What health insurance doesn t cover?

Asked by: Darion Kassulke  |  Last update: March 25, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (52 votes)

Health insurance typically covers most doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, wellness care, and medical devices. Most health insurance will not cover elective or cosmetic procedures, beauty treatments, off-label drug use, or brand-new technologies.

What is excluded in a health insurance policy?

Some examples of often-excluded services include cosmetic surgery, vasectomies, weight-loss drugs and bariatric surgery, abortion, acupuncture, dental care on a health insurance policy, etc. But some policies cover services that others exclude, so there's variation from one plan to another.

What are three items that medical insurance does not typically cover?

Dental & Vision & Hearing ― Most health insurance plans do not include dental, vision, or hearing. If you want coverage, you'll have to buy a separate plan that includes one, or sometimes all, of these services.

Which illness is not covered by insurance?

Diseases like HIV/AIDS, STDs, congenital anomalies, and illnesses due to drug abuse or alcohol are generally not covered in health insurance policies.

What types of procedures usually are not covered by insurance?

common procedures insurance won't cover, as well as provide a brief explanation why.
  • Cosmetic Surgery. This one is pretty obvious. ...
  • Lasik. ...
  • Infertility. ...
  • Experimental and Off-Label Treatments. ...
  • Organ Transplants. ...
  • Chronic Disease. ...
  • Dental Cosmetics.

Do You Know What Your Health Insurance Actually Covers - or Doesn't? You Might Be Surprised.

15 related questions found

What will health insurance not cover?

What Healthcare Services Often Aren't Covered?
  • Adult Dental Services. ...
  • Vision Services. ...
  • Hearing Aids. ...
  • Uncovered Prescription Drugs. ...
  • Acupuncture and Other Alternative Therapies. ...
  • Weight Loss Programs and Weight Loss Surgery. ...
  • Cosmetic Surgery. ...
  • Infertility Treatment.

What does insurance never cover?

Most health insurance will not cover elective or cosmetic procedures, beauty treatments, off-label drug use, or brand-new technologies. If health coverage is denied, policyholders can appeal for exceptions or allowances based on an individual's situation and prognosis.

Does health insurance cover STDs?

Testing for certain STDs — like HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea — is one of the preventive health benefits that most plans must cover under the ACA. But whether your plan covers a specific STD test can depend on a lot of different things, including your age, gender, risk factors, and if you're pregnant.

How to check if something is covered by health insurance?

Your Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) – Ask you insurance company for a copy of your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage, sometimes called an SBC. This is a standard document that all plans are required to have. It lists the services the plan covers and how much; you can see a sample SBC here (PDF).

Why doesn't insurance cover all medical bills?

The service might not be covered by the health plan, or the health plan might require specific procedures to be followed in order to have coverage (a referral from a primary care physician, for example). Depending on the health plan, care might only be covered if the medical providers are in-network.

Does Medicare cover 100% of hospital bills?

Whether you're new to Original Medicare or have been enrolled for some time, understanding the limitations of your coverage is important as you navigate decisions about your healthcare. One of the main reasons why Original Medicare doesn't cover 100% of your medical bills is because it operates on a cost-sharing model.

What does Medicaid not cover?

Though Medicaid covers a wide range of services, there are limitations on certain types of care, such as infertility treatments, elective abortions, and some types of alternative medicine. For example, the federal government lists family planning as a mandatory service benefit, but states interpret this differently.

What 5 treatments does Medicare not cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

What are the limitations in health insurance?

Limitations are conditions or procedures covered under a policy but at a benefit level lower than the norm. Exclusions, on the other hand, are conditions or procedures that are completely omitted from coverage. Your health insurance policy should list all limitations and exclusions.

What is excluded from coverage?

An exclusion is an event (peril, accident, incident, or accusation) that an insurance policy will not cover. A standard insurance policy will typically include some exclusions. While insurance policies help small businesses mitigate risk, they don't cover everything.

Are copays part of the deductible?

Do copays count toward deductibles? Copayments generally don't contribute to a deductible. However, some insurance plans won't charge a copay until after your deductible is met. Once that happens, your provider may charge a copay as well as coinsurance, which is another out-of-pocket expense.

Which health insurance company denies the most claims?

According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.

What pre-existing conditions are not covered?

Is there health insurance for pre-existing conditions? Choosing a health plan is no longer based on the concept of a pre-existing condition. A health insurer cannot deny you coverage or raise rates for plans if you have a medical condition at the time of enrollment.

What is the best health insurance company to go with?

Best Health Insurance Companies for 2025
  • Best Overall and Best for Self-Employed: Kaiser Permanente.
  • Best Widely Available Plans: UnitedHealthcare.
  • Best for Low Complaints and Best for Chronic Conditions: Aetna.
  • Most Affordable: Molina Healthcare.

Is birth control covered by insurance?

Covered contraceptive methods

FDA-approved contraceptive methods prescribed by a woman's doctor are covered, including: Barrier methods, like diaphragms and sponges. Hormonal methods, like birth control pills and vaginal rings. Implanted devices, like intrauterine devices (IUDs)

How much does an STD cost without insurance?

It costs anywhere from $0-250, depending on which STDs you're getting tested for, and whether or not you have symptoms or need an exam. You can probably get STD testing for free or at a reduced price if you have health insurance. STD testing can also be free or low cost with Medicaid and other government programs.

How long does chlamydia last?

With treatment, chlamydia should go away within a week or two, however, the test may remain positive for 4 weeks after treatment. It's important to take all antibiotics to fight the infection. Don't have sex during treatment, or you could get reinfected.

Why is my health insurance not covering anything?

It's possible that your insurance company made an error in processing your claim, or perhaps they gave you misinformation that led you to make a doctor's visit or undergo a treatment that isn't fully covered. Or maybe your healthcare provider billed your visit incorrectly.

What happens if you go to the ER without insurance?

If you have a serious medical problem, hospitals must treat you regardless of whether you have insurance. This includes situations that meet the definition of an emergency. Some situations may not be considered true emergencies, such as: Going to the ER for non-life-threatening care.

What is not full coverage?

However, full coverage insurance does NOT include: Uninsured motorist bodily injury – covers your medical costs if hit by an uninsured driver. Uninsured motorist property damage – pays for car repairs if hit by an uninsured driver.