Few decisions in life are more important than choosing good health insurance, and supplemental private insurance can provide important benefits that help fill any gaps in a main health insurance plan. Though supplemental plans may add an extra cost to health care coverage, the additional benefits—beyond the traditional in-network doctor visits and emergency clinics—can be invaluable.

1. Immediate coverage
If an unforeseen accident or illness arises, supplemental insurance can help provide immediate coverage that can lessen the financial strain of otherwise expensive medical bills. An often overlooked benefit of supplemental private insurance is the ability to receive coverage for insurance co-pays, deductibles, and prescription drugs, as well as help with non-medical costs like travel expenses for medical treatments outside of an individual's geographic area.

2. Long-term protection
It is not uncommon for individuals to be diagnosed with a chronic illness, which can drastically increase their health care costs. Supplemental private insurance can help create a financial buffer by covering expenses not covered by one's main insurance plan. These benefits can provide individuals with long-term protection, enabling them to put more money aside for any future medical expenses.

3. Flexible Coverage
Supplemental private insurance provides the flexibility for individuals to change their plan and coverage depending on their specific needs. As life changes, supplemental private insurance can enable individuals to be prepared for a variety of medical and financial scenarios, such as a move to another state, a diagnosis of a chronic illness, or a change in employment status.

For those looking for greater comfort in their health care coverage, supplemental private insurance can provide an important means of peace of mind. Not only do these plans supplement one's main health insurance plan, they also offer expanded coverage for medical and non-medical expenses. As with any decision regarding health care, it is important to research and compare various supplemental insurance plans before settling on the right one.