Other Types of Health Care Coverage

Accident-Only Coverage. This pays a lump sum when the enrollee experiences death, dismemberment, disability, or hospital and medical care caused by an accident.

COBRA Coverage. When you lose or leave your job, you may be able to continue using your job-sponsored health care coverage through Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). For more info, read Choosing Health Care Coverage When You Lose or Leave Your Job.

Dental Coverage. You may buy separate coverage for your dental care. Dental care coverage often covers part of the cost of preventative care, fillings, crowns, root canals, and oral surgery. Plans may also cover orthodontics and dentures.

Disability Income Insurance. Insurance that gives income to people who can no longer work because of a disability. This insurance can help protect people from part of the short-term and long-term effects of income loss from being unable to work.

Fixed Indemnity Coverage. This insurance pays a fixed amount for certain procedures or for each day that you are in a hospital, instead of covering the entire amount.

Long-Term Care Insurance. Long-term care insurance usually pays for skilled, intermediate, and custodial care in your home, an adult daycare center, or assisted living facility. The policy usually pays a fixed amount per day while a person is receiving care. For more info, read Understanding the Basics of Long-Term Care.

Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance. This insurance covers some of the same services as traditional health insurance but does not have to offer a full set of essential health benefits. Plans typically cover a smaller share of the cost of services than traditional health insurance. That means you may pay less in premiums but may pay more when you need health care services. Plans may deny applicants or charge them more if they have pre-existing health conditions.

Specific Disease Coverage. This insurance only covers you if you are diagnosed with a disease outlined in the policy, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, or heart disease.

Vision Coverage. You may buy separate coverage for your vision care. Vision care coverage often covers some portion of the cost of preventative care and prescription glasses or contacts. Plans may also cover corrective vision surgeries such as LASIK and PRK.

The following options are NOT insurance. These options are not regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and are not backed by a guaranty association. This limits your protections, like the ability to file a complaint with TDI, get your claim paid, or get help if the entity becomes financially unstable.

Direct Primary Care Arrangements. Under these arrangements, a patient pays a regular fee to a physician for primary health care services. These arrangements may provide a large amount of personal attention for a relatively high cost.

Health Benefits Provided by Certain Nonprofit Agricultural Organizations (ex. Farm Bureau). Effective September 1, 2021, these health benefits may be offered to members of the organization and their families. These options may provide less coverage than traditional health insurance but can be less expensive.

Group Sharing. Under these arrangements, members pay a monthly fee. When they have health care expenses, members can request that the group or other members share part of the cost. However, the group is not legally obligated to pay for members’ health care costs. 

Health Sharing Ministries. Under these non-profit arrangements, members pay a monthly fee. When they have health care expenses, members can request that the ministry or other members share part of the cost. However, the ministry is not legally obligated to pay for members’ health care costs.