350+ health insurance terms, explained in plain English
We break down the health insurance jargon into plain English, so you can actually understand your plan and make confident choices.
How much will you actually pay?
Premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs can feel like a maze. We break them down so you know what to expect before you enroll.
Premium
Your monthly bill to keep coverage active. Lower premiums often mean higher deductibles.
Deductible
What you pay for care before your plan starts sharing costs. Some plans have $0 deductibles.
Out-of-pocket max
The most you'll pay in a year for covered care. After that, your plan covers 100%.
Copay vs. coinsurance
A copay is a flat fee. Coinsurance is a percentage. Both count toward your deductible and max.
Provider networks that decide your options
Your network can affect your costs more than your premium. We help you compare HMO and PPO plans side by side before you enroll.
HMO basics
You pick a primary care doctor and get referrals for specialists. Lower premiums, but less flexibility.
PPO flexibility
See any in-network provider without a referral. Higher premiums, but more choice and less hassle.
In-network savings
Stay inside your network to keep out-of-pocket costs low and maximize what your plan covers.
Network check
We verify your doctors and local hospitals are covered before you commit to a plan.
Claims, beneficiaries, and copays, made plain
Understanding claims, beneficiaries, and copays is simpler than it seems. Here's what they actually mean and why they matter.
Claims
A claim is a request your provider sends to the insurer for payment on covered care.
Beneficiaries
The person or people you name to receive your life insurance payout when you pass.
Copays
Your fixed payment for a service, like a doctor visit, paid directly at the time of care.
Got a term we didn't cover?
Short on time? Here are quick answers to common glossary questions. Still stuck? Ask us directly.
No glossary covers every term. A licensed agent can.
Can't find a term you need? Ask us directly. We're licensed agents who explain coverage in plain English, with no jargon and no pressure.