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What is hospital indemnity insurance?

Hospital indemnity insurance (also known as supplemental hospitalization or hospital insurance, hospital cash plans, healthcare indemnity, medical indemnity, health benefit indemnity, fixed indemnity health insurance, indemnity medical plan, or health benefit indemnity insurance) are policies for individuals and families that will pay a set amount of money when you receive covered medical services.

Basically, it’s cash you can use to help cover medical expenses or lost income when a covered healthcare emergency or illness strikes.

Since the money is paid directly to you, it can also be used to pay bills like the mortgage, childcare, or whatever you need dollars to cover your expenses. It is best used as a supplement to a major medical health plan. Alongside financial protection, the low-cost plans we offer also include non-insurance healthcare services like telemedicine access and prescription drug discounts to help fill gaps in coverage. Many purchasers of hospital indemnity insurance plans comment that the primary value of the plans are the flexibility to use the plan payouts without restrictions. The benefit can be used to pay your deductible or to help cover lost wages while you were ill. Bottom line is that it’s your choice how to use it.

Fixed indemnity plan vs major medical Obamacare

Hospital indemnity insurance coverage works differently than the short term health insurance or Obamacare health plans most consumers are familiar with. Health benefit indemnity insurance plans mostly offer first-dollar benefits. That means there generally are no deductibles, coinsurance or copays that are required to be paid out of pocket before the insurance company begins paying for medical services. The insurance carrier begins paying right away for your first service, allowing you to avoid dipping into checking or savings accounts for healthcare related expenses. Indemnity insurance is a supplement to, not a replacement for, major medical insurance.

How do I compare hospital cash plans?

Like all forms of insurance, you should shop for healthcare coverage based on your medical needs, the insurance plan’s benefits plus monthly premiums, and the cost sharing requirements. The key plan benefits to look for in a hospital insurance indemnity quote (which include emergency care services) are:

Sickness coverage: With hospital indemnity insurance coverage, you get paid a cash amount for a set number of doctor office visits for each coverage period.
Accidental injury coverage: Review what the plan pays for accidents resulting in an injury that requires medical care in a hospital or through ground transportation to the emergency room.
Critical illness coverage: Research what the coverage will pay upon the diagnosis of a covered critical condition such as a new cancer diagnosis or a heart attack.
Telemedicine: Does the plan provide 24-hour a day access to healthcare providers by phone or the internet? Many hospital indemnity plans do, and the service can save you even more money, allowing you to access medical care from the comfort of your home.
Pharmaceutical discounts: Does the plan provide discounts on the retail price of medications? Is there a network of participating pharmacies in your local area? If you take general maintenance drugs, especially generic drugs, you might want to save a few extra dollars using an Rx discount drug program.

If you have questions about whether a health benefit indemnity insurance plan is right for your current situation, you can speak with a licensed health insurance agent by calling 800-821-3054.

Do I need hospital indemnity insurance?

It depends on your situation! A primary benefit of hospital indemnity insurance plan coverage is that most do not have a deductible or coinsurance: you get immediate relief from medical related expenses beginning day one. If your doctor or facility charges more than the fixed amount your major medical insurance pays, you are responsible for the remainder of the bill. An indemnity plan helps cover that financial gap. If that sounds good, maybe you do need one!

Understanding that you get additional financial relief from medical bills makes this type of affordable supplemental coverage well-suited for individuals and families who have lower income or don’t have a large amount in savings for a rainy day. According to Bankrate, only 40% of Americans have $1,000 saved to pay a surprise medical bill. In fact, medical bankruptcy is the root cause of 66.5% of all bankruptcies each year. That means about 530,000 Americans file for medical bankruptcy during the course of 12 months - a staggering number considering the stressful circumstances that lead people to the outcome.

Should I get hospital indemnity insurance?

Some examples of individuals who might want to consider indemnity plan insurance include:

Someone with a higher deductible on their health plan
Someone looking for the flexibility of direct payments for benefits
Individuals who have an Obamacare Bronze plan (the lowest-cost plan available) and want extra protection for additional expenses they might incur at the doctor’s office or at the hospital

How does hospital indemnity insurance work?

Hospital indemnity insurance plans are given that title because they supplement major medical hospital benefits for sudden emergencies. Hospitalization insurance plans are meant to provide financial relief for charges that can be part of an in-patient hospital stay. Benefits can include fixed payments for services such as:

Hospitalization coverage: This is a primary benefit of hospital indemnity plans. If you suffer an in-patient hospital stay, the plan pays a set dollar amount for the covered service no matter what you are in the hospital for (pre-existing conditions are not covered during the first 12 months but sudden injuries or new illnesses qualify).
Emergency room coverage: Whether or not you need to check in to the hospital, there is a high chance you will probably start in the ER. Approximately 42.2 million people went to the ER in 2016. Hospital indemnity insurance considers this a hospital expense and covers the charge with a flat dollar amount on most plan levels (but check to see if it’s a covered benefit based on the tier level you purchase).
ICU room coverage: While you never want to end up in critical condition in the ICU, life can, on occasion, take a turn. Since this is considered a hospital expense, fixed indemnity health insurance pays a set dollar amount for ICU stays up to a set number of days (but check to see if it’s a covered benefit based on the tier level you purchase).
Ground or air ambulance coverage: Transportation to a hospital, either by land or air, is considered a hospital expense and is typically covered under most hospital indemnity plans (but check to see if it’s a covered benefit based on the tier level you purchase). If the benefit is covered there is usually a limit to one transportation ride per policy period.
Inpatient and outpatient surgery coverage: Surgery is a big part of any hospital stay. For example, about 250,000 people have an appendectomy every year, a fairly common surgery that removes a diseased appendix. But the surgery costs thousands of dollars. With hospital indemnity insurance, a flat amount of cash is paid to help mitigate their exposure to a high medical bill.
Inpatient and outpatient anesthesia coverage: Anesthesia can result in a huge “surprise bill” from a hospital if you have traditional, permanent health insurance. Many times people find that even if they go to an in-network hospital and see an in-network surgeon, the anesthesiologist can be out of network, prompting a huge surprise bill for out of network services. The fixed rate is the same no matter where you receive medical care since there is no network.
Advanced diagnostic, X-rays and laboratory testing: Whether you have testing done during an in-hospital confinement or shop for a lower cost outpatient imaging center, X-rays and labs are considered a necessary hospital expense and have a fixed dollar amount built in as part of this indemnity insurance coverage.

Other benefits included in most fixed indemnity health insurance plans are a set number of doctor office visits per coverage period and on some plans, a one-time wellness office check.

Can I keep my doctor with an indemnity plan?

A final advantage of hospital indemnity insurance is the lack of network requirements. When you have an open, all-access arrangement, you are not tied to a network of contracted doctors. You don’t need to worry about coordinating your indemnity plan with your major medical plan’s network. With the fixed dollar amount per service system of a hospital indemnity plan, you get to use the money to pay medical bills or other bills that you’ve incurred due to sickness or injury. The money is yours to keep and use as you see fit.

Hospital indemnity insurance plans are not major medical insurance and they don’t include the 10 essential health benefits that are required for Obamacare plans. They are designed to supplement major medical insurance and offer more protection if you think they’re appropriate for your situation, get an online quote now!

Learn More About Hospital Indemnity Plans

How to Avoid Costly Hospital Bills
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was originally implemented to protect people from the skyrocketing costs of health care. But the bankruptcy rate across America remains high - despite how the ACA has contributed to fewer bankruptcies across the country. Roughly 700,000 people declare bankruptcy each year, with 66.67% of this amount coming from costly hospital bills. Take Susan, a young mother, as an example: Susan had to have a Cesarean section when giving birth to her second child. During the procedure, she and the baby suffered an amniotic fluid embolism, which caused her to need multiple plasma and platelet transfusions and a full hysterectomy. While both mother and child survived, the family finances did not. Under the unforeseen circumstances, Susan had to stay longer than expected. And the final hospital bill caused Susan and her husband to file bankruptcy. Their experience is all too common. People enter the hospital for "routine" procedures and sometimes leave under crushing debt. And while hospitals give lifesaving care to patients, you may find many items on your bill that'll drive up the total cost. In most cases, the final statements are so extensive that patients don’t even question their accuracy. So how can people protect themselves against high — often inflated — hospital costs? How hospital charges add up quickly Hospitals are a business. Patients are charged for everything including incidental expenses. As examples, the average rate hospitals charge is $15 for a single Tylenol pill. Hospitals can also charge $10 per plastic medication cup, so the cost of each dose of Tylenol is even higher. And every time the hospital staff cleans a patient with an alcohol swab, the cost of the swab is $23. And those tiny alcohol swabs can add up fast. Other ways patients may see higher costs on their hospital bills: Mistakes in billing. A medical billing company discovered that 80% of hospital bills they reviewed had errors. As with any other service, mistakes happen. But it seems that billing errors at hospitals are commonplace. Network nuances. The hospital you chose might be in-network, but some of the providers and associated procedures like radiology techs, lab services, and specialists such as anesthesiologists may not be. If these are used during your stay, you may have to pay for these services out of pocket. Unnecessary tests. Doctors often ask for tests which are not deemed necessary by the insurance company. How a hospital indemnity plan can offset certain costs Many people are finding that hospital indemnity plans can offset certain costs associated with their hospital stays that major medical health insurance does not cover. The truth is few insurance policies cover 100% of hospital costs. Most contain some form of patient share as a coinsurance percentage or a copay amount. And there are deductibles and items which fall outside of the in-network coverage. In other words, having a single health insurance policy is sometimes not enough to protect you from the high costs of a hospital stay. What is a hospital indemnity plan? A hospital indemnity plan is a form of insurance developed that helps you cover additional costs not included in a major medical plan. Unlike major medical, which pays the provider, hospital indemnity plans will pay the person covered. The way it works is an insurance company can pay cash directly to you (or you can have the hospital submit a claim), so you can use it toward out-of-pocket expenses your health insurance might not cover. This allows you to use the funds as you see fit, whether it's for deductibles, travel, or lost income while you're in the hospital. Simply put: The owner of a hospital indemnity policy is in control of the funds — not the provider. But it’s important to know this type of plan is a supplement to - not a replacement for - major medical plans. There are many other terms often used for hospital indemnity plans, which include: Supplemental hospitalization Hospital insurance Hospital cash plans Healthcare indemnity Medical indemnity Health benefit indemnity Fixed indemnity health insurance Indemnity medical plan Health benefit indemnity insurance How does an indemnity plan work? When you buy a hospital indemnity plan, your insurance company will pay you a fixed amount to pay for your medical bills or use the money to supplement income, child care, or any expenses you faced while hurt or sick. If you’re admitted to the hospital for a covered service or condition, you'll notify your insurance company. Your insurer will then pay you a set amount based on a predetermined rate listed in your policy. You'll still want to review your hospital bill to make sure you're not being overcharged - even with a hospital indemnity plan. Doing this will put more money in your pocket for other costs related to the hospital stay. Is a hospital indemnity plan right for you? A hospital indemnity plan can work for most people. Hospital expenses average nearly $4,000 a day, with a typical hospital stay costing more than $15,000 total. So let’s say you have a $6,500 deductible on your health insurance plan and are responsible for 30% coinsurance. This means you would owe a total of $8,200 out of pocket for a $15,000 hospital bill. And this doesn’t even account for lost time at work for you, or travel, food, and parking expenses for your family if they come to visit. And the reality is: Not many Americans can afford that expense. So hospital indemnity plans can go a long way toward protecting your finances. Six ways to reduce costly hospital bills Although a hospital indemnity plan can help you cover many of the direct and indirect costs of a hospital stay, most people would still prefer to avoid needless charges. To help, here are some tips to reduce costly hospital bills. Watch for billing errors. Ask your provider for the medical billing codes of the procedures you receive so you can make a note of them. Then, request an itemized bill and compare the billing costs after you've been treated. You'll bill probably isn't correct if you see a procedure performed on Thursday, but you checked out on Wednesday. Don't be afraid to challenge any charge that might be an error. Request only in-network providers. Be sure to let hospital staff know that you only want in-network providers. Most will honor this, if they can. Some states even have laws requiring them to honor your request. Watch for unnecessary tests. Ask if each test is necessary and covered. If it’s not necessary, you can let the doctor know you don’t want the test. Your doctor may have a good reason for requesting the test, but it's up to you to make an informed choice. Shop around. Call hospitals in your area and ask for their rates if you have a planned procedure. Choose the right facility. Consider an urgent care or clinic before going to the hospital. If it's an emergency situation, your best bet is to always call 911. But if not, choosing the right facility might lower your out-of-pocket costs. Don’t stay any longer than necessary. Extending your hospital stay even one day longer can add hundreds or even thousands to your bill. While it's at the doctor's discretion, it's OK to ask if another night is needed. The bottom line is that billing mistakes happen: Don't be afraid to question charges on your hospital bill. Be sure to request an itemized billing statement so you can review all charges. And if you're calling the hospital or a customer service line, be sure to get reference numbers and names of the people you speak with. That way, the call can be tracked and the issue can be potentially corrected. More on hospital indemnity plans A good hospital indemnity plan can provide you with protection from the high - often hidden - costs of hospitalization. And there are many hospital indemnity plans on the market today, so knowing which is right for you can be difficult. Our licensed insurance agents are here to talk through your needs and help you find the best hospital indemnity plan to ensure you understand how each will work for you. Save time and money by finding and comparing hospital indemnity plans in your area.
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Hospital Indemnity Insurance 101: Understanding the basics
An unexpected accident or illness can happen at any moment. And it can leave you with the financial burden of medical bills, even if you have major medical health insurance. But the good news is: Hospital indemnity plans can protect you in these situations. What is a hospital indemnity plan? A hospital indemnity health insurance plan pays you a set amount of money for covered medical services like hospitalization. Hospital indemnity plans can also cover things like telemedicine and prescription drugs to help fill gaps in coverage. Hospital indemnity plans take on several names: Fixed indemnity health insurance, hospital insurance, hospital cash plans, health care indemnity, medical indemnity, health benefit indemnity, or indemnity medical plans. No matter the name, these plans all work the same way: An insurance company can pay cash directly to you (or you can have the hospital submit a claim), so you can use it toward out-of-pocket expenses your health insurance might not cover. But it’s important to know this type of plan is a supplement to - not a replacement for - major medical plans. How are hospital indemnity plans different than major medical plans? Hospital indemnity health insurance is not major medical insurance and does not meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This type of coverage works differently than the short-term health insurance or Obamacare health plans that you might be familiar with. Hospital indemnity health insurance differs from major medical insurance in five ways: It has no network, so you can see any doctor you would like. It has no deductible. It has no coinsurance. It supplements your major medical insurance. The insurance company can pay the benefit to you directly. No network restrictions Since hospital indemnity plans pay you a flat amount for medical services, you can see any doctor or visit any facility of your choice. There are no network restrictions for going out of network. And you don’t have to coordinate your major medical plan with your indemnity plan. No deductible If you have a traditional health insurance plan, you have to meet a deductible before your insurance company begins paying your medical claims. But hospital indemnity insurance plans pay a fixed amount for your medical services right away. In other words, you can use your hospital indemnity plan to help bridge your deductible gap. No coinsurance percentage Like deductibles, major medical insurance plans also have coinsurance percentages. After reaching your deductible limit, you’re still responsible for paying a percentage of your medical bills - usually 20 to 30% of the remaining total. This rule doesn’t apply to hospital indemnity insurance, but you can instead use your fixed benefit cost to cover the cost of coinsurance. It’s your money If you buy a hospital indemnity plan, your insurance company will pay you a fixed amount to pay for your medical bills or use the money to supplement income, child care, or any expenses you faced while hurt or sick. What can hospital indemnity plans be used for? Hospital indemnity health insurance plans can vary. For instance, one may cover short-term hospital stays, while other cover you for a longer period. The overall goal of hospital indemnity insurance is to reduce your out-of-pocket responsibility for big-ticket medical expenses. That in mind, a hospital indemnity plan may make sense for: Inpatient hospital stays Emergency room visits Ground transportation by ambulance, or air transportation by helicopter Surgery and anesthesia A select number of doctor visits But remember, it’s called a “fixed” indemnity plan for a reason: So let’s say you have a minor accident that requires a visit to the doctor. Your fixed indemnity plan could pay $100 for your doctor visit - no matter the cost of the visit. So if your doctor only charges $99 for the office visit, you make an extra dollar out of the appointment. But you could also be charged $315 for an office visit at a well-known clinic. Regardless, you’d still get $100 for the medical expense, so it’s important to know how much you’re going to be charged before going to an appointment. Who are hospital indemnity plans good for? Any individuals or families who have a history of medical expenses or want extra protection to keep their out of pocket expenses low - just in case. A hospital indemnity plan may be right for you if: You have a high deductible health plan. You have a young child or you work so if you were to be admitted for a hospital stay, you will need money for child care or lost wages while you are in the hospital. You have a family with young children who are prone to accidents, such as falling out of a tree or bouncing the wrong way off a trampoline. You have an ACA plan with a limited network, and since you live in rural America, you would have to drive over an hour to get to an in-network provider. You’re a small business owner who wants to offer employees an additional benefit. You’re an early retiree who doesn’t want to spend your hard-earned retirement savings on medical bills due to your high deductible health insurance plan. Your auto insurance is bare-bones minimum due to cost, so you need extra protection should you have a car accident. Is hospital indemnity insurance worth it? Hospital expenses average nearly $4,000 a day, with a typical hospital stay costing more than $15,000 on average. So let’s say you have a $6,500 deductible on your health insurance plan and are responsible for 30% coinsurance. This means you would owe a total of $8,200 out of pocket for a $15,000 hospital bill. And the reality is: Not many Americans can afford that expense. In fact, medical debt is the No. 1 reason for bankruptcy in America: Over 500,000 households file for bankruptcy each year because of the mountain of medical bills they cannot afford to pay. CNBC also reported that since the enactment of the ACA, medical bankruptcy has actually increased. So the bottom line is that hospital indemnity insurance can be a safety net if you’re facing large medical expenses. It’s up to you to weigh your options and compare plans. Get a quote today. It’s a hassle-free process that takes just minutes out of your day.
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ACA DISCLAIMER

SHORT TERM HEALTH INSURANCE, INDEMNITY INSURANCE , SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE AND CANCER INSURANCE ARE INSURANCE OUTSIDE OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (OBAMACARE). THESE PRODUCTS TYPICALLY DO NOT COVER PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS AND DO NOT INCLUDE ALL TEN OF THE MINIMUM ESSENTIAL BENEFITS OF OBAMACARE. INDEMNITY, SUPPLEMENTAL AND CANCER INSURANCE ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO MAJOR MEDICAL INSURANCE.

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