Dependent Eligibility
Dependent eligibility defines who qualifies for coverage under your family health or dental plan. Dependents usually include a legal spouse or common-law partner and children up to a certain age, commonly 21 or 25 if enrolled full-time in school. Some plans extend coverage to disabled dependents beyond these ages.
Knowing these criteria ensures continuous protection for family members and prevents claim denials due to ineligibility.
Example:
A plan may cover children until age 21, or until age 25 if they remain full-time students and are financially dependent.
What to Watch For:
Notify your insurer promptly of changes in marital status or dependents’ schooling to avoid gaps in coverage.