce your responsibility. With insurance, you won't be liable for the hospitals total charge.

Can I lower my health insurance deductible?

Many health insurance companies allow you to keep the same health plan and increase or decrease your deductible based on your needs. Changing your deductible can increase or decrease your monthly premium.

What to do if insurance 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 I get my deductible waived?

Fault determination: Most insurers require you to be not at fault for the accident. Some auto companies may require you to be 100 percent fault-free to have the deductible waived, while others may waive a percent of your deductible based on your percentage of fault.

How to negotiate a medical bill and other insurance tips

21 related questions found

Can you negotiate a deductible?

Negotiate a Payment Plan

Your healthcare provider can't waive or discount your deductible because that would violate the rules of your health plan. But they may be willing to allow you to pay the deductible you owe over time.

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.

How to get a lower deductible?

If you qualify for savings on out-of-pocket costs and enroll in a Silver plan: You'll have a lower deductible. This means the insurance plan starts to pay its share of your medical costs sooner.

Do you have to pay your deductible if you're not at fault?

It depends on your insurance policy. Some insurance policies require you to pay your deductible even if you are not at fault, while others do not. Reviewing your policy or speaking with your insurance agent to understand your coverage is important.

How high is too high deductible?

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 a normal deductible for health insurance?

What is a typical deductible? Deductibles can vary significantly from plan to plan. According to a KFF analysis, the 2024 average deductible for individual, employer-provided coverage was $1,787 ($2,575 at small companies vs. $1,538 at large companies).

Can you change your deductible anytime?

Most insurance companies allow you to change your deductible amount at any time.

What is the disadvantage of having a higher 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.

Do copays count towards deductible?

Copays do not count toward your deductible. This means that once you reach your deductible, you will still have copays. Your copays end only when you have reached your out-of-pocket maximum.

Is it cheaper to have health insurance or pay out-of-pocket?

Insurance companies negotiate discounts with health care providers, and as a plan member you'll pay that discounted rate. People without insurance pay, on average, twice as much for care.

How do I get around paying my deductible?

Here are your options when you cannot afford your deductible:
  1. Choose not to file a claim until you have the money.
  2. Check your policy, as you may not have to pay up front.
  3. Work out a deal with your mechanic.
  4. Get a loan.

Can insurance waive my deductible?

In most situations, for coverages with a deductible, a deductible will apply - but there are some circumstances in which the deductible may be waived. For example, if you have comprehensive coverage and make a claim to repair windshield glass damage, then your deductible may be waived.

Can AAA increase my deductible?

Yes, contact your insurance agent or our insurance services department to change your deductible for future losses. They can advise you on how a deductible change will affect your premium.

What does $500 deductible with full glass mean?

For instance, if you're considering full glass coverage with a $500 deductible and an additional cost of $5-$10 per month on your premiums, it means that before your insurer covers any repair or replacements due to glass damages on your vehicle's windshield, sunroof, or even side windows during an accident or other ...

Can you negotiate deductible?

With regard to healthcare deductibles, always ask if it's possible to negotiate a payment plan. The healthcare provider cannot legally waive the deductible but they can allow you to pay it over time. The challenge comes in when a procedure involves multiple providers, such as with surgery.

What happens if you can't afford your deductible?

If you can't afford your deductible, there is a chance you won't be able to begin repairs right away. If your insurer requires your deductible be paid before they issue the remaining funds for a claim, you will need to find a way to pay it upfront.

Is a $500 deductible high?

A higher deductible means a reduced cost in your insurance premium. For example, say your policy has a line of $5,000 in coverage. A low deductible of $500 means your insurance company is covering you for $4,500. A higher deductible of $1,000 means your company would then be covering you for only $4,000.

What is a normal deductible for car insurance?

$500 is the most common car insurance deductible. Not every type of car insurance coverage uses a deductible. A higher car deductible can lower your insurance premium. You pick your deductible when buying insurance.

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.

How to get a new roof without paying deductible?

No matter what a roofer tells you you must pay your deductible. There is no way around it and insurance will consider it insurance fraud if they do. Many homeowners try to find a way around this but there is no way around it. You can also verify this directly with your insurance provider or an attorney.