Preventive health screenings covered by your health plan

Did you know many preventive screenings and services are covered by your health plan —at no cost to you? Federal law requires most health plans to cover a range of preventive services. In many cases, you won’t pay a copayment or coinsurance even if you haven’t met your deductible, as long as you visit an in-network provider.

These preventive health benefits are designed to help you stay healthy and catch problems early, before they become more serious and costly to treat.

Common preventive health services

Most plans cover these screenings and services:

• Cancer screenings. Prostate, colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screenings.
• Mental health screenings. Anxiety and depression screenings, including perinatal depression screenings during and after pregnancy.
• Chronic condition checks. Blood pressure and prediabetes testing.
• Flu shots and other recommended vaccines.
• Lifestyle screening and counseling. Alcohol, drug, and tobacco use. Obesity, sexually transmitted infections, and domestic violence.

Preventive services for women and children

• Children. Autism, developmental, and behavioral screenings. Hearing and vision checks, and well-child exams.
• Women. Contraception, breastfeeding support, folic acid supplements, and well-woman and prenatal visits.

How to access preventive benefits

Since recommended preventive services vary based on your age and risk factors, talk with your primary care doctor about which preventive services are right for you. To make sure your preventive services are covered, always confirm that your health care provider is in your insurance network, and check coverage details with your health plan’s customer service. Remember that your normal cost-sharing will apply if your visit involves more than just the preventive services.

You can find the full list of preventive services covered by Affordable Care Act health plans on the HealthCare.gov preventive health services page.

Learn more

• How to save on healthcare, from doctors to pharmacies (video)
• Health care coverage guide
• 2026 Texas Health Coverage Guide (PDF)
• Don’t overlook these unexpected health plan benefits