You’re an older adult or have a chronic condition, so your risk for hospitalization is higher. Those with chronic conditions average three additional outpatient visits and one extra overnight visit compared to those without chronic conditions.¹ For older adults, longer lives result in higher rates of chronic conditions. Disproportionately affected, 93% of older adults have at least one chronic condition.² Particularly during flu season, rates of hospitalization for older adults are extremely high. In the 2024-2025 flu season, older adults accounted for 77% of hospitalizations.³

You have a high-deductible health plan, which means lower premiums, but if you do have a have a serious medical issue that requires emergency services or hospitalization, you may end up facing substantial out-of-pocket costs. The average emergency room visit costs $2,715.⁵ The actual bill depends on the severity of the condition and what tests are performed but with a high-deductible health plan, you can be responsible for most of the amount depending on what your deductible is.

You have children or are planning to have a child. Children can get hurt and sick, both of which can result in out-of-pocket costs. Participation in sports can lead to head injuries, and even a jungle-gym accident can lead to hospitalization. One hospital noted that after a snowstorm nearly half of children’s emergency room visits were related to sledding.⁶ Plus, if you are planning on having a child, Hospital Indemnity insurance issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America can help cover the cost of hospital admission – but only if you purchase coverage before you become pregnant.*

Even if these situations don’t apply to you right now, anyone can face an unexpected hospitalization, and this added layer of financial protection can help you focus on recovery rather than bills. The good news is that anyone under 65 can enroll, and there are no medical questions or exams.

Enroll online and secure coverage now.

¹ Polanco, B., Oña, A., Gemperli, A., & Pacheco Barzallo, D. (2025). Excess healthcare utilization and costs linked to chronic conditions: a comparative study of nine European countries. European journal of public health, 35(2), 216–227.
²Get the Facts on Healthy Aging. www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-healthy-aging, National Council on Aging. May 9, 2025.
³Older Adults Drive Hospitalizations, Costs in the US 2024-2025 Influenza Season. American Journal of Managed Care. www.ajmc.com/view/older-adults-drive-hospitalizations-costs-in-the-us-2024-2025-influenza-season, November 24, 2025.
⁴The risks of hospital stays: A guide to safe recovery and returning home for older adults. Mayo Clinic. mcpress.mayoclinic.org/healthy-aging/the-risks-of-hospital-stays-a-guide-to-safe-recovery-and-returning-home-for-older-adults, July 29, 2025.
⁵Emergency Room Visit Cost With And Without Insurance (2025 Update). TalkToMira. www.talktomira.com/post/how-much-does-an-er-visit-cost, February 25, 2025.
⁶WakeMed: Nearly half of children’s ER visits were related to sledding last week. WRAL News. www.wral.com/lifestyles/health/unc-health-spike-sledding-winter-injuries-february-2026, February 2, 2026.

*Hospital Indemnity Insurance from the Prudential Insurance Company of America covers routine pregnancy, childbirth, and complications of pregnancy beginning 10 months after your coverage effective date.

Group Insurance coverages are issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, a Prudential Financial company, Newark, NJ.
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