I think the comment from jrweiner is right on the money.
Setting up a medical savings account (MSA) is very tax efficient. The money that goes into it is not taxed, and is used for smaller expenses, just like an employers medical flexible spending account.
You then get a catastrophe policy, which has a high deductible, usually above $3500.
The good thing about those cat. policies is, they usually have less restrictions that the conventional insurance that many people carry.
As a practising md, I see patients really struggle trying to meet the costs of copays and co-insurances.
Most conventional policies pay only 80% of the visit, and that's only after you've paid the big deductible.
When compared to MSA's, quite a few people feel they're better off with MSA's financially. Plus, you get to pick your doctor on YOUR terms, not on the financial arrangements chosen by your insuance carrier.!