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

For patients who have to pay the full price or a copay based on a percentage of list price, the price cuts will mean lower costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

“When you go to urgent care, you pay a $75 copay, and they’re like, ‘it’s viral and there’s nothing we can do for you,’” Jespersen said.

From Salon • Jan. 20, 2026

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