Will insurance refuse to cover healthcare needs discovered when paying cash?

Reddit user Soupcindy writes:

I asked the [healthcare provider] about doing it cash pay, and they said they do not recommend getting a CT scan via cash pay, because if they find something, then my insurance can deny further claims to treat whatever they find because it was cash pay. Is this true? Or are they trying to get more money out of me?

This is not the only person wondering.  Reddit user thinkofanamefast writes:

Is there any truth to the warning my friend gave me that if I pay cash for CAT [scan], instead of using doc's prescription and insurance, any medical condition found may not be covered?

Is it true my health insurance can cut me off if I pay cash?

No, this is false.  Some people propagate it as a rumor.  And it is possible some healthcare providers propagate it to make more money.  Regardless, it is not true.

Here's the simple fact: Your health insurer is obligated to comply with your written insurance policy.  And insurance policies don't say anything about, "if you pay for any healthcare yourself then you forfeit your insurance benefits."  You can pay for healthcare out of pocket without nullifying your health insurance policy.

Health insurance does not reduce your payment options, it is expands them.  It is simply an additional method of payment.  And it's a limited one, because it isn't always available – it depends on the network, the covered services, and the insurer's judgment of "medical necessity".

One payment option that is always available: paying out of pocket.  If you want to make that option much less expensive, and much more attractive, check out Pocketero.