The typical health insurance policy covers preventative care and routine physicals as well as emergency care and treatment through medical specialists. Each provider and policy has unique coverage options and differences, but many things are similar in traditional health insurance policies. Policyholders that have secured typical health insurance coverage should expect the majority of routine medical bills to be covered as well as a portion of expenses for emergency treatment.

For families and individuals covered by a traditional Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan, policyholders should expect to pay affordable co-pays or co-insurance payments for routine visits to the doctor, medical screenings and general preventative care. While many policyholders expect 100 percent of their preventative care to be paid, these services often come with a flat-fee co-pay or percentage-based coinsurance payment. Typical co-pay rates are around $30 for primary care visits, $60 for specialists and between $100 and $300 per day for hospital stays. In other cases, policyholders or self-employed individuals that have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) may qualify to receive benefits for 100 percent of preventive care before their deductible is satisfied. Policyholders that have a deductible should clarify whether it is a family, individual, yearly or lifetime deductible. New healthcare laws require the typical health insurance plan to cover 100 percent of preventive care regardless of the policyholder's deductible.

Dealing with an organized network of healthcare providers is one way insurance companies control health care costs. The typical health insurance plan, such as a PPO or HMO policy, offers the co-pay rates when they visit an in-network provider. Some indemnity plans and fee-for-service options allow policyholders to seek treatment from any physician while PPOs and HMOs generally encourage policyholders to use in-network physicians. With the typical HMO plan, policyholders can't receive benefits for out-of-network treatment except in emergencies or when the insurer gives advance authorization. Most PPO plans allow policyholders to visit out-of-network providers but co-pay rates are less attractive.

Lastly, it's imperative to select health insurance with ample coverage for prescriptions. In addition to emergency services, doctor visits and lab tests, it's also important to know whether prescription medications are covered. America uses more prescription medications than any other country. Many patients spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on prescription medications every year. Ideally, the typical health insurance plan should cover name-brand and generic medications with co-pays ranging from $15 to $45 depending on the prescription.

The typical health insurance plan should cover preventative care, prescription medications and emergency medical treatment. Reading the plan summary is the most reliable way to determine what medical bills are covered and which services come with out-of-pocket expenses.