When Does A Health Insurance Deductible Apply? 
A health insurance deductible applies immediately , except for qualifying preventive services . For example , consider a policy with a $ 1,000 individual deductible . The policy requires that the insured pay the first $ 1,000 of medical expenses out-of-pocket directly to the healthcare providers . After the insured satisfies the deductible the plan begins reimbursing qualified medical expenses . The insured may still be responsible for paying any co-payment , and/or co-insurance . 