What fixed indemnity means here
Health ProtectorGuard pays stated amounts per covered service regardless of the actual bill. It is not major medical insurance and is not Minimum Essential Coverage. Plans are underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company on Florida policy forms HPG3-GRI-09 (Core) and HPG3-CSTM-GRI-09 (Guard). You have a 10-day right to examine. Coverage is subject to health underwriting.
Core series at a glance (Select 2000, Preferred 4000, Premier 5000)
All Core plans include prescription and outpatient imaging benefits. Core schedules include a $2 million calendar-year maximum and $5 million lifetime maximum per covered person. Core includes limited scheduled wellness; it is not ACA preventive care.
| Core plan | Year 1 inpatient confinement (per day) | Hospital admission benefit (first inpatient day, max 1 day) |
|---|---|---|
| Select 2000 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Preferred 4000 | $4,000 | $3,000 |
| Premier 5000 | $5,000 | $3,000 |
Benefit amounts depend on the plan selected, and the premium varies with the benefits selected. Exclusions, limitations, a 12-month pre-existing condition limitation and renewal terms apply; see What it does not cover. The issued policy controls. Florida policy forms HPG3-GRI-09 (Core) and HPG3-CSTM-GRI-09 (Guard).
Year-2 amounts increase once; the confinement increase applies to injury only, not illness.
Guard series at a glance (Guard 4000, 5000, 6000)
| Guard plan | Hospital admission benefit | Prescription benefits | Outpatient imaging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guard 4000 | $4,000 | Not included | Not included |
| Guard 5000 | $5,000 | Included | Included |
| Guard 6000 | $6,000 | Included | Included |
Waiting periods, if any, are shown on the issued policy's data page. Confirm before relying on day-one coverage.
Guard series has no wellness benefit. Neither Guard nor Core provides ACA preventive care.
Health ProtectorGuard vs ACA Marketplace plans
According to HealthCare.gov, minimum essential coverage is the type of coverage an individual needs to satisfy the ACA individual shared responsibility provision (where it applies). Health ProtectorGuard fixed indemnity is not minimum essential coverage. For how Marketplace plans differ, see essential health benefits and pre-existing conditions on HealthCare.gov.
| Topic | Health ProtectorGuard (fixed indemnity) | ACA Marketplace major medical |
|---|---|---|
| How benefits pay | Scheduled dollar amounts per listed covered service | Comprehensive coverage subject to plan cost-sharing and network rules |
| Minimum Essential Coverage | Not Minimum Essential Coverage | Qualified plans provide Minimum Essential Coverage |
| Pre-existing conditions | 12-month lookback; limitation up to 12 months after effective date (see policy) | Marketplace plans generally cover pre-existing conditions without denial for that reason |
| Typical use | Supplement when you already have comprehensive coverage | Primary comprehensive coverage for eligible applicants |
Who it may fit—and who it does not
May fit: Adults ages 18 through 64 who want supplemental scheduled benefits beside existing comprehensive coverage and understand remaining balances after fixed payments.
Does not fit: Anyone who needs major medical insurance, Minimum Essential Coverage, or ACA cost-sharing protections by itself; anyone expecting unlimited coverage for large medical bills; or anyone unwilling to accept exclusions, limits, and pre-existing condition rules.
Issue ages are 18 through 64. Coverage may renew until the primary insured's 65th birthday; a covered spouse or child may be able to continue it subject to policy terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is Health ProtectorGuard real insurance?
Yes. Health ProtectorGuard is fixed-indemnity insurance underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company. It pays limited, scheduled amounts for covered services. It is not major medical insurance and is not Minimum Essential Coverage under the ACA.
What does Select 2000 pay?
Select 2000 pays $2,000 per day for inpatient confinement in Year 1 and a $2,000 hospital admission benefit for the first inpatient day (maximum one day). It also pays limited scheduled amounts for other listed covered services on the Core schedule. The issued policy controls the exact schedule.
Is the 2000 a deductible?
No. The "2000" in Select 2000 refers to scheduled benefit amounts in the plan name, such as the Year 1 inpatient confinement amount and the hospital admission benefit. It is not a deductible and the plan does not pay a percentage of your total medical bill.
Is it major medical or ACA coverage?
No. Health ProtectorGuard is fixed-indemnity insurance with limited scheduled benefits. It is not major medical insurance and is not Minimum Essential Coverage under the Affordable Care Act. It can supplement other coverage but does not replace comprehensive health insurance or ACA protections.
What doesn't it cover?
The policy includes exclusions and limits. Examples may include pre-existing conditions during applicable limitation periods, pregnancy or childbirth except complications, mental health or substance-use treatment, dental care, exams or fittings for eyeglasses, contact lenses or hearing aids, experimental services, and services not listed in the schedule. It does not provide unlimited major medical coverage. Read the issued policy for the complete list.
How do pre-existing conditions work?
Current product materials describe a 12-month lookback for pre-existing conditions and a limitation that can apply for up to 12 months after the effective date. A condition is generally treated as pre-existing if medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received within the lookback period before coverage begins. The issued policy defines pre-existing conditions and controls the limitation.
Can premiums change?
Premiums are guaranteed for the first 12 months. After that, premiums may change with at least 45 days' notice in Florida, subject to policy provisions. Premium depends on factors including age, gender, tobacco use, and the plan and benefit level chosen.
Who is it a fit for, and who is it not?
It may fit adults ages 18 through 64 who already have comprehensive coverage and want supplemental scheduled cash for listed services. It is not a fit if you need major medical insurance, Minimum Essential Coverage, or ACA cost-sharing protections on its own. Issue ages are 18 through 64 with renewal available until the primary insured's 65th birthday, subject to policy terms.
How do Select 2000 and Preferred 4000 differ?
Both are Core series options on Florida policy form HPG3-GRI-09 with prescription and outpatient imaging benefits. Select 2000 pays $2,000 per day inpatient confinement in Year 1 with a $2,000 first-day hospital admission benefit. Preferred 4000 pays $4,000 per day confinement in Year 1 with a $3,000 hospital admission benefit. The right choice depends on the care you expect and what you could still owe after scheduled benefits.
Carrier brochures (PDF)
Compare the current outlines before you apply: