Other coverage worth knowing about.

Critical illness insurance

Critical illness insurance generally pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a covered serious illness, such as a heart attack, stroke, or cancer. The payment is typically made directly to you, and you can generally use it however you need — for medical bills, household expenses, or time off work while you recover. Which illnesses are covered, and how much is paid, depends on the specific policy. Ask us for the details of any policy you are considering.

Hospital indemnity insurance

Hospital indemnity insurance generally pays a fixed amount for each day you spend in the hospital, or for other covered hospital services. It is designed to help with the costs that come with a hospital stay — the bills Medicare leaves behind, plus the everyday expenses that keep coming while you are in the hospital. Benefit amounts and what triggers a payment vary by policy, so the specifics matter.

Cancer insurance

Cancer insurance is a type of supplemental coverage that generally pays benefits if you are diagnosed with cancer. Depending on the policy, it may pay a lump sum on diagnosis, help with treatment-related costs, or both. Like the other products on this page, it is separate from Medicare and does not replace your Medicare coverage.

Accident insurance

Accident insurance generally pays a benefit if you are hurt in an accident — for example, a fall, a fracture, or an emergency room visit after an accident. It is designed to help with the out-of-pocket costs an accidental injury can bring, such as deductibles and copayments, and the everyday expenses that continue while you recover. Which accidents and injuries are covered, and how much is paid, depends on the specific policy.

Final expense insurance

Final expense insurance is generally a small whole life insurance policy intended to help cover end-of-life costs, such as funeral and burial expenses and any outstanding bills, so that family members are not left with those costs. The death benefit is typically modest, and the details — premiums, benefit amounts, and any health questions — vary by policy. Ask us for the specifics of any policy you are considering.

Dental, vision, and hearing coverage

Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care, eye exams for glasses, or hearing aids. Separate dental, vision, and hearing plans are available to help with these costs. Some Medicare Advantage plans include some of these benefits; if you have Original Medicare, a stand-alone plan is the usual way to get this coverage. We can explain what is typically covered and what is not, in general terms.

How to think about these products

• They are extras, not replacements. None of these products take the place of Medicare. They sit alongside it.
• The details decide everything. What is covered, what is excluded, waiting periods, and benefit amounts all vary by policy. Never judge one of these products by its name alone.
• Your situation comes first. Whether any of these makes sense depends on your health, your finances, and what you are most concerned about protecting.
• Ask questions before you buy. We are glad to walk through any of these products with you, in plain English, and explain what a given policy would and would not do.

Common questions

Do I need these if I already have a Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan?

Not necessarily. These products cover different things than your Medicare coverage does. Whether one is worth adding depends on what worries you most — for example, the cost of a hospital stay, or a serious diagnosis. It is a personal decision, and we can talk it through with you.

Is final expense insurance the same as life insurance?

Final expense insurance is a type of life insurance — generally a small whole life policy with a modest death benefit, intended to cover end-of-life costs. It is different from the larger life insurance policies people buy to replace income or pay off a mortgage. If you already have life insurance, it may already cover these costs. Call us and we can talk through whether a separate final expense policy makes sense for you.

Are these products regulated like Medicare plans?

No. These are private insurance products, and they are not part of the Medicare program. They are not sold through Medicare, and Medicare does not set their terms. That is why it is important to understand exactly what a policy covers before you buy it.

Can I buy one of these at any time of year?

Generally, yes — these products are not tied to Medicare's enrollment periods. But health questions may apply, and some policies have waiting periods before benefits begin. Ask us about the timing and the rules for any product you are considering.