How Does The Deductible For Health Insurance Work? 
The deductible for health insurance is one way that insurance companies use to keep their prices low for the consumer . The insurance company may decide that some or all benefits must be paid by the insured up to a certain level before they begin to pay for the services . This level is called the deductible . Usually the deductible applies to emergency room visits and hospital stays , but sometimes it can include office visits , lab work and other types of procedures . It 's important to know what is included in the deductible before you purchase a plan . The deductible is often listed as two numbers separated by a / . The first number is the deductible for any individual member of the plan . The second number is for the entire family . Once this amount has been reached , the insurance company will pay the claims as listed on your plan . 