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Health Insurance

Health Insurance 101: What Is a Premium?

Lauren Smith, MAMera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Updated on July 4, 2025
Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP | July 4, 2025

Understanding what a premium is and how it affects your overall costs is essential to choosing a health insurance plan. A premium is the monthly fee that you pay for your plan, whether or not you received health services that month.

Got more questions about premiums or how to pick the right plan for you? Talk to a representative from your health insurance company who can break it down and give you personalized advice based on you and your family’s needs.

References

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Dr. Mera Goodman is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

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