HDHP vs PPO Calculator
Which health plan costs less for you? Compare an HDHP (with HSA) against a PPO using your premiums, deductibles and expected medical spending.
Example: with HDHP premium / month $250 · PPO premium / month $450 · HDHP deductible $3,500 · PPO deductible $1,000 → HDHP total annual cost: $4,250.
- PPO total annual cost$6,400
- You save$2,150
Computed by the calculator below using its default values. Change any input to see your own numbers.
Health plan and HSA comparison tools
Learn moreLow premium vs low deductible
An HDHP trades a low premium for a high deductible — great if you’re healthy and rarely use care, especially with an employer HSA contribution. A PPO costs more monthly but covers care sooner — better if you expect significant medical spending.
How it’s calculated & sources
Annual cost = premiums + the portion of spending you pay up to the deductible. The HDHP cost subtracts any employer HSA contribution. (Coinsurance above the deductible and the out-of-pocket max are simplified out.)
Benchmark: the breakeven on premiums plus deductible, net of the employer HSA contribution.
Results update as you type and are general estimates, not personalized financial, tax, medical or legal advice. Verify with a professional.
Frequently asked questions
What if I have a big medical year?
Heavy users usually do better on the PPO, because its lower deductible and out-of-pocket max cap costs sooner. Model a high-spend scenario to check.
Is the HSA tax benefit included?
Indirectly — we subtract the employer HSA contribution. Your own pre-tax HSA contributions add further savings not shown here.