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Texas Department of Insurance
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Health insurance: 5 things you might not know

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Traditional health insurance – the kind you get through your employer or buy on Healthcare.gov – covers a wide range of services if you get sick or hurt. This is also called major medical coverage and comprehensive coverage.

Here are five things to know:

man in hospital bed talking to doctor
  1. Preexisting conditions

    You can’t be denied a health plan or charged more on HealthCare.gov because of a preexisting health condition or disability.

    When deciding how much to charge, plans can only use your age, where you live, whether you smoke or use tobacco, and whether you're buying coverage for yourself or your family.

  2. Essential health benefits

    Health plans must cover 10 categories of essential health benefits. Plans generally cover all care that’s considered medically necessary. TDI and federal regulators review these plans to make sure they offer the protection consumers expect.

  3. Financial protection

    Plans have a maximum out-of-pocket limit that caps the amount you’ll pay if you need a lot of health care services.

  4. Children included

    Children can stay on their parents' plans until age 26. They don't have to live at home, be in school, or be a dependent on their parents’ tax return. Children with disabilities can get coverage after age 26. Dependent grandchildren can get coverage up to age 25.

  5. How to appeal

    Plans have a process to appeal if they deny a health care claim or preauthorization request for medical reasons. If you appealed with your health plan and you're not satisfied, you can request an external review.

Resources

 

Questions? Call us at 800-252-3439.

Last updated: 11/6/2025