Sidecar Health provides an alternative to traditional health insurance, emphasizing patient empowerment and cost transparency’
. Members benefit from fixed prices for medical services, regardless of actual provider charges.
While it offers simplicity and appeal, it’s not suitable for those with preexisting conditions or individuals over 65.
Availability is also limited to select states. Further details will be explored in this Sidecar Health insurance review.
Quick Summary: Sidecar Health Benefits
Ideal for small business owners, freelancers, and part-time workers Significant savings on healthcare expenses can be achieved by accessing cash rates Potential savings of 40% or higher
Is Sidecar Health Worth Considering?
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Our verdict: Sidecar Health could be a suitable health insurance choice, particularly if you’re young, healthy, and reside in one of the states where it operates.
However, if you have specific medical conditions, frequent doctor visits, or concerns about out-of-pocket expenses, you might find more affordable options elsewhere.
Overview of Sidecar Health:
- Type of insurance offered: Fixed indemnity health insurance
- What is covered: Medically necessary procedures and prescriptions from the provider of your choice
- Coverage limit: Between $5,000 and $2 million
- Eligible age: Up to 65 years old
- Availability: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah
How Sidecar Health Works:
Sidecar Health operates on a fixed indemnity plan model, wherein the insurer pays a set amount per service, regardless of the actual cost. Members can sign up or cancel at any time.
This plan type is designed to save money on healthcare by self-paying providers, with many offering discounts. Sidecar Health reimburses members for the coverage amount of received medical care.
Tip: Members can access the Sidecar Health member portal to find out the coverage amount for procedures or tests before visiting a doctor, offering transparency and convenience.
Benefits of Accessing Healthcare Professionals with Sidecar Health?
As a Sidecar Health member, you enjoy the freedom to choose any healthcare provider you prefer, as the company doesn’t utilize a network system.
Sidecar Health provides information on the rates charged by different doctors for specific services, allowing you to compare costs and find the best option to suit your budget.
For instance, if you’re in Illinois and need a gynecologist visit, prices range from $114 to $159. Sidecar Health offers options and estimated costs for such visits if you haven’t selected a preferred doctor.
Here’s how the process works:
- At your appointment, you pay your doctor directly using your preferred payment method, covering 100% of the visit cost.
- After your appointment, you submit an itemized medical invoice via the Sidecar Health member portal. Sidecar Health determines your benefit amount based on this invoice and credits you accordingly.
- Due to Sidecar Health’s fixed pricing system for healthcare services, the benefit amount you receive may be higher or lower than the actual visit cost. You cover the difference if the benefit amount is lower, or you keep the surplus if it’s higher.
For instance, if Sidecar Health offers a $75 benefit amount for a chiropractor visit and your visit costs $90, you pay $15 out-of-pocket.
Conversely, if your visit costs only $65, Sidecar Health covers it entirely, leaving you with a $10 credit.
Understanding the Sidecar Health VISA Benefit Card:
Upon enrolling in Sidecar Health and activating your account, you receive a welcome kit containing your Sidecar Health VISA benefit card. While not mandatory, this card can be used to pay your medical provider.
The Sidecar Health VISA benefit card functions like a debit card, linked to one of your bank accounts, with a maximum limit of $2,500 for medical procedures and $750 for pharmacy expenses.
If you require a larger payment, you must contact Sidecar Health for authorization.
When using the card, you receive an estimated benefit amount, which Sidecar Health adjusts after you submit an itemized medical invoice.
You cover any shortfall if the final benefit amount is less than your bill, while you retain any surplus if it exceeds your bill.
How to Obtain an Insurance Quote from Sidecar Health
Securing an insurance quote from Sidecar Health is a simple and swift process:
- Visit the Sidecar Health website and input your ZIP code to initiate the quote request.
Tip: Please note that Sidecar Health plans are currently accessible in 18 states as of November 2022.
If your ZIP code corresponds to a state where Sidecar isn’t available, you’ll be prompted to provide your name and email for future notifications.
- Enter essential personal information, including your name, email address, age, and gender.
- Provide details about personal habits, current health status, and any preexisting conditions you may have, such as cancer, AIDS, diabetes, lupus, or muscular dystrophy.
Upon completing the questionnaire, Sidecar Health will display the monthly costs for the available coverage levels, allowing you to customize your plan options.
Maximizing Savings with Sidecar Health
- Utilize the discounted prices often offered by medical providers for self-pay patients compared to those covered by health insurance plans.
- Contact your provider before appointments to inquire about the cash price for self-pay patients, ensuring you benefit from reduced costs.
It’s worth noting that Sidecar Health insurance plans are tailored more towards individuals without preexisting conditions.
Indicating the presence of certain conditions during the quote process may suggest alternative options.
For instance, if you smoke or frequently visit a mental health professional, your monthly premiums may significantly increase.
For example, a healthy resident of Florida might pay $225 monthly for the Standard plan, but if they smoke, the premium could rise to $345.
Similarly, frequent mental health visits may raise the premium to $519 per month.
Also read: Is Path Mental Health Legit?: A Complete Analysis
Sidecar Health FAQs
Where is Sidecar Health insurance available?
Sidecar Health Access Plans are currently offered in 18 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, and others.
Who is behind Sidecar Health?
Sidecar Health’s Access Plans are underwritten by two insurance companies:
- United States Fire Insurance Company: Underwriter for plans in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and more.
- Sirius America Insurance Company: Underwriter for plans in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and others.
How long do I have to upload an itemized receipt after using the Sidecar Health card?
You have 30 days to upload an itemized receipt following the use of your Sidecar Health Visa benefit card, which should include essential details such as patient and provider names, service dates, charges, CPT codes (for services), and prescription drug information.