A copayment, often referred to as a copay, is a fixed amount that a patient pays for a specific medical service or prescription medication. This fee is typically required at the time of the visit or when picking up a prescription. Copayments are common in many health insurance plans and help share the cost of healthcare between the patient and the insurance provider. The amount of a copayment can vary based on the type of service. For example, a visit to a primary care doctor may have a lower copay than a visit to a specialist. Understanding copayments is important for managing healthcare expenses and knowing what to expect when seeking medical care.