Per IRS guidelines in 2025, an HDHP is a health insurance plan with a deductible of at least $1,650 if you have an individual plan or a deductible of at least $3,300 if you have a family plan. The deductible is the amount you'll pay out of pocket for medical expenses before your insurance pays anything.
In 2023, health insurance plans with deductibles over $1,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a family are considered high-deductible plans.
The IRS defines high-deductible health plans for 2023 as: Individual plans with deductibles of at least $1,500. Family plans with deductibles of at least $3,000.
How much does a high-deductible health plan cost? On average, if you are a covered employee with a high-deductible health plan in the United States, you may pay $8,217 annually and $22,404 for a family.
HDHP deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
For 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines a high-deductible health plan as any plan with an annual deductible of at least $1,650 for an individual or $3,300 for a family.
HDHPs typically have higher deductibles and lower premiums than traditional (nonhigh deductible) health plans. In 2023, the median annual deductible for private industry workers participating in HDHP plans was $2,500.
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.
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.
The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. With a $2,000 deductible, for example, you pay the first $2,000 of covered services yourself.
Large medical expenses: Since HDHPs generally only cover preventive care, an accident or emergency could result in very high out-of-pocket costs. Future health risks: Because of the costs, you may refrain from visiting a physician, getting treatments, or purchasing prescriptions when they're not covered by your HDHP.
For example, if you have a health insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible and you receive a medical bill for $2,000, you would be responsible for paying the first $1,000 and your insurance would cover the remaining $1,000.
Key takeaways. Low deductibles are best when an illness or injury requires extensive medical care. High-deductible plans offer more manageable premiums and access to HSAs. HSAs offer a trio of tax benefits and can be a source of retirement income.
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.
To be an eligible individual and qualify for an HSA contribution, you must meet the following requirements. You are covered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP), described later, on the first day of the month. You have no other health coverage except what is permitted under Other health coverage, later.
For 2024, the annual contribution limits on deductions for HSAs for individuals with self-only coverage is $4,150 (increase of $300) and $8,300 for family coverage (increase of $550). There is an additional contribution amount of $1,000 for taxpayers who are age 55 or older.
However, let's say you want extra coverage for your car, so you sign up for comprehensive insurance. The average auto insurance deductible is $500, but you could also select amounts like $250, $1,000 or $2,000; this will also affect your policy's premium.
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.
Liability coverage, which is required in California, doesn't involve deductibles but covers damages the policyholder causes to other vehicles, drivers, or property.
If you're generally healthy and don't have medical expenses beyond annual physicals and preventive screenings, an HDHP could save you several hundred dollars or more a year.
You would most likely benefit from a low-deductible plan if you're older, have a chronic condition, or simply receive frequent medical care. Having an LDHP can save you money if you have costly health issues or a larger family.
This means you'll pay less each month for insurance and more out-of-pocket when you receive care. The upside? Preventive care is still covered at 100 percent on these plans. Once you hit your deductible, your health plan will start to cover the cost of your other care.
Generally, drivers tend to have average deductibles of $500. Common deductible amounts also include $250, $1000, and $2000, according to WalletHub. You can also select separate comprehensive and collision coverage deductibles.
Under an HDHP, your deductible might be $3,000. That means you'll be required to cover $3,000 of the bill before your insurance provider covers the rest. With a PPO, you might only have to contribute $1,500 before your coverage kicks in.