Health insurance helps pay for treatments and other healthcare services, making them popular. However, people should understand that these policies have limitations. Health insurance may not cover the costs of treating specific illnesses and availing particular care services, and individuals would have to bear the expenses themselves. Understanding the exclusions is crucial for informed decision-making when choosing a policy. Here are a few things health insurance usually does not cover.

1. Cosmetic surgery
Health insurance plans cover the cost of plastic surgery if it is deemed a medical necessity and helps improve a person’s health. For instance, reconstructive surgeries after accidents are often covered. However, the cosmetic surgeries and procedures individuals undergo solely to change their appearance may not be covered. Understanding the fine line between cosmetic and medically necessary procedures is crucial to making informed decisions when opting for surgeries.

2. Nursing home care
Health insurance plans usually do not cover the cost of staying in a nursing home, especially if someone needs care for an extended period. While Medicare may provide short-term coverage for specific situations, extended stay expenses are usually not covered. So, individuals should consider the potential financial strain they may undergo due to long-term nursing home care needs. One can look for alternative ways to finance the expenses or purchase long-term care insurance to ensure coverage in this scenario.

3. Travel vaccines
Travel vaccines safeguard people against ailments like yellow fever and typhoid during international trips. However, since they are considered elective and not medically necessary, health insurance plans do not cover travel vaccines. Individuals are expected to bear the associated costs, which can increase their expenses when traveling abroad.

4. Dental care
Dental care is generally excluded from health insurance coverage. Individuals seeking coverage for dental procedures and routine cleanings can purchase a separate dental insurance plan.

5. Vision care
Standard health insurance plans usually do not cover the cost of undergoing routine eye exams and purchasing eyeglasses or contact lenses. Individuals can purchase a separate vision insurance plan to address their visual health needs.

6. Hearing aids
Some states have made it mandatory for health insurance plans to cover hearing aids for specific age groups. Therefore, depending on where one lives, their policy may or may not cover hearing aids. If a person’s insurance plan does not provide coverage, they can avail of benefits from organizations like the Hearing Loss Association of America and AARP. These organizations offer programs to reduce the financial burden of hearing treatments.

7. Alternative therapies
Health insurance providers often consider alternative therapies like acupuncture nontraditional or experimental. Whether or not these therapies will be covered depends on the state where a person lives. Usually, an individual seeking chiropractic care as a treatment after an accident might receive coverage. However, if someone is seeking alternative therapies like chiropractic care and acupuncture regularly or for minor aches, they may not receive any coverage.

8. Off-label prescriptions
Individuals sometimes use specific medications for treating disorders they are not originally made for. These are known as off-label prescriptions. While physicians may prescribe treatments off-label based on their judgment, health insurance plans may not cover their costs. In such situations, one can consult their doctor for an alternative treatment that is covered and is just as effective and safe.