Primary vs Secondary Coverage

What is primary insurance? How can you tell which benefits have primary or secondary coverage? Check your plan document to find out what you have, then learn more below.

1. Primary Coverage

If you have primary coverage, claims are made with that provider first, regardless of whatever other insurance you may have.

The process:

  • Claim with the primary insurance provider, then...
  • Get your eligible costs reimbursed

2. Secondary Coverage

Also referred to as Excess Coverage, if you have secondary coverage, claims are made through primary insurance providers first.

The process:

  • Claim with the primary insurance provider(s), then...
  • Get your eligible costs reimbursed, then...
  • Claim with the secondary insurance provider(s), then...
  • Get any remaining eligible costs reimbursed

Note: Sometimes, you won't have primary coverage for a specific loss. If you have secondary coverage only, then you can claim with that insurance provider first.