Do I Still Need Health Insurance with Direct Primary Care?

Yes — and that's actually the point. Direct Primary Care and health insurance work best together, not as replacements for each other. Your DPC membership covers your everyday primary care — unlimited visits, same-day appointments, and basic labs — for a flat $50 to $100 per month. But it doesn't cover hospitalizations, emergency room visits, or specialist care.

What Insurance Covers That DPC Doesn't

Think of it this way: DPC is your healthcare, insurance is your safety net. You still need coverage for:

• Emergency room visits and hospital stays
• Surgeries and specialist referrals
• Advanced imaging like MRIs and CT scans
• Prescription medications beyond what your DPC doctor dispenses in-office

Most DPC members pair their membership with a high-deductible health plan or catastrophic plan — which keeps monthly premiums low since your DPC doctor handles the day-to-day care that would otherwise hit your deductible.

Can I Use My HSA to Pay for DPC?

Starting in 2026, you can use your Health Savings Account to pay DPC membership fees up to $150/month for individuals and $300/month for families. All Bronze and catastrophic marketplace plans are now HSA-eligible too, making the DPC-plus-insurance combo even more tax-advantaged.

Ready to find a DPC doctor near you? Browse practices on the DPC Directory to get started.