Supplemental Insurance Benefits

While your health insurance policy is designed to cover health-related expenses associated with doctors and hospitals, supplemental insurance benefits are paid directly to you. The insurance company will pay you cash that you can use to pay for costs not covered under your regular insurance plan, such as deductibles, travel expenses and co-pays. The cost for this type of coverage is generally low and is based on the amount of coverage you select.

General Benefits

• Supplemental insurance can be purchased by anyone at any time. It is meant to serve as an additional benefit to your insurance coverage that will provide you with another means of providing for any extra or unexpected expenses that might occur. Depending on the provider, you can get policies that cover certain health issues, dental, life, accidents and disability. Very few restrictions are associated with qualifying for coverage and the costs depend on the level of your coverage you choose, as well as how many people are included in the policy. Supplemental policies are portable and can be used regardless of who your employer is. You are the owner of your policy and even if you change jobs, you can still pay the premiums and maintain your selected plans.

Accident and Hospitilization Benefits

• Supplemental policies also can cover members of your family as well. For example, if you are in a car accident and your spouse is injured, the accident policy that covers the both of you will provide you cash to help with expenses associated with emergency assistance as well as prescribed medications. An accident policy can cover injuries such as broken bones, ambulatory care, emergency room visits and intensive care. Hospital plans will pay you based on your need to be admitted to the hospital. You can choose a plan that covers hospital room rates, exams and whether your stay is necessary from an accident or illness.

Cancer and Critical Care Benefits

• Many costs are associated with being treated for cancer or other critical illnesses, such as heart attacks and strokes. You will have numerous doctors visits as well as having hospital stays while you overcome your affliction. You may also have unexpected costs that might, arise including the expense of having to travel to a specialist or having to stay in a hotel while receiving treatments. You might have to miss work during your recovery, and you'll need income to cover your ordinary expenses as well. A supplemental insurance policy that specifically covers cancer or critical illnesses will pay you money that you can use to pay those unexpected costs or to pay your bills.