Spending Winter Away? Choose a 2027 Plan That Travels With You

As the weather turns cold, many people start packing for somewhere warmer. Maybe you spend a few months near the beach, visit grandkids across the country, travel in an RV, or work remotely from a second home. That freedom is wonderful. But it raises a question many people don't think about until they need a doctor: does my health plan work where I am?

Open enrollment season is a smart time to ask. The plan you pick for 2027 will follow you all year, including the months you spend away. This guide walks through what to look for so your coverage fits the way you really live.

Why Where You Spend Time Matters

Most health plans are built around a network. A network is the group of doctors, hospitals, labs and pharmacies that have agreed to work with the plan. When you use them, you usually pay less. When you go outside the network, you may pay much more, or the plan may not pay at all for routine care.

Many networks are local or regional. They might cover one state, or even just a few counties. That works well if you stay home all year. But if you spend three or four months somewhere else, you could find that the doctors near your winter home are all out of network.

Here is a simple example. Imagine a couple in their early sixties who live up north but spend the winter in a warmer state. Their plan has a great local network at home. Then one of them needs a routine checkup and a refill while they're away. If the plan's network stops at their home state's border, that checkup may not be covered the way they expected.

Local Networks vs. Wider Networks

When you compare plans, pay close attention to how far the network reaches. Plans tend to fall into a few broad groups:

• Plans with a tight local network. These often have lower premiums but may only cover care in your home area, except for emergencies.
• Plans with a regional network. These may reach into nearby states, which can help if your second home is close by.
• Plans with a national network. Some PPO plans include doctors and hospitals across much of the country. These can be a strong fit for people who split their time between places.

Plan type gives you a clue, but it isn't the whole story. A PPO usually lets you see out-of-network providers for some coverage, while HMO and EPO plans usually don't cover routine out-of-network care. Still, two plans with the same label can have very different networks. The only way to know for sure is to check the specific plan's provider directory for both of the places you spend time.

Also keep in mind that ACA Marketplace plans are sold based on where your main home is. You shop in your home state, and the plans offered there are built around that state's networks. Some private PPO plans may offer broader networks, depending on where you live and whether you qualify. A licensed advisor can show you what's available for your situation.

Emergencies vs. Everyday Care Away From Home

It helps to separate two kinds of care: emergencies and everything else.

For true emergencies, most health plans must cover emergency room care even if the hospital is out of network. There are also federal protections against many surprise bills in emergency situations. That's reassuring, but it doesn't cover everything. Follow-up visits, physical therapy after an injury, or a hospital stay that continues after you're stable may be treated differently.

Everyday care is where people get caught off guard. This includes:

• Checkups and sick visits
• Ongoing care for conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
• Lab work and imaging
• Specialist visits
• Urgent care for things like a sprain or an ear infection

If you'll be away for weeks or months, there's a good chance you'll need at least some of this. Ask how each plan handles urgent care and routine visits outside your home area. Some plans have special rules for travelers or for members who live in two places part of the year, and some don't.

Prescriptions and Virtual Visits

Prescriptions are another area to plan ahead for. A few things to check:

• Is there an in-network pharmacy near your second home? National pharmacy chains can make this easier, but confirm with the plan.
• Does the plan offer mail-order prescriptions? Having medicine shipped to wherever you are can be very handy.
• Can you get a longer supply before you leave? Some plans allow this, and some have limits.
• Are your current medicines on the plan's drug list for 2027? Drug lists can change from year to year.

Telehealth, or virtual visits by phone or video, can also help fill gaps. Many plans now offer virtual visits for common issues and sometimes for follow-ups with your regular doctor. But rules about seeing a doctor across state lines can be tricky, because doctors are generally licensed state by state. Ask whether your plan's virtual care service can treat you while you're in another state.

Questions to Ask Before You Enroll

Before you lock in a plan for 2027, sit down with your calendar and think about where you'll realistically be. Then work through these steps:

1. List the places you expect to spend more than a couple of weeks next year.
2. Write down the doctors, specialists and pharmacies you use at home, plus any you'd want near your second location.
3. Look up each provider in the plan's directory, and call their offices to confirm they take that specific plan for 2027.
4. Ask how the plan covers urgent care, routine visits and follow-up care outside your home area.
5. Check how your prescriptions would be filled while you're away.
6. Compare the total yearly cost, not just the monthly premium. A plan with a wider network may cost more each month but save you from big out-of-network bills.

One more thing: if you're not just traveling but actually moving your main home to a new state, that's a different situation. A permanent move can change which plans you can buy and may open a special enrollment period. Let an advisor know so they can point you in the right direction.

Making It Easier on Yourself

Sorting through networks in two places can feel like a lot. You don't have to do it alone. A licensed advisor can compare plans side by side, look at how far each network reaches, and help you weigh what matters most to you, whether that's keeping a favorite doctor at home, having options in your winter town, or keeping costs predictable.

Premiums, networks and plan options vary by plan, state and year, so it's worth getting answers based on your own details rather than guessing. A few minutes of planning now can save a lot of stress later, when you'd rather be enjoying the sunshine or time with family.

If you split your time between places, or just want to make sure your coverage keeps up with your plans for 2027, we're here to help. Get a free quote or talk with a Cohen Health advisor today, and we'll help you find a plan that fits the life you actually live.