What it is
Critical Illness insurance provides financial protection when a major illness occurs and a person is unable to work and earn an income. It helps cover medical expenses typically not covered by other insurance policies. Paid in lump sums, Critical Illness insurance gives you the freedom to use the money where it is needed most – from medical bills to the mortgage.
This coverage comes into play as traditional health insurance leaves people with more and more gaps in coverage. As a result of high deductibles, coinsurance and limited coverage on nontraditional treatments, individuals may incur large medical bills not covered by a traditional insurance policy. It can also bridge gaps left by disability insurance policy waiting periods.
How to explain it
Most of us have been touched by illness, whether it is cancer, stroke or heart attack. We’ve seen the medical bills, the financial stress and the effects it has on extended family. Ask yourself if a lump sum payment of $50,000 would lower the stress and ease the worry if it happened to you. That’s why Critical Illness insurance is essential income protection. Without the burden of accumulating bills, you can place your focus on healing instead of trying to stay financially afloat. Critical illness insurance is best suited for:
- Spouses of high wage earners – if a doctor, lawyer or executive has to spend time away from work to care for a sick spouse, the business suffers. If the spouse has
critical illness coverage, the family can immediately afford to hire in-home care, a nanny or other service providers to keep the home running smoothly. - Self-employed clients and other high wage earners who have capped out their DI limits.
- People in high-risk jobs often do not qualify for disability insurance. However, those occupations – such as firefighters, long-haul truck drivers or police officers – may qualify for critical illness insurance.
- Anyone who is concerned about not having an adequate income to absorb the critical illness costs not covered by traditional insurance.
When to offer it
Offer critical illness insurance as a companion product to clients who are purchasing disability insurance. Also, offer it to the stay-at-home spouses of clients who have disability insurance.
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