Deductible
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance starts covering costs.
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance starts covering costs.
Also known as
Excess, Franchise (Switzerland), Eigen risico (Netherlands), Self-pay threshold
Why travellers need to know
Deductibles determine whether your insurance kicks in at all for smaller medical bills abroad. Many travellers assume their insurance covers everything from the first dollar, then discover they owe the full amount because the bill fell below their deductible. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your premium but means you pay more before coverage starts. For short trips, a low deductible is usually worth the extra premium.
Real-world example
You have travel insurance with a $250 deductible. In Bangkok, you visit a private hospital for a stomach bug. The total bill is $180. Because this is below your deductible, your insurance pays nothing and you cover the full $180. If the bill had been $400, you'd pay $250 and your insurer would cover the remaining $150.
Country-specific notes
🇨🇭 Switzerland
CHF 300-2,500 annual franchise for all residents
Switzerland requires all residents to choose an annual deductible (franchise) between CHF 300 and CHF 2,500. Visitors aren't part of this system but may encounter it if they access care through a Swiss insurer or employer plan.
🇺🇸 United States
Average US deductible exceeds $1,500/year
US health insurance deductibles average over $1,500 for individual plans. Visitors on travel insurance typically have much lower deductibles ($50-500), but should verify before any non-emergency visit.
Ask any US medical provider for an itemised estimate before treatment. Prices are negotiable, especially for uninsured or self-pay patients.
🇩🇪 Germany
German private health insurance uses Selbstbeteiligung (self-participation) — a deductible-equivalent of €500–2,500/year
State health insurance (GKV) has no deductible. Private insurance (PKV) often includes a Selbstbeteiligung which functions identically to a deductible. Visitors buying travel insurance should note that German GP consultations cost €20–80 — often below a typical excess.
For short visits to Germany, verify whether the cost of seeing a GP will exceed your policy excess before filing a claim — minor visits may not be worth claiming.
Frequently asked questions
Is a deductible the same as an excess?
In practice, yes. 'Deductible' is the standard term in the US and internationally. 'Excess' is the equivalent term used in UK and Australian insurance policies. Both refer to the amount you pay before your insurer covers the rest.
How does a deductible differ from a copayment?
A deductible is a fixed annual amount you pay before insurance contributes at all. A copayment is a per-visit fixed fee paid alongside insurance. Some plans have both — you pay the deductible first, then copayments apply per visit.
Nomedic keeps your insurance policy details and deductible amount stored alongside your health records, so you can check your coverage instantly from any hospital reception.