Can you have health insurance in a state you don't live in?
Asked by: Albert Rosenbaum | Last update: August 8, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (6 votes)
Does it matter what state I live in for health insurance?
You should buy coverage in the state where you officially reside. Most states consider you a resident if you intend to make that state your permanent home.
Is it illegal to have health insurance from another state?
As the law exists now, you can only buy health insurance in the state where you maintain your permanent address. Your insurance company may not cover you if you move states and do not report this change in address.
Can I have insurance in one state and live in another?
Registering a vehicle in one state while holding an insurance policy in another is not permitted for most drivers. This restriction is due to variations in traffic laws and minimum insurance coverage requirements. Attempting to insure a vehicle in a state where you don't live might be insurance fraud.
Do you have to be a resident of a state to get health insurance?
If you live in a U.S. territory, you can't get health coverage through the Marketplace, unless you also qualify as a resident in any of the 50 states or Washington, DC.
How bad is it if I don't have health insurance?
Can I keep my health insurance if I move out of state?
It's very important to report moves out of state immediately so you can enroll in a new plan without a break in coverage — and avoid paying for coverage that doesn't apply in your new state. When you move out of state, you'll need to start a new Marketplace application and enroll in a plan in your new state.
How do snowbirds get health insurance?
Some insurers offer Advantage plans specifically designed for snowbirds. Medicare Cost Plans work well for snowbirds, but aren't available in most states. Original Medicare will cover you anywhere in the nation, but make sure your doctors and hospitals are participating providers with Medicare.
Does my health insurance cover me out of state?
Some plan types, like PPO or OAP plans, allow for full access to any and all participating providers in that carrier's network, regardless of which state you reside in. Other plan types, like HMO or POS plans, will cover emergency services anywhere in the country but may not cover routine care in another state.
Can you have Medicaid in one state and live in another?
Can Medicaid Benefits be Transferred from State-to-State? Formally, one cannot transfer Medicaid from state-to-state. However, with careful planning one can gain eligibility in their new state without a lapse in benefits. The US federal government establishes parameters for the Medicaid program.
Does my insurance change if I move states?
Each state has its own laws and requirements for auto insurance, so you need to update your policy to comply with your new state's regulations. Additionally, factors like your new location, driving environment, and even the distance of your daily commute can influence your insurance rates.
Does the IRS fine you for not having health insurance?
The fee for not having health insurance (sometimes called the "Shared Responsibility Payment" or "mandate”) ended in 2018. This means you no longer pay a tax penalty for not having health coverage.
What insurance is accepted in all 50 states?
Medicare is run by the federal government, which is why Original Medicare coverage is the same in every state and includes nationwide access to providers.
Can I have two doctors in different states?
If you have Original Medicare, you can have two PCPs if you feel it's necessary (e.g., you live in multiple states, or your work requires frequent/extended travel). Medicare doesn't limit the number of PCPs you can have.
Does where you live affect health insurance?
How premiums are set. Under the health care law, insurance companies can account for only 5 things when setting premiums. Age: Premiums can be up to 3 times higher for older people than for younger ones. Location: Where you live has a big effect on your premiums.
Can you have state health insurance in two states?
Multi-State Plan options are offered, along with other approved plans, on the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace is a one-stop shop where you can compare prices on health plans, buy coverage, and obtain Federal subsidies if you qualify for them.
How to switch state insurance to another state?
Locate your new state to apply through its website. After you finish your application, you'll see plans and prices available to you. After you confirm the coverage in your new state has started, you'll need to end your current coverage in your former state. Learn how to cancel your old plan.
How much does Medicaid cost per month?
Amounts. Most states adjust premium amounts by beneficiary income, with approved possible charges ranging from approximately $5 to $74 per month. Four states (AR, AZ, MI, and MT) have approved waivers to require monthly premium payments as a percentage of income.
Which state has the best Medicaid program?
The top states—ranked from 1 to 10—are Massachusetts, Nebraska, Vermont, Alaska, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Minnesota, New York, Washington, and New Hampshire.
What happens to my health insurance if I move out of state?
You need to sign up for a new plan if you move to another state. That means you'll fill out a new marketplace application and update the profile on your account.
Can your insurance be from out of state?
No. A car insurance policy originates in the state where you reside. Buying two auto insurance policies for the same vehicle may result in the company canceling one of them. However, you can have two policies to insure two separate vehicles garaged in different states.
Is it illegal to have out of state insurance?
In general, your car must be registered and insured in the same state, since both vehicle registration and auto insurance are based on your permanent residence. In fact, using an address for insurance that's different from the primary residence where you keep your vehicle is a form of insurance fraud.
How does health insurance work when traveling?
Travel medical insurance helps cover the cost of many emergency medical treatments during a trip. If you're traveling and have an unexpected illness, medical condition or injury that's covered by your travel medical insurance, you typically will be reimbursed up to the plan limits.
What is the easiest way to get health insurance?
- Use HealthCare.gov to apply online. Fastest way to apply. ...
- Enroll over the phone. ...
- Find help in your area. ...
- Use a certified enrollment partner. ...
- Fill out and mail in a paper application.
Is moving to another state a qualifying event for health insurance?
If you need insurance or need to change your insurance outside of this time frame, you may be able to get health insurance, or make a change to your current plan, if you experience a qualifying life event, which gives you a special enrollment period (SEP). Moving to a new location is a qualifying life event.