For the costs your primary plan doesn't always cover.

Most supplemental products — including fixed indemnity, critical illness, accident, cancer, dental, and vision insurance — can be purchased at any time of year. They are not tied to ACA Open Enrollment windows.

Generally, no.  Most supplemental products (such as fixed indemnity and hospital indemnity) pay benefits directly to you regardless of what your primary plan covers. You don't have to wait for your primary plan to process a claim before receiving a supplemental benefit. This independence is what makes these products flexible — you use the benefit however your financial situation requires.  Dental and vision plans work differently and may coordinate with other coverage.

Often, no. Benefits received from supplemental policies — such as critical illness, fixed indemnity, accident, and hospital indemnity plans — are generally not taxable when you pay the premiums with after-tax dollars.  If premiums were paid pre-tax, such as  through an employer's cafeteria plan,  some or all of benefits may be taxable. Consult a tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.

Possibly — though the gaps are smaller. Even on a Platinum plan, you’ll pay deductibles and coinsurance until you reach your out-of-pocket maximum. Your primary plan isn’t designed to help with lost income, travel to specialized care, or othernon-medical financial costsof a serious diagnosis. Some people find critical illness coverage useful even with  rich primary coverage, since it pays a benefit you can put toward those kinds of expenses.