Guaranteed-Issue Hospital Indemnity at 65
Guaranteed-Issue Hospital Indemnity at 65
New to Medicare? Many plans offer a limited guaranteed-issue (GI) window—often no health questions—for the base daily hospital benefit.
Guaranteed-issue hospital indemnity at age 65 can be an easy way to add cash benefits for hospital stays, observation, ER, ambulance and more—without medical underwriting during the GI window. We’ll confirm state availability, show which amounts qualify for GI, and help you align benefits with your Medicare (or Medicare Advantage) cost-sharing.
GI Window: How It Works
- Limited time: The GI window commonly centers around your Medicare enrollment (e.g., at or near 65). Exact timing varies by plan and state.
- No health questions (base benefit): You can usually elect a base daily hospital confinement benefit with no underwriting during the GI window.
- Effective dates matter: Some carriers require your hospital indemnity policy to start the same month your Medicare (or MA) begins.
What Typically Qualifies for GI
During the GI window, many plans allow you to select:
- Daily hospital confinement benefit (you choose the per-day amount and number of days within GI limits).
- Optional lump-sum per admission (varies—sometimes GI, sometimes underwritten; we’ll verify).
- Observation benefit (partial/short-stay amounts may be built in or selectable).
Note: Specific GI amounts and combinations vary by state and plan. We’ll show you GI-eligible configurations before you apply.
Riders & Add-ons (Usually Underwritten)
Outside of the base benefit, most riders require health questions, including:
- Ambulance (ground/air)
- ER / urgent care admission
- Skilled nursing facility (SNF)
- Outpatient surgery and rehab/chiro
- Diagnosis riders (cancer; heart attack & stroke)
- Increasing daily benefit (e.g., +5%/yr up to a cap)
We’ll price both GI-only and GI + rider scenarios so you can decide what’s worth adding now vs. later.
Designing Benefits to Match Your Costs
- Mirror copays: If your Medicare Advantage has per-day hospital copays (e.g., days 1–5), pick a daily amount and day count to offset those costs.
- Pair daily + lump-sum: Combine a daily benefit (for multi-day stays) with a per-admission lump sum to cover shorter stays.
- Don’t forget observation: Short stays under 24 hours are common. Include partial/observation coverage if available.
Who Qualifies & Key Timing
- Turning 65: Most likely to have a GI option for the base benefit.
- Delayed Part B due to employer coverage: You may have a GI window tied to your Special Enrollment Period—ask us to verify your dates.
- Past 65 with Medicare in force: GI may no longer apply; standard underwriting is typical, but we’ll shop lenient options.
Quick Checklist to Enroll
- Have your Medicare (or MA) start date ready.
- Decide your target daily amount and day count.
- List any riders you’d like priced (ER, ambulance, SNF, surgery, etc.).
- Confirm effective date to keep GI eligibility.
Helpful resources
GI at 65 FAQs
How long does the GI window last?
It’s limited and tied to Medicare enrollment dates. Some carriers require the hospital indemnity effective date to match your Medicare month. We’ll verify timing.
Which benefits are guaranteed-issue?
Typically the base daily hospital confinement (and sometimes a lump-sum per admission) within GI limits. Riders usually require underwriting.
Can I enroll if I delayed Part B?
Often yes—your Special Enrollment Period may open a GI window for the base benefit. Dates vary; we’ll confirm eligibility for your state and plan.
What if I miss the GI window?
You can still apply later with health questions. We’ll shop carriers known for flexible underwriting.
Does GI cover observation stays?
Many plans pay a partial amount for 7–24 hour observation and full benefits for 24+ hour inpatient. Your quote will show exact triggers and amounts.
Don’t Miss Your GI Window
Lock in cash benefits with no health questions on the base benefit when you start Medicare.
Prefer to talk? Call 800-533-5969
Benefits and GI availability vary by state and plan. Your personalized quote will detail eligible amounts, effective-date rules, and any limitations.
