Exploring your health insurance options? Whether you’re buying coverage for yourself or your family, finding a plan can feel like a challenge. But with the right information and a little help, you can find a plan that works for you.
From plans available through the Health Insurance Marketplace to short term medical coverage and supplemental insurance plans, there’s a wide range of health insurance options to fit your needs and your budget.
Take a closer look at 7 popular insurance choices below:
If you’re in between jobs, but need medical coverage right away, one option could be short term health insurance. In some cases, coverage could begin as soon as the next day. Explore plans today.
1. Health Insurance Marketplace plans
Plans available through the Health Insurance Marketplace (created by the Affordable Care Act or ACA) are comprehensive, government-regulated health insurance options for individuals and families. They’re available through federal or state exchanges and include essential benefits, such as:1
- Doctor visits and preventive care
- Mental health and substance use care
- Maternity and newborn care
Financial help to pay for these types of plans may be available.2 You may qualify for:
- Premium tax credits to lower your monthly premium (insurance bill).
- Cost-sharing reductions to reduce out-of-pocket costs (available on Silver plans only).
Types of ACA plans
Plans are grouped into “metal” categories, based on how you and the insurance company share costs:3
- Bronze plans have the lowest premiums and highest out-of-pocket costs
- Silver plans have moderate premiums and cost-sharing (it’s the only tier with extra savings if you qualify)
- Gold plans have higher premiums, but lower out-of-pocket costs
- Platinum plans have the highest premiums, but the lowest out-of-pocket costs
When to enroll
- Open Enrollment Period typically runs from November 1 to January 15, while some states have slightly different enrollment dates.4
- Special Enrollment Period offers you a chance to enroll if you’ve had a qualifying life event, like losing job-based coverage, getting married or divorced, or having a baby or adopting a child.
2. Medicare plans
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for adults age 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with qualifying disabilities or medical conditions.
What Medicare covers
Medicare has 4 main parts:5
- Part A (hospital insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and some home health services.
- Part B (medical insurance) covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services and medical equipment.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage) combines Parts A and B and often includes prescription drugs, dental, vision and hearing coverage, all in one private plan.
- Part D (prescription drug coverage) helps pay for prescription medications. It’s offered through private insurance companies.
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare includes Parts A and B. You can also add a Part D plan and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) to help cover out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative that bundles your benefits under one plan, often with extras like fitness programs and care coordination.
When to enroll
- Initial Enrollment Period begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after.
- Annual Enrollment Period starts on October 15 and goes until December 7 each year. You can switch or enroll in Medicare Advantage or Part D plans during this time.
- Special Enrollment Period is available in certain situations, like losing employer coverage or moving to a new service area.
3. Short term health insurance
Short term health insurance is a temporary option designed to help fill lapses in your health insurance coverage.
- What they cover you for: Typically, that includes unexpected medical events like doctor visits, emergency care and hospitalizations.
- What they don’t cover you for: Often, that includes pre-existing conditions, maternity care, prescription drugs or preventive services.
Duration of short term health insurance coverage
Short term health plan lengths vary by state, but they typically won't last for a full year.6 They’re strictly for short, transitional periods.
Short term health insurance coverage could be a good fit if:
- You’re in between jobs and waiting for employer coverage.
- You’ve missed the ACA Open Enrollment Period and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
- You’ve recently aged off a parent’s plan and need temporary coverage (this is not all-inclusive coverage).
Here are a few more things to know about short term health insurance plans:
- They don’t meet ACA requirements, so they may offer limited coverage.
- They aren’t eligible for subsidies or cost-sharing reductions.
- Coverage varies by state and insurance provider.
- Plans are subject to medical underwriting to determine eligibility and do not cover preexisting conditions.
Miss the Open Enrollment Period and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period? A short term health insurance plan could be a way to get temporary medical coverage. Find out what’s available in your state.
4. Hospital and doctor fixed indemnity insurance
Hospital and doctor fixed indemnity insurance — you might also see this called “fixed benefit health insurance.”
- This is a type of supplemental insurance that pays a predetermined benefit when you experience a covered medical event.
- That could include specific hospital stays or doctor’s visits. (There’s a monthly premium for supplemental insurance that isn’t included in what you’d pay for your primary health insurance.)
Fixed indemnity plans pay you a set benefit amount for specific covered medical events, no matter what the actual cost of care is.
How fixed indemnity plans work
When you enroll in a fixed indemnity plan, you agree to receive specific benefits for defined medical events. For example, the plan might pay:
- $200 per day for a hospital stay
- $50 for each doctor’s office visit
- $100 for emergency room visits
These benefits are paid directly to you, or a hospital or other provider (if you make an assignment of benefits) allowing you to use the funds as needed for things like:
- Everyday expenses like rent or groceries
You get paid based on the terms of the plan, regardless of the actual cost of care received.
A few things to keep in mind about fixed indemnity plans:
- They don’t provide comprehensive coverage: Fixed indemnity plans aren’t designed to replace traditional health insurance. They’re considered “excepted benefits” under federal law and don’t offer the same consumer protections as ACA-compliant plans.7
- They offer limited benefits: These plans typically cap how much they’ll pay per day or event, which means you might still face high out-of-pocket costs.
- They don’t have provider networks: Since the benefit is paid directly to you, you can usually visit any doctor or hospital without worrying about being “in network.”
Fixed indemnity plans may be right for you if you:
- Have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
- Are looking for supplemental coverage to assist with out-of-pocket expenses.
- Want flexibility in how benefit payments are used.
5. Accident and critical illness insurance
Accident and critical illness insurance are supplemental insurance policies designed to provide financial support during unexpected health events. Let’s take a closer look at each:
Accident insurance provides a benefit if you’re injured in a covered accident.8
This benefit can be used for various expenses, including:
Key features of accident insurance include:
- Direct benefit payments: Benefits are paid directly to you.
- Flexible use: Funds can be used for any purpose, such as covering out-of-pocket medical costs or daily expenses during recovery.
- Supplemental coverage: Designed to complement your existing health insurance, not replace it. (There’s a monthly premium for supplemental insurance that isn’t included in what you’d pay for your primary health insurance.)
- Note: Benefits will be paid directly to a hospital or other provider if the insured makes an assignment of benefits.
Accident insurance is particularly beneficial if you have an HDHP or engage in activities with higher injury risks.
Critical illness insurance offers a lump-sum payment upon diagnosis of a covered serious illness, such as:9
The benefit of this type of insurance can help manage the costs associated with treatment and recovery.
Key features of critical illness insurance plans include:
- They offer a lump-sum benefit: Receive a one-time payment upon diagnosis of a covered condition.
- They have financial flexibility: Use the funds for medical expenses, mortgage payments, childcare or other needs.
- They supplement your coverage: Critical illness insurance isn’t a substitute for comprehensive health insurance.
- Note: (There’s a monthly premium for supplemental insurance that isn’t included in what you’d pay for your primary health insurance.)
This type of insurance is suitable for those facing financial challenges in the event of a serious health diagnosis.
But accident and critical illness insurance come with some limitations, including:
- They don’t provide comprehensive coverage: Both accident and critical illness insurances are supplemental and don’t replace standard health insurance.
- They have policy limitations: Coverage specifics, including the list of covered conditions and benefit amounts, vary by policy.
- They have eligibility requirements: Some policies may have age limits or exclude pre-existing conditions.
6. Dental insurance
Dental insurance helps cover the cost of preventive and restorative oral healthcare, making routine visits and necessary treatments.
While adult dental coverage isn’t mandated under the ACA, many individuals and families choose to purchase dental insurance to manage out-of-pocket expenses and maintain oral health.10
What dental insurance typically covers
Most dental insurance plans categorize services into 3 main types:11
- Preventive care, like routine exams, cleanings and dental X-rays, is often covered at 100%.
- Basic procedures, like fillings, extractions and periodontal treatment, are typically covered at 70% to 80%.
- Major procedures, like crowns, bridges, dentures and root canals, are usually covered at 50%.
These coverage levels can vary based on the specific plan and whether services are received from in-network providers.
2 common types of dental plans
Dental insurance plans come in several forms, each with their own network rules and cost structures.12 The 2 most common types of dental insurance plans include:
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) offers a network of dentists who provide services at reduced rates. Patients can see out-of-network providers but at higher costs.
- Dental Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) requires patients to choose a primary dentist within the network and typically has lower premiums and no deductibles, but less flexibility in choosing providers.
Understanding the differences between these plans can help you choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Things to know before you choose a dental plan
When evaluating dental insurance options, keep the following in mind:
- Annual maximums: Most plans have a yearly cap on the amount they will pay for dental services.
- Waiting periods: Some plans impose waiting periods for certain dental procedures, especially major ones.
- Network restrictions: Using in-network providers can reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
- Coverage for orthodontics: Not all plans cover orthodontic treatment, and those that do may have age limits or lifetime maximums.
7. Vision insurance
Vision insurance is a supplemental policy that helps cover the cost of routine eye care and corrective eyewear. It can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for things like annual eye exams, prescription glasses and contact lenses.
While adult vision coverage isn’t required under the Affordable Care Act, many individuals and families choose to buy vision insurance to maintain their eye health and manage everyday expenses.
What vision insurance typically covers
Vision insurance plans provide benefits for:13
- Annual eye exams: These routine check-ups assess your vision and can detect eye conditions.
- Eyeglass frames and lenses: You can get coverage or an allowance for prescription eyewear.
- Contact lenses: You can get benefits for contact lens fittings and purchases.
- Discounts on additional services: Some plans may offer reduced rates for services like LASIK surgery.
Coverage details can vary based on the specific plan and provider network.
3 ways to get vision insurance
There are several ways to access vision insurance, depending on your situation. These might include:
- Through an employer: Many people get vision benefits at work as part of a group health package.
- Stand-alone vision plans: If you don’t have access to employer coverage, you can buy a vision plan on your own. These typically have a monthly premium and provide discounts or allowances for exams and eyewear.
- Medicare: Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye exams or glasses, but some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may include vision benefits.14
Key considerations before choosing a vision plan
When evaluating vision insurance options, keep the following in mind:
- Annual maximums: Most plans have a yearly cap on the amount they will pay for services.
- Waiting periods: Some plans have waiting periods for certain services, especially for new enrollees.
- Network restrictions: Using in-network providers can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- Coverage for specialized services: Not all plans cover services like LASIK surgery; those that do may offer it at a discounted rate rather than providing full coverage.
Reviewing the specifics of each plan ensures you select coverage that aligns with your vision care needs.
If your employer doesn’t offer supplemental insurance benefits, you could explore a stand-alone vision insurance plan. Compare plans now, or contact a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730 for further assistance.
For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.
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Sources:
American Dental Association. “Types of Dental Plans.” American Dental Association. Retrieved from: https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/dental-insurance/dental-plan-overview Accessed on May 12, 2025.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance and Independent, Noncoordinated Excepted Benefits Coverage (CMS-9904-F) Fact Sheet.” Retrieved from: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/short-term-limited-duration-insurance-and-independent-noncoordinated-excepted-benefits-coverage-cms Accessed on May 9, 2025.
Cleveland Clinic. “How Does Dental Insurance Work? Types and Coverage.” January 12, 2024. Retrieved from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dental-insurance-basics
Federal Register. “Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance and Independent, Noncoordinated Excepted Benefits Coverage.” Retrieved from: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/03/2024-06551/short-term-limited-duration-insurance-and-independent-noncoordinated-excepted-benefits-coverageAccessed on May 9, 2025.
Health Affairs. “Availability of Adult Dental Plans in the Affordable Care Act Marketplaces, 2016-23” Retrieved from https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.2024.00307 Accessed on May 12, 2025.
HealthCare.gov. “How to pick a health insurance plan.” Retrieved from: https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/plans-categories/ Accessed on May 9, 2025.
HealthCare.gov. “Save money on health insurance.” Retrieved from: https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/Accessed on May 9, 2025.
HealthCare.gov. “10 Marketplace health benefits.” Retrieved from: https://www.healthcare.gov/blog/10-covered-marketplace-health-benefits/ Accessed on May 9, 2025.
HealthCare.gov. “When can you get health insurance?” Retrieved from: https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines/ Accessed on May 9, 2025.
Medicare.gov. “Eye exams (routine).” Retrieved from: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/eye-exams-routine Accessed on May 12, 2025.
Medicare.gov. “Parts of Medicare.” Retrieved from: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/parts-of-medicare Accessed on May 13, 2025.
South Carolina Department of Insurance. “What is accident insurance?” Retrieved from: https://doi.sc.gov/951/What-Is-Accident-Insurance Accessed on May 9, 2025.
UnitedHealthcare. “Critical Illness Insurance.” Retrieved from: https://www.uhone.com/api/supplysystem/?FileName=40198CA-G202405.pdf Accessed on May 9, 2025.
UnitedHealthcare. “Vision insurance: What’s it all about?” Retrieved from: https://www.uhone.com/health-and-wellness/supplemental-insurance/vision-insurance-what-it-s-all-about Accessed on May 12, 2025.
