HEALTH INSURANCE · ANNUAL COSTS
Health Insurance Plan
Comparison Calculator
A lower premium doesn’t always mean a lower total cost. Compare two plans and see how the numbers change as your medical expenses grow.
For one person, starting a full plan year. Estimates assume covered, in-network care subject to the deductible and one coinsurance rate. All amounts are in US dollars.
YOUR COMPARISON
Estimated annual cost
What if your medical expenses change?
Annual cost includes your premiums. Drag the slider to explore a different expense level.
| Your costs | Plan A | Plan B |
|---|---|---|
| Premiums (12 months) | ||
| Toward deductible | ||
| Coinsurance after deductible | ||
| Medical out-of-pocket subtotal | ||
| Annual cost ceiling*12 premiums + out-of-pocket maximum |
*For covered, in-network care. Premiums sit outside the out-of-pocket maximum. Excluded expenses can take your actual total above this ceiling.
When does the cheaper plan change?
Ranges describe annual covered expenses, not your payments. At a shared range boundary, the plans cost the same. These ranges cover expense levels beyond the graph too.
How the comparison works
For each plan, we add 12 monthly premiums to your estimated share of covered medical expenses. You pay the deductible first, then your coinsurance percentage until the out-of-pocket maximum is reached.
Annual total = 12 × monthly premium + medical cost
Use coinsurance as a decimal in the formula: 20% = 0.20. With the example plans and $10,000 in expenses, Plan A costs $7,400 for the year and Plan B costs $6,700. They cost the same at $3,000 in covered expenses.
What this estimate includes
Use the premium you personally pay after employer contributions or premium assistance. The model starts with no deductible or out-of-pocket spending already accumulated. It assumes the same allowed charges and coverage for both plans.
What can change your actual cost?
Copays, services covered before the deductible (including qualifying preventive care), separate prescription deductibles, family deductible rules, different networks or negotiated prices, and employer HSA/HRA contributions are not modeled. Out-of-network and noncovered bills are excluded. Compare your plan documents and benefits as well as these estimates.
Does the out-of-pocket maximum include premiums?
No. Premiums are added separately here. The maximum caps eligible medical cost-sharing, so even after reaching it you continue paying premiums.
Is a high-deductible plan always cheaper?
No. A lower premium may save money at low spending levels, while a lower deductible or maximum may help at higher spending levels. The graph and equal-cost ranges show the tradeoff for the two plans you enter.
Sources: HealthCare.gov: total health care costs, allowed amounts, and out-of-pocket limits. Reviewed September 6, 2026.