Final answer:
The term that denotes the first portion of a covered medical expense that the policyholder must pay before the insurance company pays the remainder is deductible.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that denotes the first portion of a covered medical expense that the policyholder must pay before the insurance company pays the remainder is deductible. A deductible is a fixed amount that the policyholder is responsible for paying out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if a health insurance policy has a $500 deductible, the policyholder must pay the first $500 of a covered medical expense before the insurance company starts covering the remaining costs.