Quick answer: The monthly price is your premium, and it is only one of five costs. You also face a deductible, copays, coinsurance and an out-of-pocket maximum. Premiums vary with age, ZIP code, family, plan and subsidies, so no single price is honest. This FAQ explains each term with examples and links to our price guide.

This is the short question-and-answer companion to our long 2026 cost guide and to the 2027 visa and subsidy guide. We do not publish a price list here because premiums depend on your age, ZIP code, household, plan and eligibility for tax credits, and the figures change every year. Ask for a quote for a real number.

How much does health insurance cost per month?

It depends on who is covered, where you live, the plan's level and any subsidy, so there is no honest single figure. HealthCare.gov defines the premium as "the amount you pay for your health insurance every month." In addition, you usually pay a deductible, copayments and coinsurance when you get care. The lowest premium plan may not be the best match, per HealthCare.gov.

What is a premium?

The premium is the monthly amount you pay to keep the coverage, whether or not you use care. The first premium is paid directly to the insurance company, not to the Marketplace, HealthCare.gov says. In French: la prime (cotisation) mensuelle. Premiums are normally quoted per month.

What is a deductible?

The deductible is what you pay for covered services before your plan starts to pay. With a $2,000 deductible, you pay the first $2,000 of covered services yourself, per HealthCare.gov. It is an annual amount, not a fee on each visit. Plans with lower premiums generally have higher deductibles. Marketplace plans cover certain preventive benefits before the deductible. In French: la franchise.

What is a copay (copayment)?

A copay is a fixed amount you pay for a covered service after the deductible is met. HealthCare.gov's example: a $100 allowed amount for a visit with a $20 copay means you pay $20 if the deductible is met, and the full $100 if it is not. Copays can differ by service, such as specialist visits, tests or drugs.

What is coinsurance?

Coinsurance is a percentage of the allowed amount that you pay after the deductible. HealthCare.gov's example: a $100 allowed amount and 20% coinsurance means you pay $20. Coinsurance for out-of-network care is usually higher than in-network.

What is the out-of-pocket maximum?

It is the most you have to pay for covered in-network services in a plan year. After you hit it, the plan pays 100% of covered benefits for that year, per HealthCare.gov. It does not include premiums, services your plan does not cover, out-of-network care, or amounts above the allowed amount. For Marketplace plans the limit is $10,600 (individual) or $21,200 (family) in 2026, and $12,000 or $24,000 in 2027.

What is the difference between a deductible and a copay?

A deductible is an amount you pay before the plan pays, over the year. A copay is a fixed fee for one service. On many plans both apply to different services, so read the Summary of Benefits.

Copay or coinsurance: which is which?

A copay is a fixed dollar amount (for example $20). Coinsurance is a percentage (for example 20%). The French "ticket modérateur" is close in spirit, but it is calculated on a different basis, so do not translate it word for word.

Worked example: what does a serious illness really cost?

Use HealthCare.gov's example. Allowed costs are $12,000, the deductible is $3,000, coinsurance is 20% and the out-of-pocket maximum is $6,850.

StepAmount
You pay the deductible$3,000
Remaining allowed cost ($12,000 - $3,000)$9,000
Your coinsurance (20% of $9,000)$1,800
Your total for care$4,800
Cap on your care costs (out-of-pocket maximum)$6,850

Your total year cost equals the premiums you paid plus your care costs. For a rough worst case, add 12 monthly premiums to the out-of-pocket maximum. Premiums are not counted toward that maximum. The example is an illustration from HealthCare.gov and not a price quote.

How do I compare a low-premium plan with a high-premium plan?

Compare the worst case and the normal case. The formula is: 12 x monthly premium + care costs, capped by the out-of-pocket maximum for in-network care. A lower premium usually means a higher deductible, so the low-premium plan can cost more in a bad year. A healthy person with savings may accept that risk; someone with regular treatment may prefer a higher premium. See our PPO vs HMO guide to pair cost with network rules.

How do subsidies change the monthly cost?

Marketplace premium tax credits can reduce the premium for eligible people, per HealthCare.gov. Starting with 2027, federal law limits that credit for non-citizens to permanent residents and a few groups, so many visa holders should expect full price. See the ACA and visa guide for details.

How much does health insurance cost without a job?

We do not quote a figure. If you buy on your own, the price depends on the plan, ZIP code and who is covered, and financial help depends on your income and immigration status. Ask a broker for quotes on the Marketplace and off it.

Is the cheapest plan the best choice?

Not necessarily. HealthCare.gov says a plan with a slightly higher premium but a lower deductible may save you a lot of money if you need much care. Choose by total risk, not only the monthly price.

Key facts

  • Premium: monthly payment. Deductible: annual amount before the plan pays. Copay: fixed fee. Coinsurance: percentage.
  • All Marketplace plans cover certain preventive benefits before the deductible.
  • The out-of-pocket maximum excludes premiums, out-of-network care and non-covered services.
  • 2026 Marketplace limit: $10,600 / $21,200. 2027: $12,000 / $24,000.
  • HealthCare.gov example: $12,000 allowed, $3,000 deductible, 20% coinsurance leaves you $4,800.

Frequently asked questions

How much does health insurance cost?

It depends on age, ZIP code, household, plan level and subsidies. Ask for a quote for a real figure.

How much is health insurance per month?

The monthly amount is your premium; you usually pay a deductible, copays and coinsurance as well.

How much does health insurance cost without a job?

It varies by plan and location, and financial help depends on income and immigration status. Ask a broker for quotes.

How much does health insurance cost yearly?

Premiums for 12 months plus the care costs you pay, capped by the out-of-pocket maximum for in-network care.

How do government subsidies reduce health insurance costs?

Premium tax credits can lower the premium for eligible Marketplace enrollees; from 2027 eligibility is narrower for non-citizens.

What's the difference between a deductible and a copay?

A deductible is an annual amount before the plan pays; a copay is a fixed fee per service.

What is a deductible (franchise) in American health insurance?

It is the amount you pay for covered care before the plan begins to pay, over the plan year.

What is the difference between coinsurance and a ticket modérateur?

Coinsurance is a percentage you pay of the allowed amount after the deductible. The French ticket modérateur is similar in spirit but not the same rule.

Sources

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Want help comparing your options in English or French? Request a quote or message Charlyne on WhatsApp. This article is general information, not personal advice; plans, prices and eligibility vary by state, insurer, immigration status and year.