Health insurance can be confusing, but understanding the most common terms can help make it easier to navigate. Here are 25 essential health insurance policy terms you should know:

1. Premium: The monthly payment made for a health insurance policy.
2. Deductible: The amount a person must pay out of pocket before their insurance kicks in.
3. Co-pay: A fixed amount paid by a patient for a specific medical service.
4. Co-insurance: The percentage split between a patient and their insurance company for medical expenses.
5. Out-of-pocket maximum: The maximum amount a person must pay for medical expenses in a given year.
6. In-network provider: A healthcare provider who has agreed to work with an insurance company for a negotiated rate.
7. Out-of-network provider: A healthcare provider who does not have a contract with an insurance company.
8. HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): A type of insurance plan that requires members to use in-network providers and have a primary care physician.
9. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): A type of insurance plan that allows members to use both in-network and out-of-network providers.
10. EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): A type of insurance plan that only covers services from in-network providers.
11. Indemnity plan: A type of insurance plan that allows members to use any healthcare provider and reimburses them for covered services.
12. Health savings account (HSA): A tax-advantaged savings account used to pay for medical expenses.
13. Catastrophic coverage: A type of insurance plan that provides coverage for serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries.
14. Short-term insurance: A type of insurance plan that provides temporary coverage for a limited period of time.
15. Universal coverage: A type of insurance plan that provides coverage for all residents of a given area, regardless of income or health status.
16. Pre-existing condition: A medical condition that existed before the start of an insurance policy.
17. Exclusion: A medical condition or service that is not covered by an insurance policy.
18. Lifetime maximum: The maximum amount an insurance policy will pay for medical expenses over the policyholder’s lifetime.
19. Out-of-pocket limit: The maximum amount a person must pay for medical expenses in a given year.
20. Network: A list of healthcare providers who have contracted with an insurance company.
21. Provider network: A list of healthcare providers who have contracted with an insurance company.
22. Policyholder: The person who holds a health insurance policy.
23. Insurance company: The entity that provides health insurance coverage.
24. Coverage area: The geographic area in which an insurance plan provides coverage.
25. Enrollment period: The period of time during which a person can sign up for a health insurance policy.

By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can make informed decisions about your health insurance coverage and understand the policy you have chosen.