Have the athletic feats of the recent Winter Olympics inspired you? Perhaps you’re planning to visit one of our region’s nearby winter wonderlands just ahead of Springtime’s arrival. Before you pull out your snowskis and declare to your friends, “Hey Dude, watch this!”, do your spouse a favor and consider Supplemental Insurance – the benefit that can make life a lot easier should you realize you’re no Mikaelah Shiffrin.
What is Supplemental Insurance, exactly?
You may have heard of supplemental health insurance (or, at least, are familiar with the Aflac Duck), but aren’t quite sure what it’s all about. It is, in fact, quite simple. In the event of an unexpected injury or illness, supplemental insurance “supplements” your major medical health insurance plan by providing additional coverage that can help pay for out-of-pocket expenses. In many cases, you’ll receive a lump sum that can fund what you need, when you need it. These are just a few expenses that can be covered:
- Emergency room visits; X-rays
- Physical therapy
- Lodging associated with treatment
- Medical appliances (crutches, wheelchair, etc.)
- Groceries
- Car payments
- Child care
- Utility bills
- Transportation to and from doctor visits
- Medical prescription copays
Is Supplemental Insurance just for accidents?
Supplemental Insurance can help offset expenses caused by many different types of unexpected healthcare situations, not just accidents. It is available for:
- Cancer
- Critical Illness (heart attack, stroke, organ transplant, coma, coronary bypass, etc.)
- Intensive Care (ICU)
- Medical Expense (hospitalization, medical testing, emergency room, doctor visits, etc.)
- Long-term Disability
- Short-term Disability
- Supplemental Vision (specific eye diseases or disorders, permanent visual impairment)
- Supplemental Dental (cleaning, x-rays, oral surgeries and repairs, etc.)
- Life (additional coverage for burial fees and other costs)
- COVID-19 or other Pandemic insurance
Is Supplemental Insurance right for me?
If your employer will partially pay for the cost of supplemental coverage, find out what is available. And if they do not, it’s still worth considering. To start, review your lifestyle and family health history.
Are you engaged, a newlywed, or celebrating a milestone year in your marriage?
Planning a wedding brings with it a seemingly endless “to-do” list: booking your ceremony and reception location, reviewing the catering menu, registering for gifts. There are also items to think of beyond the wedding day that aren’t as fun, but just as relevant, like life insurance. Building a good benefits foundation early in a marriage allows you to look ahead to your new life, worry-free. And if you are a newlywed or have a milestone anniversary coming up, it’s never too late to discuss supplemental insurance options – like the Accident Insurance that can come in handy when home repairs that involve a ladder arise.
Have you just had a baby?
The same thinking as above applies when a little one has joined your household. Along with the happiness that a newborn brings, your bundle of joy will bring along his or her own set of living expenses. To help offset any costs due to the unexpected illness of a parent, consider supplemental insurance to help keep the house fully stocked with baby bottles, formula, and, of course, diapers.
Do you feel the need… for speed?
If you’re an adventure lover whose perfect day involves the wind blowing through your hair – motorcycling, skydiving, bungee jumping, racing, snowskiing, etc. – consider Accident or Disability supplemental insurance. Although your adrenaline-seeking tendencies will make for fabulous YouTube videos, your percentages of getting injured tend to be higher than most. If you end up having an accident outside of work, make sure your recovery time away from the job is covered.
Do you take relaxing very seriously?
There’s nothing wrong with binge watching an entire season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, but if your pursuits tend to be on the sedentary side, consider Critical Care, Cancer, or Hospital supplemental insurance. Quiet pursuits such as movie-watching, reading, or other easy-chair hobbies (you weren’t napping – just resting your eyes) can unfortunately increase our risk of illness, but if you simply must indulge, take heart that you’ve got a safety net you don’t even have to change the channel for.
How healthy is your family tree?
Do you have a grandparent who manages heart issues, or a parent who is a cancer survivor? When you’re more at risk for serious health situations due to heredity, a variety of supplemental insurance options can prove to be a lifesaver. Cancer, Critical Illness, Intensive Care, Medical Expense, Long and Short-term Disability, or Life Insurance offer financial protection. Should an occasion arise when you receive a diagnosis, you’ll be equipped to worry less about your expenses and concentrate more on recovery.
Do you have an Emergency Fund?
Saving three to six months’ worth of living expenses is an ideal way to offset unexpected emergencies, but it can take some time. If a surprise health situation that cost $500 or more would put you in a bind, consider supplemental insurance options. Same goes if you’ve skipped medical appointments or are avoiding regular, preventive checkups due to money being tight. Any of the supplemental insurance options, including Cancer, Critical Illness, Intensive Care, Medical Expense, Long and Short-term Disability, Vision, Dental, Life, or even COVID-19 insurance will provide a cash cushion, and a better night’s sleep.
I’m sold. How can I sign up?
Your employer may offer supplemental health insurance; talk to your HR Department to learn more about your options. Or you may choose to work with a private broker. At 3to99, part of our job is to provide sound advice and stellar service. If you own a company and want to explore affordable voluntary benefits to attract and retain employees, give us a call. If you’re an individual who is simply curious about what’s available, or you’re planning on switching jobs and need a life insurance policy that will travel with you, we can help with that, too.
Going tubing in Gatlinburg may make you feel like Kaillie Humphries, but a crash will take the fun out of even the most Olympic-worthy exploits. Lessen the blow of unexpected health emergencies by choosing Supplemental Insurance. Our consultations are always free – give us a call today to learn more!