<prompt> Human: So can someone explain to me how insurance works? Because Im hoping my understand is wrong. You pay a monthly fee of x out of you checks. Then you have a deductible which is pretty much saying you have to spend absurd amount in medical costs before they pay anything y. So in all, you are paying monthly to have the chance to pay more money so that one day you can finally use insurance. It seems like they are double dipping in the financial pool. And why on earth do I have to pay before being treated only to find out they cant help me at that Dr. Office? Im not dying. It all just seems like something to just get more money from people who have almost no money. I have a pretty decent job but after taxes, medical payments, and living expenses, Im left with 40 every pay period for food. Sorry for the rant portion of this post.  <response>: You have the gist of it. Another thing youre missing is your insurance company will negotiate medical expenses for you so it costs you and thus them less. Welcome to the real world. 