Health Insurance Course
Who it’s for: Anyone choosing a health plan through the Marketplace or an employer, or facing a change like a job loss or aging off a parent's plan.
Work through the modules in any order. Each lesson, term, and scenario counts once you’ve actually read it, and the course is complete when everything is done and you pass the final assessment.
What you’ll be able to do
You can compare health plans on total yearly cost, enroll at the right time, avoid gaps when your coverage changes, and appeal a denial or a surprise bill.
Key numbers
- Nov 1 – Jan 15Marketplace Open Enrollment; enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1
- 60 daysUsual window to enroll after losing job-based coverage
- 102%The most COBRA can generally charge, as a share of the plan's cost
- 180 daysTime to file an internal appeal after a claim denial
- 26Age until which you can usually stay on a parent's plan
Module 1
Picking a plan
Plan types, metal levels, and how to compare plans side by side on what you'd actually pay.
- LessonHMO vs. PPO vs. EPO vs. POS: Which Health Plan Type Fits You?
- LessonBronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum: Which Health Plan Level Should You Choose?
- LessonHow to Compare Health Plans Using the Summary of Benefits and Coverage
- TermHMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
- TermPPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
- TermProvider Network
- TermSummary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)
- TermEssential Health Benefits
- TermCopay (Copayment)
- TermCoinsurance (Health Insurance)
- TermOut-of-Pocket Maximum
- TermHealth Savings Account (HSA)
Module 2
Getting and keeping coverage
Open Enrollment, Special Enrollment Periods, COBRA after a job loss, and staying on a parent's plan until 26.
- LessonWhen Can You Get Health Insurance? Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment Periods
- LessonLost Your Job: Should You Choose COBRA or a Marketplace Plan?
- LessonCan You Stay on Your Parent's Health Insurance Until 26?
- TermOpen Enrollment Period
- TermSpecial Enrollment Period
- TermCOBRA Continuation Coverage
Module 3
Using your coverage
Free preventive care, appealing a denied claim, and protection from surprise medical bills.
- LessonIs Preventive Care Free With Health Insurance? What Counts and When You Might Pay
- LessonHow to Appeal a Health Insurance Claim Denial: Internal Appeal and External Review
- LessonSurprise Medical Bills: What the No Surprises Act Protects You From
- TermPrior Authorization
- ScenarioDoes Health Insurance Cover Therapy?
Final assessment
6 questions across the whole course. Score 70% or more, with every module item done, to complete the course. Retake it as often as you like: each retake gives you new versions of the questions you’ve seen, and getting those right raises your Insurance IQ.
Take the assessment →Your insurance checklist
- Check that your doctors are in network for the specific plan, not just the insurer.
- Compare plans on 12 months of premiums plus the care you expect, using each plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage.
- Note the out-of-pocket maximum, your worst-case year.
- Put Open Enrollment (November 1 to January 15) and any 60-day life-event window on your calendar.
- Keep denial letters and Explanations of Benefits, and appeal within 180 days if a claim is denied.
Questions to ask your insurer
- Are my doctors, specialists and hospital in network for this specific plan?
- Do I need referrals to see specialists?
- What are the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, for me and for my family?
- Which tier are my prescriptions on, and what will they cost?
- Can I see the Summary of Benefits and Coverage?
- Which services need prior authorization?
- How do I appeal if a claim is denied?
Where to go next
Educational information, not advice: This course is general education, not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Coverage depends on your policy’s wording, your insurer, and the laws of your state. Insurpedia does not sell insurance and does not recommend specific insurers.