Can I have HDHP and other insurance?

Asked by: Britney Berge  |  Last update: September 21, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (57 votes)

The IRS does allow you to have some types of coverage in addition to your HDHP, without jeopardizing your eligibility to contribute money to your HSA. They include: Workers' compensation. Critical illness/specific disease coverage (a plan that will pay a lump sum if you're diagnosed with invasive cancer, for example)

Can I have secondary insurance with HDHP?

You may be enrolled in other secondary health insurance, however if the secondary health insurance is Medicare or a non HSA-qualified medical plan then you are not allowed to receive or contribute money into an HSA per the IRS.

Can you have a HDHP and PPO plan at the same time?

Service delivery in the HDHP program within the FEHB Program may be offered with a: Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), or Point of Service (POS) plan. The health plan determines eligibility for a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA).

Can I have two health insurance plans at the same time?

Can I have 2 health insurance plans at the same time? Yes. A process called coordination of benefits determines which insurance plan will pay first. Your primary plan will pay for the health claim first, paying the costs up to the plan's coverage limits, and then your second plan will kick in.

What happens to your insurance premium if you have a high deductible?

A plan with a higher deductible than a traditional insurance plan. The monthly premium is usually lower, but you pay more health care costs yourself before the insurance company starts to pay its share (also called your deductible).

When is a High Deductible Health Plan with an HSA a Good Choice?

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Is it better to have HDHP or PPO?

HDHPs can be a good form of insurance for the young and healthy — especially if your employer offers you HSA contributions. But for anyone with significant medical expenses, an upcoming surgery, or a serious health condition, a PPO could be a better fit because of the lower deductible.

What is the downside of a high deductible?

The primary disadvantages of a high-deductible health plan include the high out-of-pocket costs and the potential reluctance to seek medical care due to upfront expenses. While HDHPs have lower premiums, individuals may face financial strain if they need medical services before meeting the deductible.

Is being double insured worth it?

Assuming Dual Coverage Is Always Better: While dual coverage can be beneficial, it's not always the best option for every situation. Don't assume that having two plans will automatically save you money. Evaluate the costs, coverage, and your specific healthcare needs to determine if dual coverage is cost-effective.

How do deductibles work when you have two insurances?

If both plans have deductibles, you'll have to pay both before coverage kicks in. You don't get to choose which health plan is primary, meaning the one that pays first. You don't get to choose which insurer will pay a certain claim.

How to get secondary health insurance?

If you buy a medical plan on your own through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you can purchase supplemental or secondary coverage through a private insurance company. If you get your medical plan through your employer, you may have the option to add one or more secondary or supplemental plans during enrollment.

What are the disadvantages of HDHP?

Another possible downside to HDHPs is that you may put off doctor visits. If your budget is tight, paying the initial out-of-pocket costs can be difficult. A 2024 survey found that about 1 in 4 U.S. adults said they skipped or postponed getting needed care because of the cost.

How do you determine which insurance is primary?

The insurance that pays first is called the primary payer. The primary payer pays up to the limits of its coverage. The insurance that pays second is called the secondary payer. The secondary payer only pays if there are costs the primary insurer didn't cover.

Do doctors prefer HMO or PPO?

HMO plans might involve more bureaucracy and can limit doctors' ability to practice medicine as they see fit due to stricter guidelines on treatment protocols. So just as with patients, providers who prefer a greater degree of flexibility tend to prefer PPO plans.

Can I have a PPO and HDHP at the same time?

The truth is that you can get a PPO plan that's also an HDHP and, therefore, eligible for an HSA.

Who should avoid a high deductible health plan?

While these types of plans can be beneficial to those who are relatively healthy, they can be very expensive for those who have chronic conditions or who experience a medical crisis. It's important to carefully consider your expected medical expenses before choosing to participate in a high deductible health care plan.

What is the 12 month rule for HSA?

It means you must remain eligible for the HSA until December 31 of the following year. The only exceptions are death or disability. If you violate the testing period requirement, your ineligible contributions become taxable income.

What happens if you have two insurances at once?

Having two health plans doesn't mean you'll receive full medical coverage twice. Instead, one policy will be your primary plan, and the other will be your secondary health coverage. This ensures the total amount your two plans will pay for your health expenses will never exceed 100% of the cost of those expenses.

Which health insurance company denies the most claims?

According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.

How does health insurance work once you meet your deductible?

Once a person meets their deductible, they pay coinsurance and copays, which don't count toward the family deductible.

Can I get a refund if I was double insured?

Can I get a refund if I was double insured? If you have double insurance coverage for the same person and vehicle, you might qualify for a prorated refund. Decide which insurance you're keeping, tell the other company you were double insured, and ask for your premiums back.

Can I use my secondary insurance as primary?

The short answer is no, you can't. As outlined above, an individual's employer-sponsored plan will always be primary. Even if a spouse or parent's plan has better coverage or maybe a lower deductible, you can't submit claims to them first.

Does it make sense to combine health insurance?

However, for people who have the wherewithal to shoulder both sets of premiums, this type of coverage may make sense when expecting very heavy healthcare outlays in the year ahead. Having dual coverage has the potential to reduce total out-of-pocket costs in those instances.

Why is it not a great idea to have a high deductible?

Large medical expenses: Since HDHPs generally only cover preventive care, an accident or emergency could result in very high out-of-pocket costs. Future health risks: Because of the costs, you may refrain from visiting a physician, getting treatments, or purchasing prescriptions when they're not covered by your HDHP.

How high is too high deductible?

In 2023, health insurance plans with deductibles over $1,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a family are considered high-deductible plans.

Who is a HDHP good for?

HDHPs have lower monthly premiums and are a good fit for those who anticipate needing preventive care only.