What is the age limit for a son or daughter to be covered on health insurance?

Question

Several years ago I recall the news reporting that children could be carried on their parents' health insurance through age 25 without proof that they were a student. My son is a student, but I am still trying to find the law.

Answer 1

There is no such law. It is up to the health insurer. Most employer policies set a limit of 23 (with proof of student) with an unlimited age if your child is completely and totally disabled and needs you as a subscriber for ALL his/her support.

Answer 2

It depends on the insurance company. I'm on my dad's insurance until I am 25 as long as I'm a student. And we have to prove that I'm a student each new semester.

Answer 3

It is not a law.  Check your insurer's policy.

Answer 4

There is no national law, and most states don't have such a law either.

At least one state does have the type of law you are describing...however, even then there are restrictions on that coverage.

For example, in New Jersey, according to state law a dependent can be left on the plan until age 30 if he/she meets certain criteria.  Here are the requirements, from New Jersey's Department of Insurance website:  http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/dependentsun...

I thought I recalled hearing about a similar law for West Virginia, but a quick search online didn't turn up anything.

You didn't mention what state you live in, but almost every state has no such law.  So, its likely that you're out of luck.  The student requirement is up to each employer to negotiate when they establish their benefit plan, and the rules for your benefit plan should be pretty cut and dry.

Answer 5

It's not the law it's usually up to your insurance carrier.  My parents were able to insure me as long as I was a full time student they covered me until I was 24 and graduated from college.  Once I left school I was off of their policy.  

Call your insurance carrier and ask them.

Answer 6

I believe it is age 18.

In Maryland, there is a law allowing children to keep their parent's insurance [excluding federal employees'] until 21.

Answer 7

I think it is 22 years, but it may depend on you health insurance provider. Health insurance and being a student do not change the decision of the insurance company.

Answer 8

There's no blanket answer.  There's no "law".  Each insurance company is allowed to make it's own rule.  

Generally, most cease when the child turns 19 if he's not in school full time, or 23 if he is in school full time, unless you've got a severely handicapped child (like downs syndrome) who can be kept on your plan forever.

Bottom line -  you have to read your policy.

Answer 9

I'm insured under my mother's insurance with Cigna and I am 23. I was told that as long as I am under 24 I can continue to be insured under her policy. Other insurances have the same policy as long as you show proof that he/she is in college. There is no "law" that says this, insurance companies have the right to make their own regulations and rules about who or when to insure a person.