Can you have two insurance providers at the same time?

Asked by: Markus Keeling  |  Last update: February 2, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (31 votes)

The short answer to that question is yes, you can have two health insurance plans. In fact, it's becoming increasingly common for individuals to have more than one health insurance plan.

Can you have two insurance providers at once?

Roughly 92% of Americans have some form of health insurance coverage1. Most individuals only have one health insurance plan, known as “primary” insurance. However, some people also secure additional medical coverage or a “secondary” insurance plan. Having dual coverage is perfectly legal.

Can I have two health insurances 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.

Can you have more than one healthcare provider?

Many people see more than one doctor or health professional. Your primary care doctor, such as your internist or family doctor, may refer you to another doctor for a problem. You may see a specialist for another health concern.

How does it work if you have primary and secondary insurance?

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

Can Employees Have Two Health Insurance Plans?

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Do you still pay a copay if you have two insurances?

In most cases their secondary policy will pick up the copay left from the primary insurance. There are some cases where the secondary policy also has a copay and those patients may end up with a copay applied after both insurances process the claim.

What is double insurance?

Double insurance refers to the method of getting insurance of same subject matter with more than one insurer or with same insurer under different policies. This means that one can get insurance policies on a subject matter more than its value. Double insurance is possible in all types of insurance contracts.

Can I have two primary care providers?

There are many reasons why having two primary care providers can be a preferable situation for many patients. With two primary care providers, you'll have more flexibility in scheduling appointments. This means shorter consultation wait times and quicker access to medical advice when you need it most.

Can I see two specialists at the same time?

Patients often schedule two medical appointments on the same day with physicians of different specialties. It's convenient for them. It saves travel time. It may mean the patient or a family member only needs to take one day off work.

What is the best health insurance company to go with?

Best Health Insurance Companies for 2025
  • Best Overall and Best for Self-Employed: Kaiser Permanente.
  • Best Widely Available Plans: UnitedHealthcare.
  • Best for Low Complaints and Best for Chronic Conditions: Aetna.
  • Most Affordable: Molina Healthcare.

Can I have a high deductible health plan and a secondary insurance?

Other coverage that is allowed in addition to an HDHP

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.

How to set up coordination of benefits?

To set up coordination of benefits, you will need to contact your insurance company. Your insurance company will ask you to fill out a form disclosing any other health plans you may have in place. To gather this information your insurance company may: send you a form in the mail.

What is the difference between a PPO and a HMO?

HMO plans typically have lower monthly premiums. You can also expect to pay less out of pocket. PPOs tend to have higher monthly premiums in exchange for the flexibility to use providers both in and out of network without a referral. Out-of-pocket medical costs can also run higher with a PPO plan.

Can you have 2 health insurances at the same time?

Yes, you can have two health insurance plans and it is perfectly legal, but it is also important to fully understand how primary vs secondary insurance operates.

Can I have my own health insurance and be on my parents at the same time?

If you are under age 26, yes. Eligibility for health benefits through your own job does not make you ineligible to be covered as a dependent on your parent's policy up to the age of 26.

Can I work for two different insurance agencies at the same time?

Unlike captive insurance agents, independent insurance agents are not contracted to work with one single company, and they can sell policies from multiple insurance companies.

Will insurance cover two doctors?

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans — typically cover only one PCP. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans — might cover two Primary Care Physicians. PFFS (Private fee-for-service) plans — might cover two Primary Care Physicians. SNP (Special Needs Plan) — typically covers only one PCP.

Can you have two medical specialties?

In most instances, training in a combined program will allow you to become board certified in both specialties. As far as one's career path, there are ample subspecialty opportunities available to physicians who train in combined programs.

Can my doctor see if I went to another doctor?

Per HIPAA regulations, doctors can share patient information with other doctors for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations without the patient's explicit consent.

Is it okay to see two doctors at the same time?

Many people see more than one doctor or health professional. Your primary care doctor, such as your internist or family doctor, may refer you to another doctor for a problem. You may see a specialist for another health concern.

Why is it so hard to get a primary care provider?

This shortage is attributed to various factors including an aging population (both patients and doctors are getting old), a growing emphasis on specialized medicine which draws physicians away from primary care, and fewer medical graduates choosing primary care as a field.

How often should I see my primary care provider?

Everyone is different so even the following guidelines are not set in stone. In general for both men and women, if you are in basically good health and under the age of 50, it is recommended you see your PCP every three years for a checkup. After age 50, see your doctor once a year.

How does insurance work if you have two?

Having multiple insurance plans means one plan will be your primary coverage, and the other will be secondary. As the names imply, your primary coverage activates first, and your secondary coverage picks up any unaddressed expenses if necessary.

Who are dual insurance?

DUAL is an MGA, or managing general agent. Our role is to underwrite insurance policies on behalf of insurers, who delegate underwriting authority to us. Insurers will specify a limit we can underwrite to across our different classes, according to their risk appetite.

What is double billing insurance?

In a double billing scheme, a provider bills multiple times for the same medical services. Sometimes providers bill the same party (e.g., the government) multiple times for the same services. To avoid detection, they can alter the date of the service, its description, or the name of the patient or provider.