How Long Can You Stay on Your Parents’ Insurance?
Individuals over the age of 18 have the option of staying on their parents’ insurance plans, and this is great news for young adults who are heading to college or starting a career. But how long can you stay on your parents’ insurance, and are there restrictions that would limit your ability to continue receiving the same coverage?
Generally, adult children can remain on their parents’ insurance plans until they are 26 years old.
Can you stay on your parents' dental insurance after 26?
How long can you be on your parents’ insurance, according to the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? The age limit is 26 for health insurance, and this can be the case even if you’re married, employed, and no longer living with your parents.
What about dental insurance? Well, the ACA didn’t set the same rule for dental coverage, so providers can determine the age limit. However, the good news is you might be able to find dental insurance providers that will let you stay on the same plan with your parents until you turn 26.
After your 26th birthday, you’ll need to search for a plan of your own. But there are some exceptions to this rule, as you’ll see below.
When do you lose insurance through your parents?
The answer to this question depends on the state in which you live and the insurance provider you use. Different plans might have different age restrictions for dependent children, so check the details of your policy carefully to figure out when you’ll no longer be eligible for coverage.
Although you might be able to stay on your parents’ plan until you turn 26, this isn’t always the case. Some insurance companies might not let you stay on the plan once you turn 19, especially if you were on a plan that provided pediatric dental services. Others might let you stay until you turn 30.
Exceptions to the insurance age limit
While 19 and 26 are common age limits when it comes to how long you can stay on your parents’ insurance, there are some exceptions. For instance, you might find dental plans that allow you to stay on until you turn 30, but you might need to meet certain criteria, such as being a full-time student.
Also, some states extended the age limit to allow children to stay on their parents’ policy longer. Again, you may need to meet certain requirements (e.g., being unmarried, not having dependent children, being a full-time student, etc.). Check your state’s rules to determine eligibility.
Here are some examples of states where you might be able to stay on your parents’ plan past age 26:
- Wisconsin: 27 years old
- Florida, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, New York: 30 years old
- New Jersey: 31 years old
Dental insurance options if you can't or don't want to stay on your parents' plan
If you can’t or don’t want to stay on your parents’ dental insurance plan but you’re worried about the cost of getting your own, rest assured that there are affordable options.
In the event that your employer doesn’t offer dental benefits, you can buy a plan directly from an insurance provider. You don’t need to wait for any special enrollment period for dental insurance, so you can sign up at any time. And you can easily perform your search for the ideal policy on the Direct Benefits Marketplace, where you can browse and compare plans.
Consider the level of coverage that you’re used to getting with your parents’ plan so you can hone in on policies that are similar. You can also search for plans that are accepted by the dentist you’ve been using so you won’t have to switch. Plus, if you can time it out properly, you might not have any gaps in coverage.
Do young adults really need dental insurance?
When you’re young and healthy, you might not think too much about dental insurance. But the truth is that oral health problems can develop at any age, and your teeth and gums change as you get older.
Dental insurance covers multiple levels of care, including preventive, basic services, and major services. Some plans also cover adult orthodontics, dental implants, and certain cosmetic procedures.
Seeing the dentist regularly, in addition to brushing and flossing daily, can help you maintain a bright and beautiful smile. And having the right insurance could help you save a substantial amount of money, especially if you end up needing expensive restorative treatments.
Common questions about parents' dental insurance coverage
Is it worth staying on your parents' insurance?
Sometimes, it’s worth staying on your parents’ plan, especially if you can’t afford your own insurance and your employer doesn’t provide this benefit. If you can’t find a comprehensive policy that will give you the coverage you need at a price you can afford, you might want to stay on the same plan until you reach the age limit.
Do I have to be a full-time student to stay on my parents' insurance?
You may not need to prove that you’re a full-time student to stay on your parents’ insurance until you’re 26 years old. However, it’s best to check your state’s rules, as well as the age limits of any dental plan you’re interested in, to be sure you’re eligible.
Can I stay on my parents' insurance if I have a job?
Yes, you may be able to stay on your parents’ plan even if you have a job and you were offered benefits. In other words, you don’t need to be unemployed to be eligible.
Start shopping today and find the dental plan for you with Direct Benefits Marketplace!