i was wondering how the deductable works.

i have a 250 deductable plan

does that means doesn't matter which doctor i visit, if the cost is under 250 everytime per visit, i pay that amount out of my pocket?

or does it means accumlate through out the year, after i paid $250 for any visit i have to any doctor(s), after that i only pay my co-insurance?

thanks!
my provider is United Healthcare

is your plan a PPO? if so, your deductable is what you have to pay out of pocket to a doctor or specialist who does not take your insurance (considered an out of network doctor). after you have paid the $250 annual deductable, then your plan will cover either 70% or 80% or whatever your plan allows--remember, that's the 'usual and customary' fee. you will be responsible for the remainder that insurance didn't cover. that $250 is an annual fee and is accumulated over a calendar year. if you go to an in-network doctor, none of these fees apply as your insurance will cover it all except your co-pay.

Obviously every plan is different, but how I understand deductables is this:

You need to pay out $250 first, before your plan will come into effect. So say your visits cost $100 each. The first two times you need to pay it, but the third time you pay $50 and your insurance will pick up the remaining $50 and all other visits afterwards. Mind you, you will most likely have to repay this deductable in the next fiscal year of your insurance (most don't go by calendar year but by a fiscal date chosen by the company).

Hope that helps!

With my plan you can go to whatever doctor you want and you have to pay a co-pay. The Deductible is usually used with labs, x-rays, hospital stays. You have to pay $250 dollars before your insurance will start covering the services.
For instance, I recently broke my leg and met my deductible. Now my insurance pays 100% on my x-rays, hospital stay, labs, and physical therapy. You need to find out what the deductilbe applys to.