What is an HDHP?
A High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a plan with very cheap monthly premiums, but a massive deductible limit (e.g. $3,500). If you get sick, you have to pay a lot of money upfront before insurance helps. But registering for an HDHP legally unlocks a secret weapon: The HSA.
The Power of an HSA (Health Savings Account)
An HSA is a bank account dedicated to medical spending. You can put thousands of dollars into it completely tax-free. Financial experts love it because it is "Triple Tax Advantaged": The money goes in tax-free, grows tax-free in the stock market, and comes out tax-free if used on medical bills.
The Playbook
If you are healthy and rarely need doctors, get an HDHP. Pay the low premium. Max track your spare cash into the HSA, invest it in S&P500 index funds inside the HSA, and let it grow for 30 years to cover your medical costs when you retire.