Critical illness coverage in the U.K. is known as dread disease insurance or more popular Critical Illness Cover while in the United States and many other locations around the world it is simply under the term critical illness insurance or critical illness policy (policies). Therefore, conversely if you are an individual from the United Kingdom and looking for a policy here in the states you now more informed as to a starting point.

The development while having reached higher numbers than ever in the United States and more than a million ci policies written there are more than 25 million written worldwide. Critical illness quotes for the U.S. can be obtained from the Critical Illness Insurance Resource Center, while in the U.K. can be gotten by an online resource such as critical-illness.co.uk.

Be on alert and make sure that you question the plan you are getting that it will serve the purpose you want. Include examples to your agent this is how to best combat scams or even ones that may actually be unintentional by insurance agents. Id rather it be a problem caused by ignorance as in not knowing then to stick people with plans because that is what they may only available.

Already the scams begin to come out of the woodwork and feel it our job to announce the negatives as well as information about the positives regarding Critical illness coverages. In this case its so undetectable that you may hardly call it a scam but what is a flim flam scam anyway? Well we could quote the dictionary, but we all can agree that is getting into something that we thought was disguised as something else, typically a knowing party (perhaps agent) providing the service or product has a deceptive practice (often ill gotten gains) when knowingly providing that service under false pretenses as to its coverage. Perhaps not having the coverage and masking it under some other coverage, and using words to make it sound good is unethical. With people, especially  insurance or finances, that agent has a fiduciary responsibility to look out for the well being of their client.

This particular incidence came about while testing other insurance carriers and their agents to see how their practices might be. The only reason we do not mention the company is avoid potential liabilities, mud slinging wars, or perhaps that the agent shouldn’t black eye the entire company, etc., In this case… best to provide the information to the public so that they understand what to look for and can learn and provide the information as a service. Always investigate before you invest.

The Scam

While on the surface it doesn’t seen to be such a scandal, it truly is unethical. When calling upon a well known company, whose products, reputation and service may be good, in this case got overshadowed by the agent pushing a product I didn’t ask for and telling me it was the same insurance protection I was looking for. Why? Simply because he didn’t have that product available. A coverage plan that could easily to the public (as unknown as Critical illness insurance is present day) be manipulated to be the critical illness protection they inquired about getting. Disguising a disability insurance product as a critical illness insurance policy and cloud the judgement of a unknowing client in to thinking that this is what they were getting. Worse yet, if disability insurance didn’t work on me, the back up product being sold was LTC or Long term care insurance.  When instead all along this client, (me in this case) knowing the clear difference between the two plans made CERTAIN to explain exactly what was looking for. In so much as they advertise on the internet “critical illness insurance”, I have not seen CII it listed in fact on their products list on their website at all. Hmmm..

When I left my contact information to call me I stated what I was looking for very specifically and the common person might not know about the product as well as we do here, could just say “I don’t know what product it is, but are looking for something that covers if out of work and cant because I got cancer and and and..” Then can be easily coerced into getting a policy they think they got coverage for but really was entirely something else. Time to get educated.

The Call Back

For whatever reason I missed the call. The message left said Hi sir I’m with_____ insurance and I was told you called and your looking for a disability policy please call me at___”

I called and said:

“They may have stated something different, I was looking for a critical illness type policy one that would cover me if I had some sort of critical illness?”

He retorted- “Yes of course in case you are disabled and like maybe cancer or something disabling?”

Wow how could I say no? It made sense the way he said it.  At this point anyone can see this is leading…leading to disability insurance and not what I called for critical illness insurance. Again though no person outside the insurance world would know the difference. So I made to clarify

ME- “Yes… but again, just to be sure in case I get like cancer or heart attack or something I need money to cover what the health insurance will not cover like replace income or deductible or co insurance or clinical trials god forbid…money if diagnosed”

Agent-Yes, he said “You need money to replace income and cover what health insurance does in case your disabled cant work lets say due to whatever critical illness may occur and you’ll need that money for what health insurance wont cover that’s correct.”

Before I knew it I was being sold unbeknownst to the common consumer a disability insurance policy and not what I had called for , ask for, and wanted, and yet being told it is exactly what I’m looking for. Insulted and appalling. If agents are being told that disability insurance is a critical illness insurance policy because they get money if they are disabled and it happens to be cancer or something they should be ashamed of themselves and in the case of many purchasing disability plans instead of critical illness they will only find out when an incident occurs and they don’t get what they thought they had coverage for. Worse yet in this case I knew what he was pulling, and, when disability insurance didn’t work on me he said well then the only other alternative for getting money I think you’ll like is Long Term Care” Wrong again! Stating what the plan name was, telling him how lump sum worked he knew in this case but really suggested I get what he was selling.

I let him provide a quote he asked how much I make. Why he said that is how they begin the coverage quote. Incorrect since it matters not what you make as to the price of coverage as that is not part of the quoting process. It is however for disability insurance. He said if you make $100k for example I can get $5,000 a month for 6 months a year or even 2 years. eh eh goes the buzzer…Critical illness pays a lump sum up front unless a defined expense benefit or indemnity type plan then it would pay a certain amount per day or time per procedure outlined often like Aflac policies have rather than a large upfront cash benefit.

The Joke

Okay how much does your disability or even LTC plan cost?

Well to bring in $X,xxx amount a month it will be one hundred and…

What?! Critical illness policies cost starting at $20 a month, average about $40 a month, I can get $40k for me in hand up front when I need it upon diagnosis and you want me to get LTC at 38 for purposes of getting a critical illness for how much?” Now I am no salesman for LTC but some individuals at the center are and they are two very different policies and not at all a critical illness lump sum policy. LTC products have their place, but not for me, not what I am looking for, UGH!

Disability insurance vs critical illness insurance in explaining  it to a client,  I can see how it can be clearly made to present it to a novice client as exactly how the agent wants to mold it, and now has two markets instantly. Shameless. Now if the agent didn’t know that’s not okay but less immoral, but here I made it clear simply because I asked for the product by name and finally stated to him I know the difference and what your wanting to sell me is a disability plan even though I made it clear the policy by name. Disability pays you a portion of what your salary is about 60% and any critical illness insurance that has a disability insurance rider (such as Assurity life sells) has it there for a reason BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT THE SAME! I am not promoting Assurity other than to site a example as to how different the two are and, if they were the same it would be like buying a critical illness insurance policy with a critical illness insurance rider…what?? Exactly! If want to get a critical illness disability insurance policy that is fine to get both by having a rider.  Not by promoting combined insurance that it is one in the same as it is, an calling it disability insurance.

Make sure that what you are getting in a lump sum critical illness insurance policy is a designated amount of money given to you when diagnosed with a covered critical illness such as cancer stroke heart attack and others depending upon policy. If you are selling disability insurance as critical illness insurance and hope to receive a lump sum and find out that you have to wait to receive payments that are about 60% of your salary because you are disabled regardless of a it being a critical illness or not does not make for a critical illness policy. To know I’ve made it so clear to the agent going beyond what the normal everyday person might know and be specific in asking for and still being sold a disability policy… well its immoral.

So…you say, you thought you were covered eh?

This story could have ended very badly but instead has a happy ending. The good is that it was me calling as a test and reporting the need to know public service announcement. How it could have ended and will for a lot of hard working Americans whom purchased from a quote “trusted source” is financial disaster. Imagine dad falls ill to cancer, paralysis or some other covered critical illness, and suddenly goes to claim on insurance and winds up having to wait wait only to receive 60% of his income monthly, gain more bills and have less money to live on the same lifestyle prior to diagnosis! Even with most having health insurance (near 80%) over 60% of bankruptcies came due to medical bankruptcy. Instead of what he could have gotten, which is to not be financially burdened,  and get maybe $40,000 cash up front as a forty year old for about $40 a month. (get quote as rates vary and this is an example)  If want to get a disability policy get one, if want to know the difference between the two it is explained herein and also can visit by clicking

Critical illness insurance vs disability insurance.

Health insurance supplements are not the answer to health insurance or the  premiums other than two of the more than a dozen offered today. Like a policeman they are there to serve and protect or in this case save and protect. While many are perplexed (and rightfully so), as health insurance premiums raise due to the Health care Reform, many agents are not making money any longer on regular health insurance. So they are fixed on selling you products that do pay. Here’s the inside scoop so you know what to look for and an understanding guide to supplemental health insurance.

Which supplemental health insurance is right for me?

There are many of them and we will go through a series of articles touching on the ins and out of health supplement insurance products. For this article you’ll want to get your answer as to what to do about raising or rather skyrocketing health insurance costs and how to lower your premiums beyond the obvious.

Technically you can “shop around” for the lowest health insurance rates. Theres the obvious, but either way you look at it, your going to pay due to the MLR, or the minimum loss ratio. In simplistic terms a specified percentage of every dollar amount toward health care costs and such the carriers are mandated to pay out of each premium dollar they may collect. This is why health premiums are on the rise? For the most part, but as we all know insurance would go up anyways at the whim of private insurance carriers due to other reasons. In this case be prepared for it to go up dramatcially to 2014 and beyond while health insurance exchange per state(s) are being set up. That is where you have to go to get your health care reform guaranteed issue insurance as mandated by 2014. That is another chapter.

So as health rates rise, your forced to raise your deductible…again very obvious. Now raising it may be bringing you to a minimum of $5000, $7500 or most likely $10,000 high deductible and, if you are healthy for the most part this is ok. Here’s what us and other experts say:

First, if your healthy as a horse you qualify for catastrophic only coverage. That is just that no doctor visits no prescription (although sometimes that is a rider) no bells and whistles simply catastrophic… no not accidents either. A policy can cost a simple $60 a month for a male 40 high deductible $10,000…but who cares? Ill take it you’ll say had you known. Well here’s something else you didn’t know whether you have a catastrophic plan or a comprehensive major medial…

Raising your deductible will save you money on premium, lets say perhaps $100 for example less, but how will you pay for the out of pocket high deductible if something occurs and you wind up in the hospital you ask? Well stats state that a very small amount of persons ever use their major medical for something catastrophic and in that case you’d be glad to pay $10,000 deductible if your bill was going to be $300,000 and bankrupt you. Okay, so where do you get the $10,000 from you may ask? The answer is hidden by carriers that dont exactly market this product in so far as to say, you’ve never once seen it on TV, perhaps never in print or radio. It’s called critical illness insurance. But dont run to buy it just yet. Here are some facts. Critcal illness gives you a lump sum of money typically minimum of $10,000 but you should get probably at least $20-30k. The younger you are the less it costs. You buy it and get accepted, you get to lock in your rates sometimes for your life. Some have a ROP or return of premium feature, but the average policy holder from an agent at A***c stated the average policy stays on the books for about 13 years. Problem is your paying a higher premium monthly to get your premiums back usually in paying consistently without a missed payment for 20 years. Having already 13 as the average (and that was shockingly long for a policy to be kept) perhaps ROP might not be your best bag. That is better than most policies in length of time on the books and the reason is it is like a $10 a month gym membership…it costs to little to close and its just in case you use it…so you keep it.

Nearly 3 million persons will get a critical illness this year as a result they would have all stated that they would have wanted a policy in hindsight. The average supplemental policy costs about $40 but starts at just $20. The average 40 year old non smoker male can get a policy at about $1 per thousand a month of course it varies from carrier to carrier. The other thing you should know is you want to make certain that you get the policy as a seperate or stand alone and NOT as a rider to your existing major medical plan. How ever many times you change plans you also will lose your critical illness insurance or CII. As a result the older you get the more it costs with no such thing as locking it in. And god forbid you get a diagnosis later of diabetes or something they dont have to accept you anymore but if you have a seperate policy non of that applies. Here’s one more stat, the average bankruptcy in the US was due to medical and critical illnesses and 78% of them had health insurance. What was the amount filed for medical bankruptcy? According to Harvard it was just under …..$15,000. WOW. So if your major medical policy by raising the deductible saved you a $100 and your critical illness coverage was $30 there is one more coverage you’ll need to know about.

Enter Accident insurance or accidental health insurance. Do not confuse this with what is called “A D and D” or accidental death and desmenberment as that is exactly what it sounds like. What you need is supplemental accident health insurance coverage. Now you can ask why is that so important? Glad you asked…

Accidental health insurance is a supplement that pays in the event of an accident. The reason is simple 1 out of every 4 seconds there is an accident. A slip and fall in the bathtub or at school playing football to a broken finger or bone anything that winds up in the emergency room could be you having to pay the whole bill yourself and why? BECAUSE YOUR DEDUCTIBLE IS HIGH!

Accident insurance plans can cover on average up to $10,000 and even if you want to use your deductible to satisfy since it is the begining of the year great now its satisfied and your accident insurance can pay you to that or not use your health insurance at all and simply use the indemnity accident insurance that costs an average of $30 a month and (here’s a hint)some companies will cover everyone in your family for the same price!

Now with the money that you saved raising your deductible and saving money can be offset with a supplemental critical illness and accident insurance plan and still walk away having paid less, got more coverage than if just getting health insurance. Yes to answer your question get both supplemental health plans sepereratly it doesnt take that much time and p.s. everyone can get accidnet insurance no underwriting and CII there are simplified underwwriting so unless you have something in the past with your heart or immune system you stand a great chance of getting coverage. You’ll want to check information as it does vary by state and by carrier and plan.

Article Submission: Lance Zeidman Insurance Advocate, Lic. Agent, Ntnl Producer

Organization: Critical illness Insurance Resource Center | To reach the author for questions or comments email Lance@Criticalillnesspolicies.com or contact nationwide 561-210-5822

Gilbert Gottfried changes his letters around to GottFired!

Aflac and the quack as we know it is now gone amid the controversial series of ‘tweets’ or comments that was made by the voice of Aflac…comedian Gilbert Gottfried. This really could not have occurred at a worse time for Aflac as they are dealing with the situation that Gottfried was actually trying to make light of, which was taken by some, (and executives at Aflac) to be uncouth or not in good taste and non humorous.

Japan

As we all know the terrible situation over in Japan with the earthquake of nearly 9 on the Richter  scale caused major damage and multiple fatalities. It also caused repercussions with reactors and nuclear facilities whereby radiation is at its highest point ever. In this case it happens to be extreme.

Aflac Stock

Aflac stocks came tumbling down amid fears that there would be many claims on a level that could put Aflac in a bad position financially. Why Aflac though  in particular you may ask? “Aflac” is the number one insurer over in Japan and has been about the greatest source of revenues for the company as the largest insurer of Cancer and supplemental insurance in Japan since the 70′s. That could mean big financial losses for the company and stock holders.

Conclusion

We certainly have no real opinion here and take a third party view to state that, “It is not necessarily what happens but rather how one handles it that matters most”. Cancer insurance is important in the US too and can actually save you money on your skyrocketing health insurance premiums! However you really should get Critical illness insurance instead since it covers more for nearly the same price. Simply Google.com and type “Critical illness insurance”.

We believe pulling through this will make Aflac stronger than they ever were and trust that DUCK will be Japan’s salvation and moreover, we will overcome! Good Luck Duck and show everybody what your made of.

What is critical illness insurance? Where to go to get it? Wheres the least expensive plans?

Too many questions and here are the answers: First Critical illness is a condition medical that has been diagnosed as beyond the day to day normal occurances that are minor in comparison. Critical health conditions are but not limited to Cancer, or something related to the heart that is a disease like heart attack or needing a bypass, or cirlatory system or a major can not do with type organ issue such as kidney failure. Strokes and paralisys, and loss of lims or blindness comas etc. Critical illness insurance was developed by the first success human to human heart surgeon Dr. Marius Barnard from south Africa. This was to be protection that did not wipe out a family’s finances and put them into further stress than they already were. In addition they could get better can and now more than ever people are living further years with new modern day technolgies that were not available before. This is neccesary since health insurance does not cover everything. Stats are that 62% from the Harvard univesity report stated that this percentile file bankruptcy due to a major medical condition and that 78% actually had health insurance coverage already in place.

You can go to through an insurance agent or you can have your agent get it for you through the Critical illness Insurance Resource Center. If you do not have an agent the Center can appoint you with one or assist you directly. Applications can be filed online for most carriers and the insurance dept can see which is the best coverage and rated plans and carriers for your geographic location that is on file withthem. Where NOT to get them is on your existing major medical policy. Get critical illness coverage outside of your health plan. Rates will not go up and you will get guaranteed renewability with most whereas you can not with a rider to your health insurance. Plus rates are not locked in if on your major medical not separate.

Where to go and shop?Best to compare critical health insurance plans to see which has the best features and benefits for your dollar. You can do all your searching on plans at the Critical illness resource center by filing a quote request or by calling 866-666-Insurance(4678) or via your agent calling them on your behalf. OR visit them on the web at www.CriticalIllnessPolicies.com

Research in China that examined white-collar workers in Beijing found work-related stress was associated in women with increased thickness of the carotid artery wall, an early sign of cardiovascular disease.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School report that women with highly stressful jobs are 40% more likely to have poor cardiac health, such as a heart disease, a heart attack or coronary artery surgery, compared to their less-stressed colleagues.

In as much as we wish not to believe our peers or elders, we already know they are right with their advice but we seemingly think we are invincible that “it” wont happen to me. The “it”, of course getting heart attacks or general heart disease or strokes or cancer. Welp, we’re wrong and their right. As it turns out stats simply never lie. You are more likely and at risk then you think in fact it is now almost more probable that you will be diagnosed and yet we probably wont take preventative action as a majority overall until it is already too late.

It is hard to say whether you had a heart attack due to smoking and drinking and overweight lack of exercising and lack of sleep was the cause, or was it the stress?

Neither help although so that we all know more and more people are stressing over finances and the economy then since the “Great Depression” which there was nothing great about it. When your body stresses due to losing a job or lack of funds to live your means or responsibility to the family as a bread winner causes a lot of stress on your body the way too much weight puts stress on the legs of a table or anything for that matter. We all have our breaking points and most don’t know what it is for the body till its…yep too late. By that time you’ve already compromised your body, your chassis, your table etc. You are susceptible to many things now and stress in your life must be removed.

Tips: to remove stress is not easy but taking care of your body is. Preventative things such as working out will provide your body with a signal letting it know it needs sleep and get a good night rest. In addition, the working out or simple cardio strengthens the heart, alleviates stress and actually reduces the need for smoking. As you eat more properly with a balanced diet you will feel better and that in itself will alleviate stress.

Try to find what you love to do for a living, and yes, it might not pay as much but writing this made me see that I must take my own advice. I have quit the cigarette 20 year hold it had on me, simply working out or so for 30 minutes will be tremendous difference and stress free happier life.

Here’s the most profound thing if I cant convince you try the words of the Dalai Lama who says the meaning of Life, is to be happy. Drinking smoking lack of exercise stress in  a high payout job is not happy more than a short while. So, when your friends say stop stressing your gonna give yourself a Heart attack, or stop yelling you’re gonna give yourself a heart attack or stroke…is it worth it?

Dear Dalai Lama -

“What thing about humanity surprises you the most?”

Answer: “Man”
Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money
Then he sacrifices his money to recuperate his health
And then he is so anxious about the future that he doesn’t enjoy the present,
And as a result he doesn’t live in the present or the future
And he lives as if he’s never going to die, and then he dies having never really lived

If you get heart attack a stroke or cancer you’ll need to pay for what health insurance wont pay for since critical illness and major medical cases are cause to 62% of all bankruptcies Critical illness policies are reduced in premiums and having one can lower your health insurance premiums the way having an alarm reduces your insurance on a house or car. Critical illness insurance starts at only $20 a month . You can receive quotes and application assistance from Critical illness agents or sources like the Critical Illness Resource Center.

The first of its kind in the United States Powered by an on staff coding team has been under development and Beta version is hitting the market the latter part of  Jan 2011. While there may be a quote engine available in other countries, there hasn’t been a big enough call to build one in the U.S. …until now.

What is a quote engine?

You’ve used quote engines before and probably didnt know that in fact is what it is actually called. You can use them as a more efficient way of getting multiple quotes without having to contact different suppliers and get the quotes by one search and the end result is  multiple quotes from multiple competitors. The most famous of which have been for travel hotel and car rentals through Orbitz ro Travelocity, Kayak or Priceline.

How about for health and life insurance? Absolutely, you have heard of ehealthinsurance which matches insurance plans from many carriers. So why now? In  light of the fact that health insurance costs are on the rise primarily due to the health care reform, til 2014 the prices of premiums are going up quarterly or monthly and if locked in your premiums for a year it could sky rocket to nearly double.  And yes, it will continue to rise even after 2014. This to offset costs to carriers. Solution…Supplemental health insurance to the rescue Primarily critical illness insurance and accident insurance.
<blockquote><em><strong>Did you know that by getting this coverage separately from your major medical health insurance you can actually get more coverage and pay far less in premiums? </strong></em><strong>It is true!</strong></blockquote>
With the new critical illness insurance quoting engine you can get quotes from many top critical illness carriers at once with inputting the information once and then apply directly on line. No shopping around needed. Simply choose the plan based on the benefits by your carrier and state and the best price quote from the quote engine. You will be able to use the quote engine for free at CriticalillnessPolicies.com or get assistance from the resource dept.

If you are an agent and would like to offer it, with credentials you can access it for your clients with your own customizations.

This is particularly true in this case, CriticalIllnessPolicies.com, now a leader in the industry of specifically both those categories (listed above) as it pertains to critical illness insurance and its’ sister… Cancer insurance, joins the ranks of few. They have now joined the membership ranks of a select, of which most are carriers, to the NACII. The Prestigious organization the National Association Critical Illness Insurance, or NACII is comprised of Executives board members of experienced professionals in CII arena. This also following membership to an association of moral and ethical emphasis “NAIFA” and long time Association member of the National Association of Health Underwriters.

We encourage those looking for any major event protection such as health insurance coverage or investing such as retirement funding, asset protection, lawyers, insurance agents, or doctors, that you see that the business entity does more than just advertising. Check to make sure that advice your getting regarding your health, your money or asset protection is licensed with governing boards or state departments, certified and part of some governing or regulating bodies. It should be known that membership to any association does not mean that they are endorsing (i.e. BBB) but it does tend to assist by looking out for more for your needs as a consumer.

To find out more information go to Critical illness insurance resource center or call 866-666-Insure (4678) for assistance in choosing the appropriate supplemental insurance product for your needs.

The site was well thought out and mastermind wizard(s) behind the scenes, or curtain as it were, made the transition smooth and seamless. Optimization was a challenge, but with the new look and feel, master in house seo and design team as well as copywriting participants, research and developers, countless man hours as well as investment funding, the site is now being hailed as THE SOURCE for critical illness insurance information, comparisons, company and carrier info, agent center, consumer and business CII or voluntary benefits portal.

The end of the surgery is now here and near, and the unveiling of the anticipated new critical illness insurance logo for the Critical Illness Resource Center comes out this month (January 2011). There is one main logo and a secondary as well, coupled with the company motto both being stamped under copyright, registered, and trademark. All of these projects to be released by month’s end, a great way to stay on track for the New Year 2011.

If needing further information on anything critical illness insurance related can be reviewed and asked at the Critical Illness Insurance Department by means of the Official site http://Criticalillnesspolicies.com

How are you compensated for your hard work and valor? How are you protected and cared for in your time of need? Steady pay and gratitude alone are not enough. Sure, you may have a decent salary that allows you to save for a rainy day. You may even have great health insurance, life insurance, and/or disability insurance. Unfortunately, these forms of insurance cannot cover everything and you may have to wait an extended period of time to receive any payouts that you might be eligible for. If you suffered a critical illness resulting from your work, what would happen to your loving family that relies on you for sustenance? Would your savings and insurance be enough? How long could your family stay afloat during such trying times?

Critical care is incredibly expensive. A single day in the ICU can cost well over one thousand dollars and that does not account for the cost of a ventilator, medications, or food. Hazardous employment puts you at a much higher risk of needing critical care at some point in your lifetime. You and your family deserve financial security and peace of mind. Critical illness insurance gives you the coverage you need to recover physically and survive financially. In the event of a critical illness, critical illness insurance pays you a lump sum that you may use in whatever way you need. You can pay your deductibles and/or co-insurance, cover any medical bills or treatment your health insurance won’t, and make up for lost income.

You love your career and your family. You work hard at your job and for your family. You provide comfort and security for your community. Let us provide your comfort, your security. No one ever thought the United States would see a day like September 11^th. The heroes of this tragic day suffered emotionally, physically, and financially. You may never have to endure such a horrific catastrophe, but the dangers you face day in and day out are no less devastating. Do not put yourself in danger of financial ruin. Do not add more stress to an already stressful situation. Protect yourself, your family, and your home. Critical illness insurance is your safety net in your time of need.