massimale

Massimale is a term used in insurance and welfare contexts to denote the maximum amount that an insurer, fund, or program will pay for a covered loss. It represents a cap on the liability of the insurer, and it can apply to a single event (per sinistro) or to a defined period, typically a year (annuo).

In health and other non-life policies, the massimale sets the upper limit of benefits that the policy will reimburse. Policies may specify a massimale annuale for all medical costs or separate massimali for specific services or treatments. If the incurred costs exceed the massimale, the insured is responsible for the excess, unless additional coverage is purchased.

Massimale is also common in motor vehicle liability insurance and other lines of business to cap the compensation payable for a claim or for the policy term. It can apply to bodily injury, property damage, or a combination of covered losses, depending on the contract terms. Some contracts distinguish between a massimale per sinistro and a massimale all year.

The concept is distinct from franchezza (franchigia) and scoperto (co-insurance). Franchigia is the amount that the insured must bear before coverage kicks in, while the massimale caps the total payment by the insurer. Understanding both helps compare policy generosity and out-of-pocket exposure.

Regulatory disclosure requirements in many jurisdictions, including Italy and the wider EU, require clear communication of massimali so consumers can assess coverage levels and avoid unexpected expenses at claim time.