Is my health insurance accepted in other states?
Asked by: Dr. Eleanora Kuhn DVM | Last update: July 1, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (26 votes)
Can I use my health insurance in another state?
If you live in two different states or frequently travel within the country, you may want to sign up for a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. A PPO plan gives you more nationwide options for providers and health care services. That means you're able to use your health insurance no matter where you are.
Will my insurance cover me in other states?
No matter where you live, your standard car insurance policy will typically cover you in all 50 states and Canada.
Is my health insurance good in any state?
If you move across state lines, your health insurance coverage may or may not move with you. There are things you can do to make sure you keep your coverage or pick up new coverage to avoid gaps. Learn more about your health care options when you move to a new state or split your time between two or more states.
What health 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.
Choosing a Health Insurance Plan
Can I use my UnitedHealthcare insurance in another state?
United Healthcare: United Healthcare has a national network so members can see in-network doctors throughout the United States. Additionally, there is an out-of-network option which allows participants to access care from non-participating providers, however, out-of-network deductibles and coinsurance apply.
What is the difference between a PPO and a HMO?
HMOs (health maintenance organizations) are typically cheaper than PPOs, but they tend to have smaller networks. You need to see your primary care physician before getting a referral to a specialist. PPOs (preferred provider organizations) are usually more expensive.
Does it matter what state your insurance is in?
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 UnitedHealthcare accepted everywhere?
With UnitedHealthcare Options PPO health plans, you can use any doctor, clinic, hospital or health care facility in the national network.
What happens to 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.
Does my insurance work in any state?
not every plan is available in every state, so check with your insurance company if its coverage extends to the place you're visiting. You may still be covered even if it doesn't contract with providers in that state, but your costs may be different.
Can you see a doctor in a different state?
Yes, with one caveat: If you have an HMO or a policy with a strict provider network, you might need a referral. Your insurance might have a preferred provider network. Some state Medicaid programs limit coverage to that state. Having said that, I have traveled out of state for medical care a few times without problems.
Do I have to change my insurance if I move states?
Moving to another state? If you're moving between states, keep in mind that insurance coverage varies across states. For example, in California, due to the high risk of earthquakes, you may want to take special precautions to make sure your home is safe and secure in case an earthquake occurs.
Can blue cross be used in any state?
Every Blue Cross Blue Shield plan participates in the BlueCard program that allows you to use your plan benefits to access care anywhere inside the United States. Depending on the type of plan you have, you may only be covered in emergency situations. This is the case if you have an HMO network plan, for example.
Can I transfer my health insurance license to another state?
Keeping your insurance license is straightforward once you obtain it and stay active with it. Most states will let you transfer it over hassle-free as long as you fill out any paperwork they request. Get in touch with your new state's department of insurance as soon as possible for the details of this process.
Can I be on my parents' insurance if I live in a different state?
Yes, you are eligible to be covered on your parent's plan up to age 26 regardless of where you live. However, your parent's health plan probably has a network of participating providers and it may be difficult for you to find in-network care when you are living in another state.
What is the disadvantage of UnitedHealthcare?
Cons About UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
You may only have access to certain HMO or PPO plans in your area. And while UnitedHealthCare has competitive pricing, your location may only have access to plans with higher deductibles, more copays, and fewer additional benefits.
Does health insurance work in different states?
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.
Which health insurance 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.
Does my insurance cover me in other states?
Your car insurance policy generally will cover you when you drive your car out of state. If you are on vacation, for example, or are passing through another state on a road trip, you won't need to get a separate car insurance policy.
Can I use my health insurance anywhere in the US?
The Long Answer: Your out-of-state coverage is going to really only cover emergencies, and not much else--there's also loopholes to what's considered an Emergency. In most cases, insurance companies are required to pay for reasonable emergency medical expenses regardless of the hospital you go to.
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.
Is Blue Shield PPO or HMO better?
HMO plans are generally less expensive than PPO plans, with lower monthly payments, making them ideal if your favorite doctors are already in the network, or if you receive most of your care close to home.
Why do doctors prefer PPO over HMO?
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.