Specialty Health Insurance

Aside from the basic types of health insurance, there are a variety of specialty policies available as well. We'll explain a few of the most common types of specialty health insurance here.

• Short-term health insurance. These plans offer temporary coverage for those who are between jobs, waiting for coverage to begin, or are recent college graduates. Short-term health plans provide coverage for 1-12 months that is affordable and flexible. Typically, your coverage takes effect immediately, sometimes within 24 hours after you apply.

• Student health insurance. Student health plans offer very reasonable health insurance rates on coverage for undergraduate or graduate students taking at least nine credit hours at a college or university. Commonly, this kind of coverage is very flexible and portable, allowing you to choose your doctors and hospitals whether you're at home or away at school.
• Health savings accounts. Health savings accounts (HSA) aren't a type of coverage, but rather a way to deduct your healthcare expenses from your income taxes. After you look into health insurance rates and find an HSA-compatible plan, you can set up an account to save money tax-free to pay for healthcare costs.
• Dental insurance. Many of the companies that offer health insurance rates through our website also offer dental insurance plans. You can find a dental plan that will cover regular cleanings in addition to any other dental care you require for very affordable premiums. Typical policies cover preventive, basic, and major dental services.
• Discount cards. This is not a type of health care plan, but it is one way to minimize your healthcare costs if you use it in conjunction with a quality plan. Discount cards can save you up to 60% on prescription drugs and dental, vision, and chiropractic services. You can use the card as much as you like without incurring additional fees.
• Vision insurance. Most plans on which you get health insurance rates do not include the costs of eyeglasses and/or contact lenses. Some plans may cover visits to ophthalmologists or optometrists, but nothing beyond that. With vision insurance, you will receive coverage for eye exams as well as coverage on a wide selection of lenses and frames or contact lenses.

If you are having difficulties recalling the meaning of all of these words, please feel free to reference our health insurance glossary.