Other Health Coverages and Related Concepts
Limited-benefit and ancillary products
Dental and vision plans typically use fee schedules or networks, waiting periods for major services, and annual maximums. Prescription drug plans use tiers, formularies, and copays. Hospital indemnity pays a fixed daily or per-admission amount regardless of actual charges. Accident coverage pays scheduled amounts for accidental injury, often with an AD&D element. Critical illness pays a lump sum on first diagnosis of a covered condition (cancer, heart attack, stroke) and is not a substitute for comprehensive medical coverage. Cancer policies pay scheduled benefits for treatment. Short-term medical is limited-duration and does not meet ACA requirements; limited-benefit plans and medical discount plans (which are not insurance) carry limited consumer protections.
Medicare-related products
Medicare supplement (Medigap) fills gaps in Original Medicare - copays, coinsurance, deductibles - is standardized, is guaranteed renewable, and cannot duplicate Medicaid. Medicare Advantage is an alternative delivery system, not a supplement. Medicare Part D is standalone or built into an Advantage plan. Prescription drug coverage cannot be sold with a Medigap policy.
Disability-related and worksite products
Accidental death and dismemberment pays a principal sum for accidental death and a percentage for loss of limbs, sight, or hearing, typically within 90 days of the accident. Worksite (voluntary) benefits are payroll-deducted and often guarantee issue. Travel coverage handles medical and evacuation costs away from home.
Concepts that recur in questions
Preexisting condition limitations, coordination of benefits, underwriting classification, renewability clauses, and the distinction between indemnity (pays a fixed amount) and reimbursement (pays the bill) apply across all of these products.
Trap: treating critical illness or hospital indemnity as comprehensive medical insurance, or selling drug coverage with Medigap. Rule of thumb: if a product pays a lump sum or fixed daily amount, it is a limited-benefit product and complements, not replaces, major medical.