HOSPITAL INDEMNITY

Hospital Indemnity: cash when you’re in the hospital

Even with good health insurance, a hospital stay can leave you with bills. A hospital indemnity plan pays you a set amount of cash when you’re admitted to the hospital. The money goes to you, and you decide how to use it.

See if hospital coverage fits my plan

KEY FACTS

What to know

It pays a fixed amount. For example, a set dollar amount per day in the hospital or per admission. The payment isn’t based on the size of your bill.

The cash is yours to use. Put it toward your deductible or copays, or use it for rent, groceries or getting to follow-up visits.

It pays on top of your other coverage. It works alongside Medicare, Medicare Advantage or a Marketplace plan.

It is not health insurance. It doesn’t pay your medical bills and can’t replace your main coverage.

There may be yearly limits on how much or how many days it will pay.

WHO IT’S FOR

Who it can help

Medicare Advantage members

Many plans charge a daily copay for the first several days of a hospital stay.

People on Original Medicare without a supplement

The Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 in 2026, and you can owe it more than once a year.

Marketplace members with a high deductible

If you already have a Medicare Supplement that covers your hospital deductible, you may not need this. I’ll tell you if it doesn’t make sense for you.

YOUR REVIEW

Questions I’ll check for you

How much does it pay per day, and for how many days?

Does it pay for observation stays, or only when you’re formally admitted?

Are there waiting periods or limits for health conditions you already have?

Does it include extras like ambulance rides, skilled nursing or outpatient surgery?

Will the premium go up as you get older?

HOW I HELP

I’ll look at the hospital costs in your current plan, then compare indemnity plans that fill that gap without paying for more than you need.

See if hospital coverage fits my plan