Health Insurance Glossary

We want you to know the ins-and-outs of health insurance. That's why we've built this glossary of terms because we know that although the words are English, they often have different meanings than what we know them to be. You can check for a specific term that you are curious about or read the entire glossary if you are prepared for the most fun-filled day you have ever had. Enjoy.

Underwriting

Underwriting is the process by which a health insurance company determines eligibility for a person who is seeking health insurance benefits. Factors such as age, sex and pre-conditions are taken into consideration.

Uniform Billing Code of 1992 (UB-92)

The UB-92 is a federal directive that requires a hospital to follow a set of rules for the billing medical expenses.

Usual, Customary and Reasonable Charge

Usual, Customary and Reasonable Charges are the amounts charges for specific medical services rendered by a doctor for medical treatment.

Utilization

Utilization is the pattern of use for a type of service within a particular health plan or program.

Utilization Management/Review

The Utilization Management and Review is an evaluation of a medical treatment by a healthcare professional. The review analyzes the need, appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of the service.

Vision Care Coverage

Vision Care Coverage is a type of specialized medical coverage that is for treatment and examination of eyecare.

W-2

A W-2 Form is a federal tax form issued by employers stating an employee's income and taxes paid for a specific year.

Waiting Period

The Waiting Period is the length of time when a person is not covered by health insuance for a medical issue.

Waiver (Exclusion Endorsement)

A Waiver is a term that refers to the abandonment of coverage for pre-existing conditions and future conditions.

Waiver of Premium

A Waiver of Premium is a provision in a health insurance policy that states that the plan will continue without future premium payments.

Well-Baby/Well-Child Care

Well-Baby Care are medical services given in the first year of a baby's life as preventive care treatments.

Well-Woman Care

Well-Woman Care is the medical attention provided for women for preventative treatments. Services may include PAP Smears and Mammograms.