★★★★★ 5.0 · 142 Google reviews · Licensed agent since 1999 800-320-6269
Free help from a real licensed California agent. No pressure. No cost. Same rate as going direct.
Book a time to talk
California health insurance - Apply online for health coverage - Health insurance between States

How Individual Family Insurance Works Between States

Covered California HMO vs PPO vs EPO: Explained for 2027 - Watch on YouTube

People in the UnitedStates move around quite a bit.

This poses quite an issue in terms of Individual health insurance as the carriers are separate companies from State to State and for the most part, health insurance does not transfer across State lines.

For people moving to another State outside of open enrollment, what can they do?

The other issue is for people that live next to a border where medical providers might only be 5 minutes away but in a whole different State.

You can quote the California health insurance options available here:

Free California Health Quote
Google ★★★★★ 5.0
⚡ Free & Instant

Compare plans from all major California carriers - pick your market to see plans & prices instantly. Same rate as going direct, with a licensed agent in your corner.

Serving California since 1994 · 600,000+ quotes · 5.0 Google rating

Let's look at how California health plans address coverage in other States.

California catastrophic health insurance plan documents with stethoscope and pen on deskMoving to another State and Individual health insurance

We typically get calls from people moving to (or from) California who just want to transfer their health plan over.

Unfortunately, it's not that easy.

Each State's health insurance is separate and even if a carrier (say Anthem) operates in both States, the plans, regulations, and options are different.

Some big carriers like Anthem may have transfer options but the best rates and options require re-applying in the new State.

Since the ACA law passed, moving to another State is a qualifying trigger for Special Enrollment which allows you to enroll outside of Open Enrollment.

A few key points.

You must enroll within 60 days of moving to the new State.

Otherwise, you will probably need to wait till Open Enrollment but call us at 800-320-6269 or email us at help@calhealth.net as there are some avenues to enroll.

Your effective date depends on when in the month you enroll.

If you enroll from the 1st to the 15th of a month, you can get the next 1st of the month. If you apply after the 15th, your effective date may move to the next 1st of the month (unless you're also losing coverage).

Medical services out of State and your California individual health insurance

Generally speaking, the carriers may only provide true emergency coverage (check with carrier for their definition of emergency but be conservative) out of State for HMO plans.

UPDATE: The Blue Shield Individual Family PPO plans has not had access to the Blue Card network since 2019

Always check with Carrier regarding their rules for out of State. Some carrier have very limited if no networks outside of the State.

Providers across State line

There are locations along the California border where health care providers may be just across State line.

The same general guidelines above for out of State are a good rule of thumb but some of the major California carriers address this issue by extending networks in such areas.

UPDATE: The Blue Shield Individual Family PPO plans has not had access to Blue Card since 2019

Currently, Anthem Blue Cross EPO still has the Blue Card access if available in your area. Verify with us at help@calhealth.net

Other important concepts to help you understand your California health insurance quote are:

The Blue Card program
Special Enrollment triggers under Covered California

You can run your Health Plan Quote here to view rates and plans side by side from the major carriers...Free.

Again, there is absolutely no cost to you for our services. Call 800-320-6269 Today!

Frequently Asked Questions
▸ What happens to my California individual health insurance if I move to another state?
Your California individual health insurance plan generally ends when you move to a new state, since carriers are separate companies from state to state. Moving typically triggers a Special Enrollment Period in your new state, so you'll want to act quickly to avoid a coverage gap.
▸ Can I use my California individual health insurance for medical care in another state?
Coverage for out-of-state medical services depends heavily on your plan type - HMO, EPO, and PPO plans handle this very differently. In most cases, California individual plans cover emergency care outside the state, but non-emergency or routine care out of state may not be covered. Check your plan documents or speak with a licensed agent to understand your specific benefits.
▸ Does my California health plan cover providers just across the state line?
Whether an out-of-state provider near a border is covered depends on your plan's network and type - EPO and HMO plans are especially restrictive about out-of-network care. If you regularly see providers across a state line, it's important to confirm network coverage before enrolling. A California carrier comparison can help you evaluate which plan types may offer more flexibility.
▸ Is there a Special Enrollment Period if I move out of California?
Yes, moving to a new state where you'll be living generally qualifies as a life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period, both in your old state and your new one. You'll typically have a limited window to enroll in a new plan, so it's important to act promptly after your move.
▸ Can I keep my Covered California plan if I temporarily live in another state?
Covered California plans are designed for California residents, so a permanent move to another state would generally end your eligibility. If your stay out of state is temporary, your coverage may continue, but emergency-only benefits could apply outside California depending on your plan type - contact a licensed agent to clarify your situation.
The answers above are general information about California health insurance and may change as rates, plans, and rules are updated each year. They are not a substitute for personalized advice. For current, personalized guidance, please contact us, email help@calhealth.net, or call 800-320-6269. Serving California since 1994.
Free California Health Quote
Google ★★★★★ 5.0
⚡ Free & Instant

Compare plans from all major California carriers - pick your market to see plans & prices instantly. Same rate as going direct, with a licensed agent in your corner.

Covered CAMedicareSmall BusinessNeed a real person? →
Serving California since 1994 · 600,000+ quotes · 5.0 Google rating