A child can typically stay on their parents' health insurance plan until they turn 26 years old, as mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States. This coverage usually continues regardless of the child's marital status, student status, living situation, or financial independence
. Some states offer extensions beyond age 26 under specific conditions, such as:
- Florida and New York allow coverage until age 30 if the child is unmarried, has no dependents, and either lives with the parents or is a student
- Several states, including Georgia, Idaho, and Indiana, allow disabled dependents to remain on their parents' insurance indefinitely
- Illinois allows coverage until age 30 for veterans only
In India, the typical age limit for children to remain on a parent's health insurance policy is around 25 years. Extensions may be granted for children pursuing higher education, but once financially independent, children are encouraged to obtain their own policies
. In summary:
- U.S. standard federal rule: coverage until age 26 regardless of circumstances.
- State-specific extensions: some states allow coverage beyond 26, especially for students or disabled dependents.
- India: generally up to age 25, with possible extensions for students.
Parents and children should check specific policy terms and state regulations to understand eligibility and options for dependent coverage beyond these general guidelines
