Family Encyclopedia >> Health

Health insurance:increase deductible or not?

Health insurance:increase deductible or not?

Is it cheaper to increase your deductible on your health insurance? That is a choice that only you can make. We have listed a number of facts for you that may make the decision a little easier.

1. More and more people are opting for an increase in the deductible
In 2006, only 5 percent had increased the deductible. That has increased to 12 percent in 2016.

2. You will receive a discount on your monthly premium
The advantage of an increased deductible is that you receive a discount on your monthly premium. With many insurers, those discounts will be slightly lower in 2017.

3. Not everyone is more profitable with an increased deductible
80 percent of policyholders with a voluntary deductible benefit from this choice. They have more discount on their premium than they pay extra for healthcare costs. For 20 percent, the choice is not more advantageous.

4. Men more often increase their own risk Young people, people with high incomes and the highly educated also increase their deductible relatively more often. And obvious:people with low health care costs increase their deductible more often

What should you pay attention to when choosing a voluntary increase of the deductible?

  • Is it really more beneficial for you? Look at your healthcare consumption, grab your calculator and calculate how much it can yield or cost you.
  • Suppose you unexpectedly make more use of care than planned, do you have enough money to pay the extra deductible out of your own pocket? Some insurers do not allow you to pay the voluntary deductible in instalments.
  • Make the choice consciously. Don't let your insurance run automatically because it's easy. Take the time to look at it and make an informed choice for 2017.

Have you voluntarily increased your deductible?