What is Copay?
Quick answer
A copay (or copayment) is a fixed dollar amount you pay for a specific covered health service, like $25 for a doctor visit.
A copay (or copayment) is a fixed dollar amount you pay for a specific covered health service, like $25 for a doctor visit. The insurance plan pays the rest of the negotiated rate.
Examples
- $25 copay for a primary care visit.
- $50 copay for a specialist.
- $10 copay for a generic prescription.
Why this matters
ReadMyPolicy surfaces copay structures so you know what a routine visit actually costs — not just what the plan brochure advertises.
Read more in our guides
- What does my insurance actually cover? How to find out in 10 minutes
- Insurance policy exclusions: the coverage gaps most people discover too late
- Health insurance deductible vs out-of-pocket maximum: the difference that can cost thousands
Frequently asked questions
What is Copay?
A copay (or copayment) is a fixed dollar amount you pay for a specific covered health service, like $25 for a doctor visit. The insurance plan pays the rest of the negotiated rate.
When does Copay matter?
ReadMyPolicy surfaces copay structures so you know what a routine visit actually costs — not just what the plan brochure advertises.
What's an example of Copay?
$25 copay for a primary care visit. $50 copay for a specialist. $10 copay for a generic prescription.
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