Health insurance can be a complex topic, and it can be difficult to understand what is and isn’t covered by your policy.

While most health insurance policies cover the basics, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs, there are several coverage add-ons you can consider to round out your insurance policy and ensure you’re fully protected.

Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is one of the most common coverage add-ons to a health insurance policy. While some health insurance policies include limited dental coverage, most do not cover routine dental care, such as cleanings, fillings, or root canals.

If you don’t have dental insurance through your employer, you may want to consider purchasing a stand-alone dental insurance policy.

Vision Insurance

Like dental insurance, vision insurance is not typically included in a standard health insurance policy.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, or if you have a vision issue that requires special treatment, vision insurance can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Many vision insurance policies cover routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses, and some may cover corrective surgery, such as LASIK.

Critical Illness Coverage

If you’re diagnosed with a critical illness, such as cancer or a heart attack, your health insurance policy may not cover all of your medical expenses.

Critical illness coverage can help bridge the gap by providing a lump sum payment that can be used to cover medical expenses, pay bills, or cover other costs associated with your illness. Critical illness coverage may also cover certain chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.

Accident Coverage

Accident coverage provides payment for medical care resulting from an accidental injury. This can include anything from broken bones and concussions to burns and cuts.

Accident coverage is particularly valuable for people who participate in high-risk activities, such as extreme sports or manual labor. Some health insurance policies may include accident coverage, but it’s important to read the fine print to ensure you’re fully covered.

Disability Insurance

Disability insurance provides financial protection in the event you become disabled and are unable to work. This can include anything from a temporary disability resulting from an accident to a long-term disability resulting from a chronic illness.

Disability insurance can help cover your living expenses, such as rent, mortgage payments, and utility bills, while you’re unable to work.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance provides coverage for long-term care expenses, such as nursing home care or home health care, which are not typically covered by health insurance policies.

Long-term care insurance can be expensive, but it can also save you money in the long run if you require long-term care at some point in your life.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses incurred while traveling outside your home country. This can include everything from emergency medical care to evacuation and repatriation.

If you frequently travel internationally, travel insurance can provide peace of mind knowing you’re protected if something goes wrong.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is not technically a coverage add-on for your health insurance policy, but it can provide valuable protection for your furry family members.

Pet insurance can help cover the cost of veterinary care, including routine exams, vaccinations, and emergency care. Pet insurance can be particularly valuable for people with older pets or pets with chronic health conditions.

Final Thoughts

When considering coverage add-ons for your health insurance policy, it’s important to carefully evaluate your needs and weigh the potential costs and benefits.

Some coverage add-ons may be more valuable than others depending on your individual circumstances, so it’s important to do your research and shop around for the best policies and rates.