Extended Benefits Optimizer
Most people use a fraction of what their extended health plan actually covers. A checklist for finding the coverage you're already paying for.
Start with your plan booklet, not your memory
Extended health plans change coverage details, annual maximums, and eligible providers more often than most plan holders realize. Before assuming something isn't covered, pull your actual plan document (usually available through your insurer's member portal) rather than relying on what you remember from when you enrolled.
Coverage checklist — categories people commonly under-use
If you have two plans: coordination of benefits
If you and a spouse or partner both have extended health coverage through separate employers, you may be eligible for coordination of benefits — submitting a claim to your own plan first, then the remainder to the second plan, which can significantly increase your total effective coverage. This isn't automatic; you typically need to register both plans with each insurer and follow the correct submission order.
Submission order matters
Generally, submit to your own plan first, then the leftover balance to your spouse's plan — reversing the order can reduce what's reimbursed.
Children's claims
Coordination rules for dependent children often follow the "birthday rule" — whichever parent's birthday falls earlier in the calendar year is typically the first payer.
Before your plan year resets
Most extended benefit maximums reset annually and don't roll over — meaning unused coverage simply disappears rather than carrying forward. If you have appointments or purchases you've been putting off (a new pair of glasses, a physiotherapy course, a dental cleaning), check your renewal date and use remaining coverage before it resets rather than after.
Related
Important: this is a planning tool, not financial or insurance advice
The Patient Insider is not an insurer, financial advisor, or benefits administrator. This checklist is general educational information. Actual coverage, maximums, and coordination-of-benefits rules vary by insurer and plan — confirm your specific plan details directly with your insurer or HR department.