coinsurance
noun
co·in·sur·ance
ˌkō-ən-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s 
also -ˈin-ˌshu̇r-
1
: joint assumption of risk (as by two underwriters) with another
2
: insurance (such as fire insurance) in which the insured is obligated to maintain coverage on a risk at a stipulated percentage of its total value or in the event of loss suffer a penalty in proportion to the deficiency
3
: health insurance in which the insured is required to pay a fixed percentage of the cost of medical expenses after the deductible has been paid and the insurer pays the remaining expenses
Coinsurance is not a new idea—Americans who grew up in the era before managed care will remember their parents paying 20% of the costs of office visits, tests, and prescriptions.—
Thomas H. Lee et al.
Thomas H. Lee et al.Examples of coinsurance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In March, the patient will pay $500, based on the 50% coinsurance rate for the drug.
—Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
In addition, withdrawals for qualified medical expenses — including copays, deductibles, coinsurance and prescriptions — are also tax-free.
—Brian Sloan, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025
Medical schools rarely teach students about deductibles, coinsurance, or out-of-pocket maximums.
—Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
But since 2020, insurance companies have shifted most patients from flat co-pays to coinsurance.
—Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coinsurance
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Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
In addition, withdrawals for qualified medical expenses — including copays, deductibles, coinsurance and prescriptions — are also tax-free.
—Brian Sloan, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025
Medical schools rarely teach students about deductibles, coinsurance, or out-of-pocket maximums.
—Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
But since 2020, insurance companies have shifted most patients from flat co-pays to coinsurance.
—Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coinsurance
Cite this Entry
“Coinsurance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coinsurance. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
coinsurance
noun
co·in·sur·ance
ˌkō-ən-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s, -ˈshər- also -ˈin-ˌshu̇r-, -ˌshər-
: health insurance in which an insurer requires the insured to pay a fixed percentage of the cost of medical expenses after the deductible has been paid and with the insurer to pay the remaining expenses
Coinsurance is not a new idea—Americans who grew up in the era before managed care will remember their parents paying 20% of the costs of office visits, tests, and prescriptions.—Thomas H. Lee et al., The New England Journal of Medicine
Thomas H. Lee et al., The New England Journal of MedicineLegal Definition
coinsurance
noun
co·in·sur·ance
ˌkō-in-ˈshu̇r-əns, kō-ˈin-ˌshu̇r-
1
: joint assumption of risk (as by two underwriters) with another
2
: insurance (as fire insurance) in which the insured is obligated to maintain coverage on a risk at a stipulated percentage of its total value or in the event of loss to suffer a penalty in proportion to the deficiency
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