Insurance Basics
Preventive Care That ACA Plans Cover at $0
Which checkups and screenings are typically free before you meet your deductible.
Why preventive care is different
ACA-compliant plans generally cover recommended preventive services at no cost when you use in-network providers — even before you meet your deductible. That includes many checkups, vaccines, and screenings.
The goal is to remove cost barriers to care that catches problems early.
Know the boundaries
Diagnostic visits and treatment are not the same as preventive screenings. If a preventive appointment turns into a problem-focused visit, cost-sharing may apply for that portion.
Use your plan's preventive list and stay in-network to keep the $0 benefit.
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Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is an annual physical always free?
Recommended preventive visits are typically covered at $0 in-network; extra tests or problem-focused care may not be.
Do short-term plans include free preventive care?
Often not in the same way — short-term plans are not ACA-compliant and can skip essential benefits.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov — the official ACA Health Insurance Marketplace · reviewed 2026-01-15
- KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) — health policy research · reviewed 2026-01-15
- OLYRON HealthMatch editorial methodology — how we source and rate options · reviewed 2026-01-15