Copay: What Does It Mean?

A copay (short for copayment) is a fixed dollar amount you pay for a covered health care service at the time of your visit, regardless of the total cost of the service. For example, your plan might charge $30 for a primary care visit and $60 for a specialist, whether the actual bill is $150 or $400. Copays are one of the most common forms of cost-sharing in health insurance and are typically charged for routine office visits, urgent care, and prescription medications. Unlike coinsurance, which is a percentage of the total bill, copays give you a predictable, flat fee every time you use a covered service.