What type of deductible is associated with Major Medical payments?

A corridor deductible is a type of deductible that specifically applies in the context of major medical insurance. It acts as a threshold that the insured must meet before the major medical coverage becomes effective. This type of deductible typically comes into play after initial benefits, such as those from a basic health insurance plan, have been exhausted.

With a corridor deductible, once an insured's expenses exceed a certain amount from their basic plan, they must then pay the corridor deductible before the major medical insurance begins covering further costs. This structure allows for a smoother transition from basic coverage to more comprehensive coverage, ensuring that the insured is partly responsible for initial expenses while also providing significant coverage for larger medical costs.

In contrast, flat rate deductibles are fixed amounts that must be paid before coverage kicks in, while sliding scale deductibles vary based on the insured's income or age. Zero deductibles would indicate that the insurer pays all covered expenses from the outset, negating the requirement for any initial out-of-pocket expense from the insured. Each of these alternatives serves different purposes and reflects various health insurance plan designs, but the corridor deductible is uniquely positioned to bridge primary and major medical insurance.