Health insurance is an important and often overlooked issue during divorce proceedings. As health care costs continue to rise, having health insurance coverage provided by one or both former spouses is a significant benefit. Depending on the state, when health insurance is considered in the divorce decree, courts may order one spouse to provide health insurance coverage for their former partner either directly or through continued coverage through work plans. This court-ordered health insurance can provide the security of access to health care services post-divorce. It also ensures consistency in health care when managing long-term health conditions as well as protecting individual financial stability. Understanding this potential option ahead of time and its possible implications should be part of any comprehensive divorce planning process.

Each spouse may arrange for their health insurance coverage independently or through their employer. It is important to check the settlement documents to ensure health insurance issues are specifically addressed. The former spouse may continue health insurance coverage under a group health plan with their own employer, or receive health care coverage from an insurer if both spouses qualify for COBRA benefits.

In certain situations, health insurance purchased for a spouse can be removed by the policyholder prior to the completion of a divorce. For instance, if both parties agree to the removal of health insurance, health insurance companies usually allow this to take place. It is important to note that there can still be legal and financial ramifications in doing so.

Health insurance coverage for individuals can end once a divorce has been finalized. Certain health plans may offer health insurance to spouses of participants as a part of a marriage settlement or agreement. Generally, health insurance plans waive the spousal requirement after the divorce is completed and may discontinue health coverage directly following the finalization.

In most cases, both parties are responsible to provide health insurance for the child. In some circumstances, depending on the final agreement reached between divorcing parties, ultimately one parent may have primary responsibility. If the health insurance plan is through an employer, such as in the case of one of the divorcing parties being employed, then it is often calculated into alimony or child support payments.