Insurance Terms
Be sure to check with your health insurance company to see how these terms apply to your health insurance coverage.
Co-payment or “co-pay”
The part of your medical bill you must pay each time you visit the doctor. This is a pre-set fee determined by your health insurance policy.
Co-insurance
The part of your bill, in addition to a co-pay, that you must pay. Co-insurance is usually a percentage of the total medical bill—for example, 20%.
Deductible
The cost you must pay for medical treatment before your health insurance company starts to pay—for example, $500 per individual or $1,500 per family. In most cases, a new deductible must be satisfied each calendar year.
Non-covered charges
Costs for medical treatment that your health insurance company does not pay. You may wish to determine if your treatment is covered by your health insurance policy before you are billed for these charges by the doctor’s office.
Approval number
A number authorizing the health insurance company to pay benefits for your care. You may need to obtain an approval number from your health insurance representative before you see the doctor in order for the health insurance company to pay for your medical treatment. Your doctor’s office staff might be able to help you obtain the approval from the health insurance company.