What is an example of a preventive service covered by most health insurance plans?

Preventive services are designed to prevent illnesses or detect health issues at an early stage, facilitating timely intervention and reducing healthcare costs in the long run. Most health insurance plans are required to cover a range of preventive services without requiring a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible when provided by in-network providers.

Annual health screenings exemplify these preventive services. They help in assessing an individual’s health status, identifying risks for chronic diseases, and monitoring existing conditions. Examples of such screenings include blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and cancer screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies. The inclusion of these services in most health plans aligns with the broader goal of maintaining health and preventing the onset of more serious conditions.

Other options, while important components of healthcare, do not fit into the preventive category. Emergency room visits are typically categorized as urgent care rather than preventive. Specialist consultations often address existing health concerns rather than preventing health issues. Hospitalizations for surgery are treatments rather than preventive measures aimed at avoiding health problems in the first place.