How long can I keep my child on my plan?
A child can usually stay on your health plan until they turn 26. If your child is aging off your plan, they may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to choose new coverage after losing dependent coverage.
When dependent coverage ends
Most health plans that offer dependent child coverage must keep that coverage available until the child reaches age 26. This applies to both married and unmarried children.
What happens when they turn 26
When your child turns 26, they usually lose eligibility under your plan and will need to enroll in their own health coverage. Losing coverage because of aging out typically triggers a Special Enrollment Period.
What to do next
Confirm the date your child’s coverage ends.
Review their health coverage options before the deadline.
Enroll in a new plan during the Special Enrollment Period.
Pay the first premium, if required, to activate coverage.
Important note
The exact enrollment window can depend on the type of plan and the coverage being selected. In many cases, you have 60 days before or 60 days after the qualifying event to enroll, but some job-based plans have different rules.
Need help
If you have questions about your coverage timeline or next steps, contact our support team for help.