Every kind of agent, clearly labeled.

Health care sharing ministries

monthly sharing contributions · faith-based medical cost-sharing · member-to-member bill sharing

For: lower monthly cost than traditional insurance, faith-based community, opting out of the ACA marketplace

Fixed indemnity plans

fixed daily hospital benefits · fixed per-service benefits · scheduled-benefit plans

For: filling the gap left by a high deductible, a set payment per visit or stay, supplementing a sharing plan or HDHP

Short-term health plans

short-term medical plans · temporary major-medical-style coverage

For: a coverage gap between jobs, missing open enrollment, needing a bridge for a few months

Accident insurance

lump-sum accident benefits · injury-specific payouts

For: active families, sports and on-the-job injuries, covering ER and urgent care costs

Critical illness insurance

cancer, heart attack and stroke lump-sum benefits · critical illness riders

For: a family history of cancer, heart disease or stroke, costs a sharing plan or HDHP won't cover, income protection during treatment

HSAs & high-deductible health plans

HSA-eligible HDHPs · tax-advantaged health savings accounts · catastrophic-style major medical

For: building tax-free savings for medical costs, a lower premium with a higher deductible, healthy and rarely using care

Direct primary care

flat monthly membership with a primary care doctor · direct-pay primary care

For: wanting more time with a doctor, pairing with a sharing plan or HDHP for primary care, avoiding per-visit billing

Discount health cards

prescription discount cards · dental and vision discount plans · medical service discount memberships

For: reducing out-of-pocket costs on prescriptions, no insurance or a coverage waiting period, supplementing a high-deductible plan