Keeping up with bills in a tough economy is no easy feat. But expenses from an unexpected accident, illness or injury can add a whole new level of financial stress. The good news is that supplemental health benefits can help provide a financial safety net and better peace of mind.
What Are Supplemental Health Benefits?
Supplemental health benefits can help you pay for expenses not covered by health insurance. There are three main types of benefits:
- Accident insurance, which we call Accidental Injury Benefits, provides a cash benefit for covered incidents like fractures, dislocations, cuts, burns and more.
- Critical Illness insurance, which we call Critical Illness Benefits, provides a cash benefit for a covered illness such as cancer, strokes or heart attacks.2
- Hospital Indemnity insurance, which we call Hospital Cash Benefits, provides a cash benefit for each day you or your dependent is in the hospital.
How Do Supplemental Health Benefits Work?
As with any other insurance, you pay a fixed monthly premium for supplemental health plans. You can usually buy them for yourself, your spouse and your dependents, and the premiums are typically far less than a traditional health insurance premium. These types of plans don’t replace health insurance. They’re designed to work together as a companion benefit through cash payments paid directly to you that you can use any way you see fit.
Most importantly, supplemental health benefits come fast, within a few weeks or less. That means you’ll have cash in your bank account when you need it most.
“The beauty of supplemental health insurance is that it’s affordable coverage that works alongside your medical plan,” says Seeta Nadeau, head of supplemental health products at The Hartford. “After a covered event, employees can use their cash benefit payment on anything they choose – from medical copays to rent, groceries or even child care.”
Why Do I Need Supplemental Health Benefits?
Like exercising and eating right, planning for unexpected events helps improve your total well-being, including financial, mental and physical health.
- An unexpected injury or illness can set you back financially, especially if you’re hospitalized. On average, a three-day hospital stay can cost up to $30,000, and traditional health insurance may not cover everything.3
- According to The Hartford's Future of Benefits Study, 72% of U.S. workers feel at least somewhat stressed about their household finances, with 58% saying they feel very or extremely stressed.4
Imagine the relief of getting a cash benefit after a medical accident or illness to use immediately for a car payment, student loan or even a food delivery service while recovering. Those extra funds may mean you don’t have to dip into your savings.
Understand Your Benefits Options at Open Enrollment
During this year’s open enrollment, take the time to carefully review the benefits options offered by your employer. Enrolling in supplemental health benefits is a proactive step to managing your financial stress that will allow you to focus on your overall health and well-being.
1 Supplemental health products (Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity) are independent and do not coordinate with any other health coverage.
2 Critical Illness is referred to as “Specified Disease” in New York.
3 Why Health Insurance Is Important, HealthCare.gov, viewed August 2025.
4 The Hartford’s Future of Benefits Study, viewed August 2025.
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