Hospital Indemnity | MetLife

Hospital Indemnity | MetLife
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Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Helps you pay for out-of-pocket expenses that result from a covered hospital stay.

Here's what you need to know

Hospital Indemnity Insurance provides you with a cash benefit you can use to help pay expenses when you have a covered hospital stay.1

 

If you’ve ever been hospitalized, then you already know that your medical plan may not pay all of your medical expenses. Whatever remains is what you’ll be expected to pay on your own. Deductibles, copays, out-of-network charges, and other uncovered expenses can add up to big bills, even for a short hospital stay.

 

That’s where Hospital Indemnity Insurance comes in handy. You can use the cash benefit you receive from this plan to help you cover not just bills related to your medical care, but any other expenses as well. 

 

  • Pays a lump-sum benefit payment to use however you see fit
  • The payment is made directly to you (unless otherwise assigned)
  • It can help pay out-of-pocket expenses related to medical care associated with covered accidents or sicknesses
  • In addition to medical care, you may use it to pay for things like childcare, lodging, or over-the-counter medication2

 

You can collect this benefit regardless of whatever coverage you have, including your employer’s medical plan, any other type of medical coverage, disability coverage, or other benefits you may be eligible to collect. However, it is NOT a substitute for these coverages and does not meet minimum essential coverage as defined by federal law.

Since you have the freedom and flexibility to choose how you spend your benefit payment, you can use it to help pay for anything you want. Even use it to help pay regular living expenses such as grocery bills, mortgage payments, childcare, and transportation – all of which could become a concern if you lose income while you’re in the hospital.

 

Instead of turning to your savings or taking on credit card debt to pay those medical bills, you can use the cash you receive from this policy to help pay them. That means less time spent worrying about money and more time spent focused on getting well again.

These are the periods when you are eligible to enroll for Hospital Indemnity Insurance:

 

  1. Within your new hire enrollment period
  2. If you have a qualifying life event (you get married, have a baby, etc.)
  3. During your employer’s annual enrollment

 

Check with your employer’s human resources/benefits team for specifics about these timeframes.

 

Keep in mind: If you enroll during these timeframes, you have what is called "guaranteed issue," which means you may qualify for Hospital Indemnity Insurance without answering health questions.3 You must have insurance in place before an accident happens in order to be eligible to collect the benefit when you need it. 

These form(s) are in Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF) format and are available for downloading and printing.

 

FAQ

 

Outline of Coverage

 

Plan Summary

How It Works

Number one Enroll now icon

You enroll in Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Number two Hospital icon

After insurance is in effect, you have a hospital stay due to a covered accident or sickness4

Number three Giving cash icon

Receive a lump-sum benefit

Number four moneybag icon

Use your money however you want

You're admitted to a hospital for a covered accident or sickness.

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That’s when Hospital Indemnity Insurance comes in.

Because you have Hospital Indemnity Insurance, you get a cash payment you can use for any expense you want – medical or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Who is the provider?

    MetLife

     

    With over 150 years of experience, MetLife is a leading innovator and a recognized leader in protection planning and retirement & savings solutions.

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  • When is a benefit paid under the plan?
    Once your coverage is in effect, you’ll collect benefits for a variety of events related to a covered hospitalization. These benefits vary by state and may have other limitations and exclusions that may affect what’s payable. Refer to the policy documents for complete details.
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  • Who in my family is eligible for this insurance?

    Members of your family who are considered eligible to enroll for insurance include:

    • You – if you are an active employee working 16+ hours per week
    • Your spouse – age 18 and older5
    • Your child(ren) – under age 26

     

    You must be enrolled in Hospital Indemnity Insurance for members of your family to also enroll. 

  • How much does coverage cost?

    This is group insurance offered at group rates. Refer to the plan documents for complete details. 

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  • Do I have to answer health questions or take a medical exam?

    No, you don't. If you enroll during your eligible enrollment periods, you have "guaranteed issue," which means you may qualify for coverage without answering health questions.
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  • What if my employment status changes?

    Good news! If you leave or retire from your current employer, you can continue your coverage without interruption (subject to applicable law and the plan’s terms and conditions). Although payroll deduction will no longer be available, you can opt for other payment methods such as direct bank account deduction, credit card billing or home billing. Higher rates may apply. 

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  • When would my insurance start?

    Your Hospital Indemnity Insurance is effective on the first day of the month after the enrollment certificate is signed. 
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  • Am I really free to use the payment any way I choose?

    Yes, you are! There are no restrictions or requirements about how you can use your hospital cash benefit. You don’t even need to use it on expenses you incur while you’re IN the hospital – you can also use it for expenses after you’re discharged. You’re free to use this money on anything you choose, including out-of-pocket medical expenses and/or non-medical expenses such as regular monthly bills if you’re out of work. 

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  • Legal Disclaimers

    1Benefit amount is based on a sample MetLife plan design.  Actual plan design and plan benefits may vary.

     

    2The lodging benefit is not available in all states. It provides a benefit for a companion accompanying a covered insured while hospitalized, provided that lodging is at least 50 miles from the insured’s primary residence.

     

    3Coverage is guaranteed provided (1) the employee is actively at work and (2) dependents to be covered are not subject to medical restrictions as set forth on the enrollment form and in the Certificate. Some states require the insured to have medical coverage.  Additional restrictions may apply to dependents serving in the armed forces or living overseas. 

     

    4There is a pre-existing exclusion for covered sicknesses. See your Disclosure Statement or Outline of Coverage/Disclosure Document for full details. 

     

    5Coverage for Domestic Partners, civil union partners and reciprocal beneficiaries varies by state. Please contact MetLife for more information.

     

    METLIFE'S HOSPITAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE IS A LIMITED BENEFIT GROUP INSURANCE POLICY. The policy is not intended to be a substitute for medical coverage and certain states may require the insured to have medical coverage to enroll for the coverage.  The policy or its provisions may vary or be unavailable in some states. Prior hospital confinement may be required to receive certain benefits. There may be a preexisting condition limitation for hospital sickness benefits. MetLife’s Hospital Indemnity Insurance may be subject to benefit reductions that begin at age 65.  Like most group accident and health insurance policies, policies offered by MetLife may contain certain exclusions, limitations and terms for keeping them in force.  For complete details of coverage and availability, please refer to the group policy form GPNP12-AX, GPNP13-HI, GPNP16-HI or GPNP12-AX-PASG, or contact MetLife. Benefits are underwritten by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, New York.  In certain states, availability of MetLife’s Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance is pending regulatory approval.

     

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