What pilots need to know about health care coverage

There are three basic groups for insurance: single/not married; married; and family. Generally, the “family” group is a catch-all. By that I mean that if you have one child or 10, the price is the same. Since you can legally carry your kids until they are 26, it doesn’t behoove you to rush to get one kid off of your policy unless it is the last kid or you can get all of them off of the policy.

Under these umbrellas, myriad health plans are designed by the employer in conjunction with the insurance company or companies. If you work for a unionized labor group, like most pilots do, there are usually some plans for pilots that never really change and are consistent from year to year. Others change over time and take into account trends in the health sector of the economy.

One of the most important aspects of insurance is deciding whether to use a flexible spending account (FSA). The FSA works by taking pre-tax money from your paycheck and using it (usually via a debit card) on IRS-approved expenses, such as co-pays or medication. There is an annual cap every year for how much money you can put toward the FSA, and you will need to make sure that you will use what you take out, as it is a use-it-or-lose-it benefit.

For pilots, the FSA can be a great way to cover the cost of a medical, especially if you’re in the demographic that needs to be administered an EKG once a year. Most insurance plans don’t cover the medical, and a lot of airlines only cover a portion of the cost. The FSA can really help here. Along the same lines, if and when you eventually need to wear glasses, the FSA can be a great tool. ICAO, and hence the FAA, require that pilots who need to wear glasses have a back-up pair available. Take that a step further, and if you need prescription sunglasses, you might be looking at four pairs of glasses. That adds up.

I use transition glasses, but I find that the tinted windows in an airliner prevent them from getting as dark as I’d like. I also like sunglasses that wrap around part of my eyes for sunrise and sunset. As such, I have four sets of glasses, and the FSA goes a long way to making them less painful to buy. The same can also go for hearing aids if that applies to you.

Generally, the insurance that pilots can get is excellent, but it is a never-ending cost pressure for all entities. Understanding what your options are (and are not) is important. We have unique needs as pilots, and certain plans, like vision, often leave something to be desired. When it comes time to enroll, ask for help from a company expert, and take copious notes. Whatever you choose, you’re stuck with it for a year. Be diligent, be smart, and be thoroughly informed.