Health insurance is designed to help people cover the cost of part or all of their medical expenses. Though the specifics of coverage vary from plan to plan--and you should always check with your insurance provider if you're not sure whether your plan covers a particular procedure--there are certain types of things that health insurance covers.
Hospital Services
Most health insurance plans cover expenses for inpatient and outpatient services at hospitals, including surgery, medication, emergency room visits and other necessary medical treatments. This coverage usually includes the cost of labor and delivery for pregnant women, as well as any needed neonatal care.
Doctor Visits
In most cases, health insurance will pay all or part of the cost of visits to physicians, certified nurse practitioners and midwives, though depending on the plan, you may be limited to a specific network of doctors in order to get maximum coverage. Health insurance covers visits to specialists, too; some plans require you to get a referral to see a specialist. In most cases, insurance also covers physical and occupational therapist visits.
Preventive Care
Many health insurance plans include coverage for preventive care, including annual physical examinations and recommended routine health screenings for conditions, including cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and joint health.
Family Planning
Health insurance frequently covers some or part of the cost of birth control methods, including prescriptions, treatments and surgery. In some cases, health insurance may cover part or all of the cost of tests and treatments for fertility problems, including assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Dental and Vision
Some health insurance plans may cover services for dental care, including orthodontist visits and dental surgery, and vision care, including vision aids and eye surgery. In many cases, this insurance is optional for an additional premium cost.
Alternative Therapies
Health insurance may also provide full or partial coverage or specific discounts for complementary health therapies, such as acupuncture, chiropractic services or massage therapy.
Prescriptions
In most cases, insurance will pay some or all of the cost for prescribed medications and treatments. This includes injections and oral medications as well as medical aids, such as crutches and canes or home oxygen systems.
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