What Is the Definition of Full Health Coverage?

Health coverage can be difficult to understand. There are so many terms you have to comprehend when talking about medical insurance plans that you may feel like you have to be a doctor to understand it all. If you're wondering what constitutes "Full Health Coverage," you need to consider a few different things.

Full coverage usually means you can receive whatever treatment you need that's offered by your healthcare provider. Basic coverage is usually restricted to limited preventive care and check-ups, and some emergency services.

Each medical insurance company is going to define "full coverage" a little differently. Generally, full coverage means you should be able to see a doctor for everything from regular check-ups to emergency situations. To really know what your company is giving you, you're going to have to request a copy of your policy and read it cover to cover. For most full coverage policies, there will be a section in your policy called an "exclusionary rider" that lists the medical conditions you aren't covered for, so you can assume you'll be covered for almost everything else. Reading through your policy is time-consuming, so if you need fast answers about what's covered, make a call to your insurance provider and ask.

Even if you have a full coverage medical plan, you need to be familiar with the terms of your policy. Just because the title says full coverage doesn't mean you're covered in every circumstance. For example, your insurance may only be effective if you go to certain doctors in certain hospitals. You might have to pay for your treatment upfront under some policies, or you may be responsible for an expensive co-pay or deductible. You also may need to seek prior approval before getting any medical aid, or your insurance could deny your claim. Make sure you're familiar with at least the basic terms of your plan before you need to go to the doctor.

One thing you should realize about full health coverage is that it covers general medical treatment, but not special medical conditions or circumstances. For example, long-term health insurance provides a patient with care like bathing, dressing and generally looking after someone who is mentally or physically disabled. This insurance might be used to take care of someone in a nursing home or hospice, and wouldn't be covered under a normal full-coverage plan.