copay

American  

[koh-pey] / ˈkoʊˌpeɪ /

noun

1. a small fixed amount required by a health insurer to be paid by the insured for each outpatient visit or drug prescription.

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Etymology

Origin of copay

1970–75

Example Sentences

The copay — the amount insured patients must pay out of their own pocket — is often tied to a drug’s list price.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

In that case, the particulars of how each medication is covered—whether it’s a copay or coinsurance, for example—don’t matter.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

So, instead, I will save myself the insurance copay and opt for the cheaper choice: studying the maneuvers of one Ms. Goop.

From Salon • Dec. 22, 2025

Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will make their GLP-1 drugs available under Medicare for about $245 a month, with patients paying a $50 copay starting as early as April 2026.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

Typically, under the previous system, a customer’s copay was based on a high list price set by the drug company, while pharmacy benefit managers like Evernorth negotiated a rebate that was paid back after.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025