Normally, spouses and children are still covered by the other spouse's health insurance for a period of time after separation. Coverage for children usually ends once the children turn 19; coverage for married spouses almost always ends on divorce, but coverage for unmarried spouses may end when the parties stop living together. You should <span class="noglossary">contact</span> the people who administer your insurance plan for more information , as different plans have different rules about the eligibility of spouses as beneficiaries following separation.

For most people, maintaining spousal benefits cost costs little or nothing. If that's the <span class="noglossary">case</span>, consider leaving your spouse's coverage in place for as long as your plan allows; it will appear rather mean-spirited if you cancel your spouse's benefits. Whatever you do, don't cancel the children's benefits!