The primary distinction between group coverage and individual health insurance is selection. People who receive health insurance through an employer-sponsored plan pick their plan from a short list of options. On the other hand, people familiar with purchasing health insurance on their own are used to choosing a health plan from a wide range of companies and policies.
Group coverage is typically available through your employer. Depending on your employer’s budget, you may pay some of your premiums or your employer may cover them entirely. In almost every circumstance, however, the employer will pay at least a portion of the cost. Typically, group plans cover employees regardless of pre-existing conditions.