➤ What is Blue Cross Blue Shield hospital indemnity insurance?
It is supplemental insurance that generally pays a fixed cash benefit directly to you after a covered hospital admission, inpatient stay or other qualifying event. Benefits, availability and rules vary by the local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company and the policy.
➤ Does every Blue Cross Blue Shield company sell hospital indemnity insurance?
No. Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage comes from independent, locally operated companies, and each one decides which supplemental products it offers. Some offer hospital indemnity plans to individuals, Medicare members or employer groups, while others may not offer one in your area.
➤ Is hospital indemnity insurance the same as regular health insurance?
No. Major medical insurance helps pay providers for covered health care, subject to deductibles, copays, coinsurance and network terms. Hospital indemnity coverage pays a preset amount to the policyholder and is meant to supplement, not replace, comprehensive health coverage.
➤ How can I use a hospital indemnity payment?
Because the payment is generally made directly to you, you can use it for medical cost sharing or for everyday expenses such as rent, groceries, transportation, parking, child care or household bills. The benefit does not automatically increase when hospital charges are higher.
➤ Does hospital indemnity insurance cover every hospital stay?
Not necessarily. Policies define what counts as a covered admission and may include exclusions, waiting periods, pre-existing condition limitations, benefit caps or limits on covered days. Review the policy’s definition of hospital confinement and its claim requirements before enrolling.
➤ Can I have hospital indemnity insurance with Medicare?
Yes. Hospital indemnity insurance can be held alongside Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan. It is separate from Medicare Supplement insurance and does not take the place of Medicare or any other primary coverage.
➤ Is Blue Cross Blue Shield hospital indemnity insurance worth it?
It may be useful if a hospital stay would strain your budget because of daily hospital copays, a high deductible, limited savings or family expenses. Compare the premium with the admission and daily benefits, exclusions, waiting periods and your existing savings.
➤ Can I get hospital indemnity insurance through my employer?
Many employers offer hospital indemnity insurance as a voluntary benefit, sometimes through a Blue Cross Blue Shield company and sometimes through another insurer. Ask your benefits team what happens to the coverage if you leave the job, since portability rules vary by policy.
➤ How do I file a hospital indemnity claim?
Claim steps depend on the insurer and policy. You may need a claim form, hospital records, admission and discharge dates and proof of the covered service. Check your plan documents or contact your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company for current instructions.
➤ How do I compare Blue Cross Blue Shield with other hospital indemnity plans?
Enter your ZIP code on this page to compare hospital indemnity plans available in your area. A licensed insurance agent can show you benefits and premiums from several insurers side by side so you can choose the best fit.
