Primary Health Insurance Coverage: Definition & Explanation

Definition: Primary Coverage

Primary coverage is your main source of health insurance. This is the insurance that pays covered medical expenses first. You might get health insurance from your job, through a family member, or by buying a plan yourself.

For example, if you have health insurance through your employer, your employer's plan would be your primary coverage. If you also have Medicare or Medicaid, your government coverage would be primary.

If you have primary coverage, you don't have to buy secondary insurance. But if you choose to, you might be able to get more medical care covered or save some money out-of-pocket.