Over the last few years, carriers who offer Defined Benefit Health Insurance plans have expanded the coverage to be more in line with real medical costs. As such, they have become more popular as alternatives to ACA & Short-Term Medical plans. Three notable carriers are: Manhattan Life , Philadelphia America & United Healthcare

Defined Benefit Health Insurance is also known as Fixed-Benefit Health Insurance or Hospital Indemnity Insurance. It's a type of insurance that pays a set amount – per day, per week, per month, or per visit. This type of health insurance may be most suitable for the following types of consumers:

• Those who do not have the budget for a Major Medical or ACA type plan.
• Those who do not want to pay for benefits they don't use.
• Those who missed the ACA Open Enrollment period.
• Those who want health insurance that will work with any healthcare provider.

In addition to paying a per diem benefit for hospital stays & surgeries, a more comprehensive plan might feature payments for an ambulance trip, outpatient chemotherapy/radiation, maternity, or increased payments for critical ailments such as heart attack, stroke or cancer. Benefits can disburse in lump sums for short admittances or on a daily or weekly basis during longer visits.