Learn how this type of supplemental plan gets you help while you’re in the hospital.

If you’re hospitalized, it may be planned, like a scheduled surgery, or it may be unexpected (for example, following a car accident or serious diagnosis).

Either way, you’ll likely have out-of-pocket medical costs. Those might include medical expenses your health insurance doesn’t cover.

That may also put additional pressure on you if you have to miss work for an extended period of time and you are your family’s primary moneymaker.

That’s where hospital indemnity insurance can help ease your budget when you need it most.

Hospital insurance works separately and independently from other insurance, and it’s not a substitute for major medical insurance.

Hospital stays can get expensive fast. Learn how hospital indemnity insurance can help. Start by entering your zip code to check availability in your area.

What is hospital indemnity insurance?

Hospital indemnity insurance, sometimes called hospital insurance or hospitalization insurance, is a type of supplemental insurance that pays preset — also called fixed — benefits if you’re hospitalized. You pay extra for supplemental insurance (on top of your existing health insurance plan), and it doesn’t replace a traditional health insurance plan.

With hospital insurance, you receive a set dollar amount for qualified hospital stays and other medical services, such as emergency room visits or outpatient surgery, that are specified in the policy. You receive the payment no matter what other insurance coverage or expenses you might have.

For example, a policy will typically pay a set amount for each day you’re in the hospital up to a calendar year maximum. Depending on the policy, it may also pay extra if you’re in intensive care or critical care units.

You pay a monthly premium for coverage and may be able to buy hospital insurance for your entire family. Premiums tend to be budget friendly. Depending on various factors, such as your age, the policy may be renewable each year.

What can I use the hospital indemnity insurance benefits for?

Two of the major advantages of hospital insurance are predictability and flexibility. You will be paid a set amount of money based on how long you’re in the hospital, and you can choose how to spend that money. You can use the benefit to pay for uncovered medical expenses, but you can also use it to pay for nonmedical expenses. Those could include expenses that your family might still need to pay for if you’re stuck in the hospital, including:

• Childcare
• Gas money to and from the hospital when visiting relatives
• Groceries
• Mortgage or rent payments
• Places to stay when visiting the hospital

Hospital insurance helps you manage medical expenses in case of hospitalization by providing money to help you fill gaps in medical coverage. Out-of-pocket healthcare costs, which can add up, may include:

• Premiums, or the amount you pay each month to have health insurance
• Deductibles, which are the amount you pay for covered health care services before your health plan starts to pay — there’s often an individual deductible and a higher family deductible
• Copayments (copays), or set amounts you pay per covered healthcare service, such as a set amount you pay each day you’re in the hospital
• Coinsurance, or a percentage you pay for covered health services, which typically ranges from 20% to 40%

Do I have to use an in-network hospital?

No, where you’re hospitalized doesn’t affect the benefits you may receive. Benefits are the same no matter what your network or provider may be. However, depending on your health insurance company, you may save money using an in-network hospital or healthcare provider.

Hospital stays can be unexpected and potentially be longer than you thought they’d be. Learn how hospital indemnity insurance can help.

How may I file hospital insurance claims?

Filing hospital indemnity insurance claims is relatively easy:

1. You have a qualified hospital stay or service
2. You submit a claim. You’ll include copies of your receipts for any covered items (check your plan details for specific coverage information)
3. The insurance company pays the preset amount

Hospital insurance offers “first-dollar” coverage. This means you are paid your benefit when you have a qualified hospital stay or service. With indemnity insurance benefits, you don’t have to meet a deductible or pay coinsurance or copays to receive the benefits.

Why should I consider hospital indemnity insurance?

Hospital stays often involve extra expenses. Hospital insurance reduces the danger of these costs busting your budget. You may want to consider hospital insurance for you and your family if you, for example:

• Are aging into a time of life where time in the hospital is more likely
• Are expecting to have a baby at the hospital
• Don’t have savings to help offset unexpected hospital expenses
• Have an active life
• Have a high deductible for hospital services

How does hospital indemnity insurance compare to other types of supplemental plans?

Hospital indemnity insurance is not the only type of supplemental insurance plan you can buy that offers benefits for covered medical services. Others include:

• Hospital and doctor insurance: Also known as fixed indemnity or fixed benefit insurance, hospital and doctor insurance pays a preset benefit for all qualified medical expenses specified in the plan, no matter what your other insurance coverage is. Besides hospitalizations, these may include services such as doctor visits, prescription drugs, diagnostic tests and surgeries.
• Critical illness insurance: Also known as critical care insurance or critical illness coverage, critical illness insurance pays you a lump sum benefit if you have a qualifying serious illness, such as cancer, heart attack or stroke. You can choose among various levels of coverage.
• Accident insurance: Accident insurance pays benefits for eligible expenses resulting from accidental injuries. Most eligible expenses must happen within a specified number of days after an accidental injury to be covered.

You can check how much a supplemental hospital indemnity plan may cost simply by entering your zip code. You can also call a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730 for more information.

For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.

Compliance code:
51895-X-0125