Health insurance deductibles are the amount of money you have to pay out of pocket for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. You pay a deductible for health insurance when you receive covered medical services. This means that if you visit a doctor, have a medical procedure, or receive any other covered health care service, you will typically need to pay the deductible amount before your insurance starts to cover the costs. Once you've paid your deductible, your insurance plan will begin to pay its share of the costs for covered services. It's important to note that not all health care services require you to pay the deductible upfront. For example, preventive care services like annual check-ups and certain screenings are often covered without having to meet the deductible first. In summary, the deductible for health insurance is paid when you receive covered medical services, and it's important to understand your specific insurance plan's deductible requirements and coverage details.