Many supplemental health insurance plans offered through employers include “wellness benefits” that cover services like biopsies, colonoscopies, mammograms and cholesterol tests. In addition to encouraging preventive care and supporting your long-term well-being, these benefits can also help lower your out-of-pocket medical costs.
People may overlook or misunderstand preventive care, assuming it’s expensive or only useful if they already have health concerns. Others may avoid screenings out of worry about what they’ll find. But wellness benefits through your employer can help cover the costs of certain preventive screenings, making it easier to prioritize your health, identify potential issues early and help manage conditions before they become more serious.
What may be covered
Wellness benefits frequently offered by supplemental health insurance plans may include:
- Routine health screenings such as cholesterol, blood pressure and cancer detection
- Annual physical exams
- Physician-administered COVID-19 tests
- Vaccinations and immunizations
Coverage details and eligibility may vary based on your plan and carrier, so reviewing your policy is always a good idea.
Reducing out-of-pocket costs
Many supplemental health insurance plans offer annual wellness benefits ranging from $50 to $100 per person per year. The benefits may also extend to covered dependents.
For example, if your plan costs $50 per year in premiums and you complete a covered health screening, you may receive a $50 wellness benefit that can help offset a portion of your costs. This reduced expense may make you more inclined to take advantage of preventive care options.
Since coverage amounts, eligibility, and benefit structures vary, be sure to review your specific policy details to understand how your benefits apply.
Lydia’s story
Lydia schedules her annual physical and, during her visit, her doctor recommends a fasting blood glucose test as part of routine preventive care.
- She completes the test and waits for her results.
- While waiting, she remembers that her critical illness insurance policy includes a wellness benefit.
- She calls her insurance provider to inquire about eligibility for the benefit.
- After submitting the necessary information, she receives a $50 wellness benefit, which she can use as needed—even if her major medical plan covered the test.
This is a simple way Lydia can maximize her coverage and make the most of a benefit she already has.
Small steps, big impact
Preventive care isn’t just about catching health issues early—it’s about supporting your long-term well-being. But taking advantage can also help you manage out-of-pocket costs.
If you have supplemental health insurance, check your plan to see what benefits may be available—you might already have access to wellness perks you haven’t explored.
Examples are for illustrative purposes only and are meant to provide a general overview of how coverage works. Any resemblance to actual persons is purely coincidental.
This is a general overview of benefits. For specific details, please refer to your policy.
Additional reading:
Understanding supplemental health insurance
Some supplemental benefits are taxable—learn what they are to help avoid surprises
