Alaska Health Insurance

Alaska has fewer health insurance regulations than most states. Still, it's important to familiarize yourself with them, so you're more confident and wise in your purchase.

This guide:

  • Describes important Alaska health insurance policy regulations.

  • Lists rules Alaska health insurance companies must follow.

Health insurance policies are regulated by each state's own health insurance laws. Alaska health insurance companies and policyholders alike must abide by established insurance laws.

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Alaska health insurance policy provisions

Some of the most important Alaska health insurance laws are the ones that influence the health insurance policy specifically. Alaska does not impose strict policy requirements, but there are a few.

For one, parents' individual health insurance policies automatically cover newborns and adopted children for 31 days if the policy already covers dependents.

Alaska health insurance policies must also all include a guaranteed renewability provision. This provision states that your request to renew your Alaska health insurance policy cannot be denied as long as you have honored the terms of the contract.

Some health insurance regulations allow the Alaska health insurance companies the freedom to design the policy to their liking. For instance, Alaska insurance companies are allowed to include elimination riders in their policies.

Elimination riders are attached provisions that eliminate the responsibility of the insurance company in certain situations. Most often Alaska health insurance companies will eliminate coverage for a pre-existing medical condition. Conditions considered to be pre-existing are determined by the insurance company but typically include illnesses you have obtained medical care for before you bought your health insurance policy.

Alaska health insurance companies can attach an elimination rider for the specific pre-existing condition and thereby avoid reimbursing you for any medical treatment connected with said pre-existing condition.

Also, when switching health insurance, there can be a new pre-existing condition exclusion period imposed.

With this in mind, it becomes apparent that not only is health insurance important, it is also important to purchase Alaska health insurance when you are young and healthy and maintain that policy so you can receive the best and most comprehensive health care coverage for your entire life.

Regulating Alaska health insurance companies

Health insurance laws in some states strictly regulate the cost and availability of health insurance policies. Alaska health insurance laws are rather relaxed in this area, which means you just have to be more aware of what liberties your health insurance company are allowed.

Even though the cost of health insurance is not controlled by Alaska health insurance laws, Alaska health insurance companies generally charge you the same amount as other individuals who are in similar health. However, it is solely the decision of insurance company so they can charge you more than you would expect.

Not only is the cost of your Alaska health insurance dependent on your health, the availability of your health insurance is too. This means that your application can be denied if the insurance company considers your health status to be too risky to insure.

However, as stated earlier, Alaska health insurance policies can not be canceled on the basis of illness. In addition, Alaska insurance companies must always honor your request to renew your health insurance policy.

Temporary Alaska health insurance

It is crucial to obtain some type of health insurance anytime you have breaks in your health care coverage. In Alaska temporary health insurance is available through a few Alaska health insurance companies. You can get further information by calling the Alaska Department of Insurance.

More AK health insurance help

If you want more help getting the a good health insurance policy, read our guide to health insurance.

Also see the guide to Alaska small business health insurance.


To find out more about AK health insurance laws and regulations, visit the official website of the Alaska Division of Insurance.