In this overview I describe the simplest models for the quantum Hall and quantum spin Hall effects, and give some general indications as to the description of topological insulators. As a background to the theoretical models I will first trace the development leading up to the description of topological insulators . Then I will present Laughlin's original model for the quantum Hall effect and briefly discuss its limitations. After that I will describe the Kane and Mele model for the quantum spin Hall effect in graphene and discuss its relation to a general quantum spin Hall system. I will conclude by giving a conceptual description of topological insulators and mention some potential applications of such states.