Description

Out-of-pocket expense refers to the costs for medical care that are not reimbursed by insurance. These expenses can include deductibles, copayments, and any services not covered by a health plan.

Interpreter Notes

Interpreters should be aware that patients may confuse out-of-pocket expenses with total medical costs or insurance premiums. It is important to maintain a formal register and avoid colloquial terms. Some may use 'gastos personales' colloquially, but it is best to stick to 'gasto o desembolso en efectivo' in clinical contexts.

Example Sentences

EN: The out-of-pocket expense for the procedure was higher than expected.

ES: El gasto o desembolso en efectivo para el procedimiento fue mayor de lo esperado.

Common Interpreter Mistakes

Confusing with 'gastos médicos' which refers to overall medical expenses; misinterpreting as insurance premiums; using informal language instead of formal medical terminology.