Basically, I'm looking to get new health insurance (my work insurance blows) and I have a choice between one that is $180 per month but with a 1,000 deductible and one that is $480 and has no deductible.

Its easy to compute 180 x 12 = 2160 vs 480 x 12 = 5760.

As the deductible is only 1,000 and the premium difference is 3,600. or an extra of 300 per month. Mathematically if nothing happens to you for the next 3.5 months and you already have 1,000 in your bank account to cover the dedutible.

If you don't fore see any claims for the next 3-4 months you should take the $180 per month plan.

Also insurance companies will impose a 30 days waiting period and 120 days to 12 months exclusion period for pre-existing condition. Technically if you opt for $ 480 plan you may not get protection immediately. as it is normal for insurance company to impose waiting period and certain exclusions.

Ask your agent to compare for you