A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for healthcare services before your insurance starts to cover costs. A copay is a fixed fee (e.g., $30) you pay for specific services like doctor visits, even after your deductible is met. Coinsurance is your share of costs (e.g., 20%) for services after you've met your deductible— your insurance covers the rest.

Yes—while it might seem optional now, health insurance protects you from high unexpected costs due to accidents or sudden illnesses. Plus, many plans offer free preventive services, like annual checkups and vaccinations, which help you stay healthy long-term.

Maybe. Each insurance plan has a network of preferred providers. Before switching, check if your doctor is in-network for the new plan. Going out-of-network usually means higher out-of-pocket costs—or your care may not be covered at all.

An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) requires you to choose a primary care doctor and get referrals to see specialists. It’s typically cheaper but more restrictive. A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) offers more flexibility—you can see any doctor without a referral, including out-of-network providers (for a higher cost). “Better” depends on your healthcare needs and budget.

You can usually enroll during Open Enrollment, which happens once a year. However, Special Enrollment Periods are triggered by life events like getting married, having a baby, or losing other coverage. Missing these windows could mean waiting months before getting insured.