Travel, Lodging & Pet Care Benefits Explained.
Cash for Travel, Lodging & Pet Care During Treatment
Add riders that pay you cash for long-distance care—covering trips to specialists, hotel stays for you or a companion, and even pet boarding.
Travel, lodging, and pet care riders on a hospital indemnity plan pay fixed cash benefits when your care takes you away from home. These add-ons are popular with Medicare Advantage members and anyone who may seek treatment at a center of excellence. The money goes directly to you—use it for airfare or mileage, hotels for you or a caregiver, and boarding/pet sitting while you recover.
How the Travel Benefit Works
- Distance trigger: Many plans require treatment a minimum distance from home (e.g., 50+ miles). If met, a flat cash amount is paid per trip or per day of travel.
- What’s covered: Use the cash for airfare, gas/mileage, rideshare, parking, or rail—your choice. Benefits are not reimbursements; they’re fixed payouts.
- Proof of treatment: Benefits generally require proof of a covered service/appointment at the distant facility.
Lodging for You & Companions
- Per-night amounts: Riders pay a set cash amount per eligible night in a hotel or similar lodging while receiving treatment away from home.
- Companion coverage: Some designs include a caregiver/companion lodging amount when medically appropriate (e.g., surgery or multi-day treatment).
- Night caps: A maximum number of payable nights per episode or per year typically applies.
Pet Care/Boarding Benefits
- Daily cash for pet boarding: If treatment requires travel/hospitalization, a rider may pay a daily amount toward kennel or pet-sitting.
- Per-incident maximums: Most plans include a per-incident and annual cap to manage overall cost.
- Flexibility: Use the cash for boarding, walking, feeding, or medications while you’re away.
Design Choices & Limits
- Benefit levels: Select travel, lodging, and pet-care amounts that match your likely needs and budget.
- Episode vs. annual caps: Plans often cap benefits per trip/episode and per calendar year.
- Waiting periods & documentation: Some states include a brief waiting period; benefits generally require proof of covered treatment and dates.
- Stacking with other riders: Travel/lodging cash stacks with ER/Observation, Hospital Daily, SNF, and Therapy riders for fuller protection.
Design Examples
Cancer Center of Excellence Trip
- Travel benefit (per trip) at a mid level
- Lodging per night for patient + companion
- Pet care daily benefit up to episode cap
- Pairs with Cancer Diagnosis rider for first-diagnosis cash
Goal: Offset travel logistics and out-of-pocket costs.
Surgery Away From Home
- Travel benefit (round trip)
- Lodging 2–4 nights (patient + companion if eligible)
- Pet care for length of stay
- Combine with Outpatient Surgery & Rehab and SNF rider
Goal: Smooth the financial bumps around a planned procedure.
Figures and structures are illustrative; actual benefits vary by state and plan.
Who Should Consider These Riders
- Medicare Advantage members likely to travel for specialty care
- Rural residents whose nearest hospital is far from home
- Caregivers who expect to accompany a patient during treatment
- Pet owners who want help covering boarding or sitting costs
FAQs
How far do I need to travel for benefits to pay?
Many plans require treatment a minimum distance from home (commonly 50+ miles). We’ll confirm your state’s distance trigger before enrollment.
Does lodging cover a companion?
Often yes, when medically appropriate or specified by the plan. Some riders pay separate per-night amounts for a caregiver.
Do I need receipts?
Benefits are fixed cash payments, but plans typically require proof of covered treatment and dates. Keep appointment documentation; receipts may be requested.
How is pet care paid—per day or per trip?
Usually a per-day cash amount with a per-incident and annual maximum. We’ll outline your plan’s caps in advance.
Can I add these riders later?
Sometimes. Adding riders later may involve new waiting periods or underwriting. It’s often simplest to include them at issue.
Helpful resources
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance: What It Covers & Costs
- ER & Urgent Care: When Hospital Indemnity Pays
- Observation vs. Inpatient: How Cash Benefits Pay
- Outpatient Surgery & Rehab Riders: What to Know
- Skilled Nursing Facility Rider Explained
- Increasing Daily Benefit Rider (5% Step-Ups)
- Medicare Planning Services
- Why families choose Diversified Insurance Brokers (video)
Quote Travel, Lodging & Pet Care Riders
We’ll size benefits to your plan and budget—clear options, no pressure.
Prefer to talk? Call 800-533-5969
