Alternative Health Insurance

Individuals who consider traditional health insurance plans too costly or limiting may find these alternatives particularly beneficial. These options enable more tailored coverage and offer financial relief in certain circumstances, like high deductibles or unforeseen medical events. However, one should carefully evaluate the coverage limitations and exclusions of these plans before deciding.

Introduction

Alternative health insurance provides diverse options for individuals seeking flexibility or temporary coverage outside of traditional plans. Short-term health insurance is designed for those needing immediate, temporary medical coverage, filling the gap during transitions. Indemnity plans, on the other hand, offer a more flexible approach, allowing policyholders to choose their healthcare providers and services with fixed-rate reimbursements. Final expense life insurance is a specialized policy intended to cover end-of-life expenses, such as funeral costs, relieving financial burdens from the policyholder’s family. These alternatives cater to specific needs and periods in life, giving consumers the freedom to select according to their preferences and circumstances. To learn more please click one of the tabs above.

The Basics

Short-term health insurance offers temporary coverage for individuals who are in between standard health plans. These plans can last from a few months up to one year, depending on state regulations. They are designed to provide a stopgap during periods without traditional coverage, such as in between jobs or outside of enrollment periods. Short-term plans typically cover a range of medical services and help manage the cost of care during the coverage period. They are a flexible option for those needing immediate, temporary health insurance.

The Basics

Indemnity plans, also known as fee-for-service plans, are a type of health insurance that reimburses you for your medical expenses based on a predetermined percentage. These plans offer flexibility, allowing you to choose any doctor or healthcare provider without network restrictions. There are two main types of indemnity plans:

Traditional Indemnity Health Insurance Plans: These plans reimburse a portion of your medical expenses, regardless of the provider you choose. You pay for the service upfront and get reimbursed by the insurance company.

Fixed-Benefit Insurance Plans: These plans pay a fixed amount for specific services or daily rates for hospital stays, regardless of the actual costs. They are intended as supplements and typically offer a limited set of benefits.

Indemnity plans are known for their flexibility and freedom of choice in healthcare decisions, making them a preferred option for those who want more control over their healthcare providers and services. However, they may come with higher out-of-pocket costs compared to managed care plans. It’s important to carefully consider the coverage and costs when choosing an indemnity plan to ensure it meets your healthcare needs.

The Basics

Final expense life insurance, also known as funeral insurance, is designed to cover the cost of your desired funeral arrangements and is valued based on these expenses. Unlike standard life insurance policies, which are valued based on your current and future earning potential and aim to provide financial support to your family after you pass away, final expense policies typically do not exceed $20,000.

The need for final expense insurance varies. If you have an existing term or whole life insurance policy, it may already cover your final expenses. However, if you outlive your term life insurance, final expense insurance could be a consideration. Additionally, if you have sufficient assets, you might opt for self-insurance, using your own funds instead of relying on a life insurance payout.

When planning for final expenses, consider the average funeral cost of around $10,000, any additional wishes like a catered event or travel for ash scattering, and any outstanding debts. If these factors are relevant to you, investing in final expense insurance might be beneficial. It’s important to note that Social Security’s one-time death benefit of $255 will not cover these costs.

Do I Need Final Expense Insurance?

The answer to that question will vary from person to person. Do you already have term or whole life insurance? If you do, that policy can help your loved ones pay for final expenses. However, if you have term life insurance and you outlive the policy term, it’s a different story. In that case, you may want to consider final expense insurance.
 
Alternatively, maybe your family will have plenty of assets to work with when you die. In that case, you could use what’s called “self-insurance.” “Self-insurance” is one of those terms that sounds more complicated than it is. To self-insure is just to use your own money rather than use a life insurance payout.
 
Could your family self-insure for your final expenses? It’s a good idea to assume around $10,000 for funeral expenses. But don’t forget to take into account whether you will want a catered party after the service. Or perhaps a trip abroad to scatter your ashes. Maybe you’ll end up leaving big bills behind. If situations like these sound like your situation, you may want to consider springing for final expense insurance. Additionally, it’s probably best not to count on the lump sum death Payment from Social Security to pick up the slack. It’s only $255.

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We do not cover every Medicare plan available in your area. Currently, I represent 8 organizations which offers 57 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov. or 1-800-Medicare or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get all of your options.