We have an HSA coverage, where we pay $280/mo for a couple, both 52, and our 19-y.o. son, with an annual deductible of $10K.
As we are so far healthy (knock on wood), and have been using no more health services than the annual check up, this saves money.
What we found out was that even though we paid out of pocket, we enjoyed the lower group fees that the insurance company prenegotiated, compared to what we would have paid if we walked in. What's the reason for that?
We have not had major expenses like hospitalization to see how the coverage really works.