Question
Does my health insurance work in another state?
Short answer
For emergencies, yes. For routine care, it depends on the plan type: HMO and EPO plans usually cover only their local network, while a PPO with a national network travels better.
Emergencies are covered
Plans must cover emergency care at any hospital, in or out of network, at your in-network cost sharing. Federal law also protects you from most surprise bills from out-of-network providers in an emergency.
Routine care depends on the network
- HMO and EPO plans usually cover non-emergency care only from their own network, which is often one state or region.
- PPO plans cover out-of-network care at a higher cost, and some have a national network.
- Many plans include urgent care and telehealth visits that work while you travel. Check your plan's documents or call the number on your card before you go.
If you're moving, not visiting
A move to a new state usually means a new plan. Moving gives you a special enrollment period, usually 60 days, to pick one there.
This is general information about how US policies usually work. Your own policy's wording and your state's rules decide the details.