Deductible

A deductible is the amount you pay for covered services before your plan begins to pay. For example, if a plan has a set deductible, you pay that first amount of covered care yourself. Many plans reset the deductible each plan year.

Dental plans often skip the deductible for preventive care, such as exams and cleanings. They may apply it to basic and major services. A plan that covers several family members may have an individual deductible and a family deductible.

After you meet it, you usually pay only a copay or coinsurance. Do not confuse the deductible with the premium, which is the regular cost of the plan. Check your plan documents for your own numbers. See the insurance and financing page for the practice's own information.