Basic protection pays toward the costs of a hospital room and care while you are in the hospital. It covers some hospital services and supplies, such as X-rays and prescribed medicine. Basic coverage also pays toward the cost of surgery, whether it is performed in or out of the hospital, and for some doctor visits. Major medical insurance takes over where your basic coverage leaves off. It covers the cost of long, high-cost illnesses or injuries.
Some policies combine basic and major medical coverage into one plan.
Check your policy to make sure you have both kinds of protection. Most insurance plans will pay only what they call a reasonable and customary fee for a particular service. This is in addition to the deductible and coinsurance you would be expected to pay. To avoid this additional cost, ask your doctor to accept your insurance company's payment as full payment. Or shop around to find a doctor who will.