High deductible? When paying cash can cost less

A deductible is the amount you pay yourself each year before your insurance starts to pay. The average deductible on a Marketplace plan hit a record $3,786 in 2026. Until you reach your deductible, you may pay the full price of many doctor visits yourself. Preventive care, such as a yearly checkup, is usually covered at no cost, and some plans charge only a set copay. A copay is a set amount you pay for each visit.

Why the cash price can be lower

When you use insurance before you reach your deductible, you pay the price your insurer agreed with the practice. Sometimes a doctor's cash price for the same visit is lower. A typical cash-pay visit costs $40 to $300. It is worth comparing.

Why it matters for your health

A high deductible leads many people to skip the doctor, even when something feels wrong. Small problems can then grow into bigger ones. If a cash price makes regular visits affordable, it is easier to stay healthy and catch problems early.

How to compare

Things to know before you pay cash

• A visit you pay for in cash may not count toward your deductible. Ask your insurer whether you can send in your receipt so that it counts.
• If you have a health savings account, you can usually use it for doctor visits. A health savings account lets you set money aside for medical costs without paying tax on it. Starting in 2026, a new federal law lets many people use their account to pay for a direct primary care membership, within monthly limits. Check with your account provider first.
• Keep your insurance for big costs. Paying cash makes the most sense for everyday care, not for hospital stays or surgery.