Insurance World

In the time it takes you to read this sentence, the bills from a critical illness may have forced yet another American to file for bankruptcy. It could be as a result of their own illness or a loved one’s, but the result’s the same: Half of all bankruptcies are due to serious illness, according to a recent Harvard study, and-of those-75 percent were forced to file despite having health insurance.

One new option consumers have to help cover all expenses associated with critical illness is called, appropriately, Critical Illness Insurance. This specialized insurance provides a lump-sum payment should a subscriber suffer from certain specific critical conditions.

Right now, one of the few companies offering such insurance is Stonebridge Life Insurance Company. However, experts say that as Americans continue to survive critical ailments that were fatal only a few years ago, the need for the insurance is increasing. Stonebridge Life Insurance Company gives policyholders a one-time payment of up to $50,000 as soon as they’re diagnosed with a covered cancer, stroke, paralysis or a heart attack. The payment is intended to help people meet basic expenses, such as mortgage payments, car insurance, groceries, child care-even ballet lessons.

“Many people aren’t aware of the financial consequences of surviving a critical illness, especially if they’re unable to work for an extended period of time while they recover,” said Marlene Jupiter, author and expert on personal finance. “Now that medical progress and early detection are helping more people live through serious illnesses, people need to plan for how they’re going to financially survive the aftermath.”

For monthly premiums as low as $20, Critical Illness Insurance from Stonebridge Life is a direct-to-consumer product offering lump-sum payment options of $10,000, $20,000, $30,000 and $50,000. As an added benefit, the plan offers a return of premium option. Customers who sign up before the age of 50 and select this option may receive their paid premiums in full if they don’t make a claim before age 65.

“There is an increasing need for critical illness insurance because it helps close the gap that exists between health and disability plans, making sure that survivors are financially supported throughout their recovery process,” explained Lew Whalen, vice president of Stonebridge.

Just because you have insurance doesn’t mean it will be enough to protect your hard-earned assets should the inevitable happen. There are countless situations - like a home fire, a car wreck with injuries, or someone getting hurt on your property (to name a few) - where your level of home or auto insurance could make or break your financial future.

Here are five commonly made insurance mistakes and how to avoid them, according to Charles Valinotti, General Casualty Insurance Companies’ assistant vice president, and John Blodnick, Unigard Insurance Group’s vice president.

1. Buying the cheapest policy out there. You might save a buck by getting the minimum amount of insurance you legally can. But if the cost of an accident ends up being more than your policy covers, you’re still responsible for paying the rest. Other parties could go after you and your assets.

2. Forgetting to pay your bills. There are plenty of understandable reasons why you might not pay your bill on time. But be warned that if you don’t pay your bill, your insurance company isn’t obligated to cover you - period. To avoid this, set up automatic payments through your bank or insurer or escrow for your home insurance. Otherwise, move your insurance bill to the top of the stack.

3. Assuming your stuff is covered. Policies limit how much coverage they provide for certain higher value items. Have a diamond wedding ring? Antique silverware? Customized wheels on your truck? Nice stereo system? Expensive guitar? These could fall outside the realm of a typical home or auto policy’s coverage. It’s easy to rectify this problem by “scheduling” or adding extra coverage with an endorsement, which gives you higher limits on certain items.

4. Not bothering with an umbrella liability policy. Umbrellas are only for rich people, right? “No, umbrellas are for every Tom, Dick and Harry. Think about your annual combined household income. Isn’t that worth protecting?” Valinotti said.

What if someone got hurt during your child’s next birthday party or your upcoming backyard barbecue? You can purchase an umbrella for as little as $100 for $1 million of extra coverage, depending on the policy and which area of the country you live in. “It’s a risk not to have an umbrella, like playing the lottery with your financial future,” Valinotti said.

5. Keeping your agent in the dark. If you’ve recently built an addition on your home or made a big purchase (see number three), talk to your agent. Without extra coverage, you could be underinsured. Or if you get your bill and decide you want less coverage, talk to your agent. Policy changes may or may not be a good idea, but it’s your insurance agent’s job to advise you.

“Today, people often feel that an agent is not necessary,” Blodnick said. “However, considering the complexity of the products you are buying in an ever-more complex world, the expertise of a professional agent can be extremely important.”

For example, at a glance you may think, “I don’t need ‘other than collision’ coverage on my car.” But your agent would tell you that’s what covers you if your vehicle is stolen, catches fire, is damaged by hail or wind (such as a tornado), or if you hit a deer.

Your agent can also suggest ways to save money on insurance without risking your financial security – such as taking a driver safety class, getting a home security system, taking down the trampoline your kids never use, increasing your deductible, or taking advantage of multi-policy or good student discounts.

Contact your local independent insurance agent for a review of your personal insurance policies. - ARA