What is hospital insurance?
Hospital insurance (often called hospital indemnity insurance) pays you a set cash amount when you’re admitted to the hospital.
It works alongside your Medicare coverage. The money goes to you, so you can use it for hospital copays, bills at home, or anything else you need while you recover.
Who it can help most
- Medicare Advantage members. Many Medicare Advantage plans charge a daily copay for hospital stays. A hospital plan can help cover those days.
- People with Original Medicare only. Medicare Part A has a deductible for each hospital benefit period, which can add up if you’re admitted more than once in a year.
- Anyone who wants a cushion. A hospital stay can bring extra costs, like help at home or a family member traveling to be with you.
What to compare
- How much the plan pays per day or per stay
- How many days it covers
- Whether it also pays for things like observation stays, skilled nursing or outpatient surgery
- Any waiting periods or health questions
We’ll help you match the benefit to the copays in your actual plan, so you’re not paying for more than you need.
Common questions
Do I need hospital insurance if I have a Medicare Supplement?
Usually less so. Most Medicare Supplement plans already help with the Part A hospital deductible. Hospital insurance tends to be most useful with Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare alone.
Can I use the money for anything?
Yes. The benefit is paid to you, not the hospital, so you can use it for whatever you need.
Other coverage we can help with
Questions about hospital insurance?
Talk with a licensed agent. It’s free, and there’s no pressure.
TTY 711
Hospital indemnity insurance is a limited-benefit policy. It is not a Medicare Supplement and does not replace Medicare or other medical coverage. Benefits, limitations and availability vary by plan, insurance company and state.