Insurance Deductible Comparison Calculator

Compare high vs low deductible plans. See break-even claims frequency.
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Premium Savings

$600.00/yr

Better Choice

Higher Deductible

Risk Analysis

Annual Premium Savings$600.00
Extra Deductible Risk$1,500.00
Break-Even Claims/Year2.50
Expected Cost (Low Ded)$1,950.00
Expected Cost (High Ded)$1,800.00

Use the Insurance Deductible Comparison Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

This calculator helps you understand the financial impact of different health insurance deductibles. It highlights how much you might pay out-of-pocket before your insurance benefits kick in, empowering you to choose a plan that aligns with your healthcare needs and budget.

The calculator compares potential out-of-pocket costs by simulating a year's worth of medical expenses under various deductible scenarios. It factors in the deductible amount and, in some cases, co-insurance percentages to estimate your total financial responsibility for covered services before the deductible is met.

Don't just focus on the lowest premium; a low premium often means a high deductible, leading to greater out-of-pocket costs if you need significant medical care. Conversely, a high premium with a low deductible might be best if you anticipate frequent doctor visits or chronic conditions.

Example: Comparing two plans for a $5,000 medical expense

  1. 1 Plan A: $2,000 deductible, 20% co-insurance. Plan B: $4,000 deductible, 10% co-insurance. You anticipate $5,000 in medical expenses for the year.
  2. 2 For Plan A: You pay the $2,000 deductible. The remaining $3,000 is subject to 20% co-insurance, so you pay an additional $600. Total out-of-pocket: $2,600. For Plan B: You pay the $4,000 deductible. The remaining $1,000 is subject to 10% co-insurance, so you pay an additional $100. Total out-of-pocket: $4,100.
  3. 3 With $5,000 in medical expenses, Plan A results in a total out-of-pocket cost of $2,600, while Plan B results in $4,100.
  4. 4 In this scenario, Plan A, despite having a higher co-insurance percentage, is significantly more cost-effective for these specific medical expenses due to its lower deductible.

Source: CDC · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I choose a high or low deductible insurance plan?
Choose a high deductible if you are healthy, have an emergency fund, and want lower premiums. Choose a low deductible if you have ongoing medical needs, a family, or cannot afford a large unexpected expense. Calculate the break-even claims frequency to decide.
How do I calculate the break-even point between deductibles?
Subtract the lower premium from the higher premium to find annual savings. Subtract the lower deductible from the higher deductible to find extra out-of-pocket risk. Divide the extra risk by the premium savings to get the number of years to break even with one claim.
Does a higher deductible always mean lower premiums?
Generally yes, but not proportionally. Raising a deductible from $500 to $1,000 may save 10-15% on premiums. Going from $1,000 to $2,500 saves less per dollar of added risk. At some point, the premium savings become minimal relative to the increased financial exposure.

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