1. Employee Support
  2. Health Insurance 101

What is a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)?

A High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a plan with a higher deductible than a traditional insurance plan.

The monthly premium is usually lower, but you pay more health care costs yourself before the insurance company starts to pay its share (your deductible). A high deductible plan (HDHP) can be combined with a health savings account (HSA), allowing you to pay for certain medical expenses with money free from federal taxes.

For 2022, the IRS defines a high deductible health plan as any plan with a deductible of at least $1,400 for an individual or $2,800 for a family. An HDHP’s total yearly out-of-pocket expenses (including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance) can’t be more than $7,050 for an individual or $14,100 for a family. (This limit doesn't apply to out-of-network services.)

A high-deductible health plan might be right for you if:

  • You’re healthy and rarely get sick or injured.
  • You can afford to pay your deductible upfront or within 30 days of receiving a bill for that amount if an unexpected medical expense comes up.
  • You have the means to make significant contributions to an HSA each month.
  • You are healthy and are interested in using an HSA as a way to save or invest money.
  • You’re healthy and rarely get sick or injured.
  • You can afford to pay your deductible upfront or within 30 days of receiving a bill for that amount if an unexpected medical expense comes up.
  • You have the means to make significant contributions to an HSA each month.
  • You are healthy and are interested in using an HSA as a way to save or invest money.