When deducting medical expenses, are we deducting amount paid out of pocket for premiums/visits/etc? Or does it include what was also paid for by insurance?

Just what you actually paid out of pocket.

You can only deduct the amount of unreimbursed Medical Expenses you actually paid over 7.5% of your AGI.  And then all your itemized deductions has to be more than the standard deduction to get any benefit (so you would only be getting the benefit of the amount that puts you over the standard deduction).

Only what you actually paid during the year.  Medical is deductible the year when you pay it.  If paid by check, it would be when you gave the provider a check. You can only deduct the payments you made but not any interest.

If by credit card, it would be when the charge was made. Putting it on your credit card is the same as paying it.  You can deduct the full amount.  But you can't deduct any interest or penalties you paid on it.

If you put it on a credit card or took out a loan you can deduct the full amount even though you pay it over time. If you are on a payment plan with the hospital or doctor, etc. then it's only the amount you pay. Either way you only can deduct the principal amount, not any interest.