Deductible An insurance deductible refers to your out of pocket expense before the insurance carrier steps in to pay the claim. Deductibles serve to reduce insurance premiums by discouraging both morale hazard and overutilization. Related Articles: Glossary: Morale hazardGlossary: High-deductible planWhat–Me Worry?Glossary: Health savings accountGlossary: Qualifying home equity interest deduction