Two numbers shape what a health plan really costs you. The premium is what you pay every month just to have coverage. The deductible is what you pay out of pocket for care before the plan starts sharing costs.

They tend to move in opposite directions. A lower premium usually comes with a higher deductible, and vice versa. A plan that looks cheap monthly can be expensive if you actually need a lot of care.

Think about how much care you expect. If you rarely visit a doctor, a higher-deductible plan with a low premium may win. If you have ongoing needs, paying more each month for a lower deductible can cost less overall. Also look at the out-of-pocket maximum — the most you'd pay in a bad year.