Free Tool
HDHP vs PPO Calculator
Most plan comparisons ignore the HSA tax savings that can save families $2,000 to $3,000+ per year. This calculator includes them so you can see what each plan actually costs.
The percentage you pay (e.g., if your plan pays 80%, enter 20)
Check this if the plan has a qualifying high deductible ($1,700+ individual, $3,400+ family for 2026)
The percentage you pay (e.g., if your plan pays 80%, enter 20)
Check this if the plan has a qualifying high deductible ($1,700+ individual, $3,400+ family for 2026)
Your Situation
How much healthcare do you expect to use?
Estimated spending: $5,000 across ~10 visits
One of your plans is HSA-eligible. We need a few more details to calculate your tax savings.
Determines which deductible and out-of-pocket max to use
Not sure? Most working professionals are in the 22% or 24% bracket.
How much you plan to put into your HSA this year (2026 max: $4,400)
See Which Plan Saves You More
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Why Most Health Plan Comparisons Get It Wrong
Open enrollment packets show you premiums, deductibles, and copays. That is useful, but it is incomplete. If one of your plan options is an HDHP that qualifies for an HSA, the tax savings from HSA contributions can be worth thousands of dollars per year. At a 24% federal tax bracket plus 7.65% FICA, a family contributing the 2026 maximum of $8,750 saves over $2,700 annually in taxes alone. No plan comparison from your HR department includes that number.
How This Calculator Works
Enter the details for two or three health plans you are comparing. The calculator computes your total annual cost: premiums plus estimated out-of-pocket medical spending (based on your expected expenses, deductible, and coinsurance). For HSA-eligible plans, it subtracts the tax savings from your HSA contribution. The result is your true net cost, including the tax benefit that makes HDHPs competitive even for people with significant medical expenses. The worst-case comparison shows what happens if you hit the out-of-pocket maximum, and the breakeven analysis shows at what spending level one plan becomes cheaper than the other.
The HDHP Can Win Even With High Medical Bills
A common misconception is that high-deductible plans are only for healthy people who rarely see a doctor. In reality, the lower premiums and HSA tax savings often make the HDHP the better choice even for families spending $7,000 or more on medical care each year. The key is running the full comparison, not just looking at the deductible in isolation. Read how one family of five still saves with an HDHP or learn how to pick the right HDHP for your HSA. You can also browse our full list of HSA-eligible expenses to understand exactly what your HSA can cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I compare HDHP vs PPO health plans?
To compare health plans accurately, you need to look beyond monthly premiums. Add up annual premiums, expected out-of-pocket costs (deductible + coinsurance), and then subtract HSA tax savings if the plan qualifies. For families, the HSA tax benefit alone can be worth $2,000 to $3,000+ per year, which often flips the comparison in favor of an HDHP.
What are the HSA tax savings most people miss?
When you contribute to an HSA through payroll deduction, you save on federal income tax AND FICA taxes (7.65%). At a 24% tax bracket, every $1,000 contributed saves you $316.50 in taxes. For a family maxing out the 2026 HSA limit of $8,750, that is over $2,700 in annual tax savings that most plan comparison tools completely ignore.
Can an HDHP be cheaper even with high medical bills?
Yes. Many families with $5,000 to $10,000+ in annual medical expenses still come out ahead on an HDHP because the premium savings and HSA tax benefits outweigh the higher deductible. The breakeven point depends on your specific plan options, but the HSA tax advantage often makes up the difference.
Go Deeper
Understand the HSA Triple Tax Advantage
Your HSA is more than a way to pay medical bills. Learn how the triple tax advantage turns it into a long-term wealth-building tool.