Primary Insurance falling short? Here’s why secondary coverage might be your best move
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Health insurance doesn’t always mean health security.
Even with coverage, many Americans still face thousands of dollars in bills before their insurer steps in.
From rising deductibles to surprise exclusions, gaps in basic insurance policies are leaving families vulnerable.
That’s why more people are turning to secondary insurance to protect their wallets—and their health.
According to KFF, the average family health insurance premium reached $25,572 in 2024, with workers paying over $6,000 of that themselves.
Add in a deductible of nearly $1,800 for individuals, and even routine care becomes financially painful.
For many, it’s not a question of whether their insurance covers enough—it’s clear it doesn’t.
5 Reasons Secondary Insurance Might Be Worth It
1. Your policy has too many holes
Even “good” insurance doesn’t cover everything. Standard plans often leave out dental, vision, physical therapy, or brand-name prescriptions.
Kris Barber, attorney and founder of The Barber Law Firm, says secondary plans can help pay for these essentials, reducing out-of-pocket costs for care you actually use.
2. Out-of-pocket costs keep piling up
Co-pays, coinsurance, and especially high deductibles add up fast. Secondary coverage is designed to help with the overflow—covering expenses your primary plan won’t.
That includes everything from urgent care visits to specialist fees that might otherwise strain your budget.
Also read: A new phone scam is targeting seniors with fake health insurance deals—here’s what to know before you pick up
3. You have ongoing or chronic health needs
If you require frequent treatment—say, for diabetes, arthritis, or long-term rehab—your primary policy might not stretch far.
A supplemental plan can keep those recurring costs from snowballing. It’s not just about emergencies; it’s about maintaining health over time without breaking the bank.
4. Medicare doesn’t cover enough
For seniors, Medicare alone often isn’t sufficient. Original Medicare doesn’t pay for deductibles, co-insurance, or extended care.
“Consider Medigap policies to enhance coverage for expenses not included in Original Medicare—coinsurance and deductible,” says Barber, helping older Americans avoid the surprise bills that Medicare leaves behind.
Also read: Are you about to pay hundreds more each month? Shocking new insurance hike catches millions of Americans off guard!
5. Getting secondary coverage is easier than you think
Secondary insurance doesn’t have to mean private brokers and complex policies. Melanie Musson from InsuranceProviders.com says you might already have access.
Through a spouse’s employer, an ACA marketplace plan, or a standalone option added to an existing policy. It’s more flexible than most people realize.
If you don’t need another monthly premium, a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) might make more sense.
“Instead of paying premiums, you can put your money in an account where it grows,” says Musson.
HSAs, in particular, are portable, investable, and roll over year to year—ideal for those with high-deductible plans looking to build long-term health savings.
Read next: Is your insurance working against you? A dentist’s bold move is exposing a growing issue
Is your primary plan falling short? Now’s the time to take a closer look. Compare costs, check your options, and make a move that actually fits your life—not just the fine print on your insurance card.
Even with coverage, many Americans still face thousands of dollars in bills before their insurer steps in.
From rising deductibles to surprise exclusions, gaps in basic insurance policies are leaving families vulnerable.
That’s why more people are turning to secondary insurance to protect their wallets—and their health.
According to KFF, the average family health insurance premium reached $25,572 in 2024, with workers paying over $6,000 of that themselves.
Add in a deductible of nearly $1,800 for individuals, and even routine care becomes financially painful.
For many, it’s not a question of whether their insurance covers enough—it’s clear it doesn’t.
5 Reasons Secondary Insurance Might Be Worth It
1. Your policy has too many holes
Even “good” insurance doesn’t cover everything. Standard plans often leave out dental, vision, physical therapy, or brand-name prescriptions.
Kris Barber, attorney and founder of The Barber Law Firm, says secondary plans can help pay for these essentials, reducing out-of-pocket costs for care you actually use.
2. Out-of-pocket costs keep piling up
Co-pays, coinsurance, and especially high deductibles add up fast. Secondary coverage is designed to help with the overflow—covering expenses your primary plan won’t.
That includes everything from urgent care visits to specialist fees that might otherwise strain your budget.
Also read: A new phone scam is targeting seniors with fake health insurance deals—here’s what to know before you pick up
3. You have ongoing or chronic health needs
If you require frequent treatment—say, for diabetes, arthritis, or long-term rehab—your primary policy might not stretch far.
A supplemental plan can keep those recurring costs from snowballing. It’s not just about emergencies; it’s about maintaining health over time without breaking the bank.
4. Medicare doesn’t cover enough
For seniors, Medicare alone often isn’t sufficient. Original Medicare doesn’t pay for deductibles, co-insurance, or extended care.
“Consider Medigap policies to enhance coverage for expenses not included in Original Medicare—coinsurance and deductible,” says Barber, helping older Americans avoid the surprise bills that Medicare leaves behind.
Also read: Are you about to pay hundreds more each month? Shocking new insurance hike catches millions of Americans off guard!
5. Getting secondary coverage is easier than you think
Secondary insurance doesn’t have to mean private brokers and complex policies. Melanie Musson from InsuranceProviders.com says you might already have access.
Through a spouse’s employer, an ACA marketplace plan, or a standalone option added to an existing policy. It’s more flexible than most people realize.
If you don’t need another monthly premium, a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) might make more sense.
“Instead of paying premiums, you can put your money in an account where it grows,” says Musson.
HSAs, in particular, are portable, investable, and roll over year to year—ideal for those with high-deductible plans looking to build long-term health savings.
Read next: Is your insurance working against you? A dentist’s bold move is exposing a growing issue
