US Medical Term · insurance
Catastrophic Coverage
Cobertura Catastrófica
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Catastrophic Coverage |
| Spanish (Español) | Cobertura Catastrófica |
| Chinese (中文) | 灾难性医疗保险 |
| Korean (한국어) | 재해 보장 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Bảo hiểm thảm họa |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Saklaw sa Sakuna |
| Portuguese (Português) | Cobertura Catastrófica |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ประกันสุขภาพแบบหายนะ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 壊滅的医療保険 |
What it means
A catastrophic health plan is a type of ACA marketplace plan designed for people who want protection against worst-case medical costs but are willing to pay most routine expenses out of pocket. Catastrophic plans have very low monthly premiums but very high deductibles—equal to the ACA's annual out-of-pocket maximum (over $9,000 for single coverage in most years). After you meet the deductible, the plan covers 100% of covered costs. Catastrophic plans are only available to people under age 30 or those who qualify for a hardship or affordability exemption. They do cover three primary care visits per year and preventive services at no cost. These plans are generally not eligible for income-based premium tax credits.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I enrolled in a catastrophic plan because the low premium fits my budget as a young adult.
Me inscribí en un plan catastrófico porque la prima baja se ajusta a mi presupuesto como adulto joven.
My catastrophic plan has a very high deductible, but it protects me from a major medical bill.
Mi plan catastrófico tiene un deducible muy alto, pero me protege de una factura médica importante.
You must be under 30 or have a hardship exemption to buy a catastrophic plan.
Debes tener menos de 30 años o tener una exención de dificultades para comprar un plan catastrófico.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026