How Long Can You Stay on Your Parents’ Insurance?
Many people over the age of 18 remain on their parents’ insurance plans. But how long can you stay on your parents’ insurance before you’ll be required to get your own plan? To help clear things up, we’ve compiled a list of FAQs about this topic.
How Long Can I Stay on My Parents’ Dental Insurance?
Being able to stay on your parents’ plan means you can reap the benefits of their insurance policy for quite a few years after you’ve graduated high school or college. And this can be really helpful if you have trouble finding a job that offers these benefits, if you have a job but don’t receive dental benefits, or if you would struggle to afford going on your own dental plan.
But, when it comes to how long you can stay on their plan, the answer isn’t so simple. Some dental insurance providers might allow you to stay on your parents’ plan until you turn 26. This is the same age limit set by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for health insurance. The problem, though, is that the ACA didn’t set the same rule for dental insurance. Therefore, not all providers let you stay on your parents’ plan that long.
So, how long can children stay on parents’ insurance? Well, the answer may vary from one provider to the next, and it might also vary by state. For example, you might not be eligible once you turn 19, especially if you were on a health plan that provided pediatric dental services.
Do I Have to Be a Full-Time Student to Stay on My Parents’ Insurance? And Can I Stay on Their Plan If I Have a Job?
Regardless of whether you’re single, married, working, unemployed, or going to school, you should be able to receive the dental coverage you need if your parents keep you on their family plan, as long as the insurance provider allows this level of coverage.
Remember, not all plans have the same age restrictions. So, it’s necessary to check the details of your parents’ policy to determine when you’ll no longer be able to stay on it.
Can I Stay on My Parents’ Insurance After 26?
If your parents do have a dental insurance plan that provides coverage to dependents until they turn 26, you’ll be able to receive coverage until your 26th birthday. After that, you will need to sign up for a plan of your own. Thankfully, there are a lot of surprisingly affordable options available, so you don’t need to stress.
How Do I Shop for My Own Dental Insurance Plan?
Having dental insurance as an adult is certainly beneficial. Your teeth change as you age, and it’s just as important as ever to maintain a great oral hygiene routine, while also seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Sure, being on your parents’ policy can be convenient because you don’t have to worry about gaps in coverage, you might be able to save money, and you don’t need to fret about any changes to what you’re used to. But there are a lot of comprehensive plans out there, so if you start your search, you might realize that you can actually get an even better policy than the one that your parents have!
When you’re ready to shop for dental insurance, check out the Direct Benefits Marketplace, where you can browse the plans that are available in your area. Compare the policies, and then select the one that meets your needs best. Once enrolled, you’ll be able to continue seeing your dentist while saving money, and you’ll be able to say you did it all by yourself!