[startupcomment]

Many private health insurance policies feature annual out-of-pocket maximums (for deductibles, co-payments, etc.) so that you do not have a potential limitless liability for out-of-pocket cost-sharing during a given plan year - unless, of course, you happen to hit a lifetime limit on benefit coverage under the policy (another common feature - one that I believe the health insurance reform will phase out). Under the terms of such out-of-pocket maximums, once you hit the annual limit, you may have no further liability for deductibles, co-payments, etc.) during the balance of the plan year. Double check the terms of your policy.

[Lewisham]

This is another part of it: It's very difficult to compare health care in the same way you can compare, say, auto insurance. I've got a policy from my university, but it's still a significant document of legalese that doesn't easily explain what I am and am not entitled to.

It would have been nice if the health care reform created some sort of common labeling for policies that allows you to quickly scan your coverage. Or even some online "what if" simulator, where you can ask questions about what the policy will and will not cover (startup idea here?)