The Importance of Critical Illness Insurance
If you contract a major illness, you could be out of work. You may also face financial, personal and emotional challenges as you recover. Critical illness insurance can help you cover expenses and gives you peace of mind.
What Is Critical Illness Insurance?
Also known as CI, critical illness insurance pays you a lump sum if you become ill from a covered illness. It’s additional coverage that supplements your health insurance. You don’t pay a deductible or copays when you use your critical illness insurance benefit.
Which Illnesses Does Critical Illness Insurance Cover?
In general, critical illness insurance separates illnesses into categories such as:
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Cancer - invasive, noninvasive and benign brain tumors
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Vascular - heart attack, stroke, coronary artery bypass and other conditions
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Transplants - major organ, bone marrow and others
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Kidney failure
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Neurological illnesses
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Childhood specific conditions
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Occupational HIV/Hepatitis
Refer to your specific policy to verify which illnesses your critical illness insurance policy covers. In some cases, you can customize your policy based on your expected or anticipated needs.
What Expenses Does Critical Illness Insurance Cover?
In most cases, a covered illness prevents you from working. You can use your CI insurance benefit to cover expenses and relieve the financial strain you face because you don’t receive a regular paycheck. It gives you and your family peace of mind as you focus on your recovery.
You can use your critical illness insurance payout to cover a variety of expenses. Use it to pay for:
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Health care expenses such as an in-home nurse or home modifications
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Expenses related to your recovery and rehabilitation
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Expenses your medical insurance does not cover, including experimental treatment
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Travel expenses related to treatment
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Everyday living expenses, including your mortgage, groceries and other bills
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Caregiver or child care expenses
Do you Need Critical Illness Insurance?
Your health insurance covers the medical treatment related to your illness. However, it does not cover your everyday living expenses, transportation to appointments or other expenses. Your illness could cost you thousands of dollars out-of-pocket. CI covers these expenses and can prevent financial challenges.
How do you Get Critical Illness Insurance?
Many employers offer critical illness insurance. Talk to your Human Resources department and ask how you can get a critical illness insurance policy. This type of policy usually features open enrollment, meaning you can purchase it any time rather than waiting until the end of the year or after a qualifying event. You may also be able to customize a policy based on your needs.
Protect yourself, your family and your peace of mind with critical illness insurance. It’s a wise investment for your health and peace of mind.