Which of the following is the amount paid at the time of a medical visit before insurance pays?

• A. Copay
• B. Deductible
• C. Premium
• D. Coinsurance

Answer: (A)

The amount paid at the time of a medical visit before insurance pays is a fixed upfront payment called a copay. Copays are set by the insurance plan and are paid at the time of the visit, with the insurer covering the rest of the allowed charge according to the plan terms. This differs from a deductible, which is the total amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurer begins to pay for covered services (usually over a policy year and not a per-visit fixed amount). Premium is the regular payment you make to maintain coverage, not tied to a single visit. Coinsurance is the percentage you pay after the deductible is met for covered services.