Out-of-Pocket Maximum
Also called: OOP max, annual limit on costs, out of pocket limit
The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you can pay in a plan year before the insurer covers everything else in full. It's the number that actually defines your worst case, and it matters far more than the deductible when comparing plans — a low-premium plan with a high out-of-pocket maximum is a bet that you stay healthy. Premiums themselves don't count towards it, and out-of-network care often doesn't either.