Payment

• Policy holders typically pay a premium to retain coverage, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They then pay a certain minimum amount called a deductible, beyond which the insurance provider covers the remainder up to a set limit. In some cases the policy holder pays a small additional amount called a co-pay.
  
  

Types of Coverage

• People may purchase individual coverage themselves or group coverage through an employer, who pays the insurance expenses as part of the employee's benefits. Members of professional associations may also qualify for group insurance coverage, according to the California Health Care Foundation.
  
  

Additional Coverage

• In addition to basic health coverage addressing illnesses and overall health concerns, policy holders can purchase specific types of coverage not considered s standard part of the basic policy. These extras include dental insurance, which covers much of the cost of dental examinations and surgeries, and vision insurance, which includes coverage for eye tests and corrective lenses, according to Everyday Health.