Legal Definitions - dependent coverage

Dependent coverage refers to the extension of benefits, most commonly insurance, to individuals who are financially or legally reliant on the primary policyholder. These individuals, known as dependents, typically include spouses, children (biological, adopted, or step), and sometimes other family members, who are added to an existing policy held by an employee or an individual. This allows the dependents to receive the same or similar benefits under that policy, such as health, dental, vision, or life insurance.

• Example 1: Sarah works for a large tech company that offers a comprehensive health insurance plan. When she enrolls in the plan, she also chooses to add her husband, Mark, and their two young children, Emily and David, to her policy. In this scenario, Mark, Emily, and David are receiving dependent coverage under Sarah's employer-sponsored health insurance plan, allowing them to access medical services and benefits.

• Example 2: John is a college student who is still under the age of 26. His mother, Lisa, has a dental insurance policy through her job. Even though John lives away at school, Lisa keeps him on her dental plan. John is considered a dependent on Lisa's policy, and the dental benefits he receives for his check-ups and cleanings are a form of dependent coverage.

• Example 3: Maria, a single mother, purchases an individual vision insurance plan. She also has legal guardianship of her niece, Sofia, who lives with her. When enrolling, Maria includes Sofia on her vision plan so Sofia can get her annual eye exams and glasses. Sofia is receiving dependent coverage, enabling her to access vision care benefits through Maria's policy.