(NAPSA)—Critical illness insur- 7 ance is getting to the heart of the matter for many people these days—quite literally. According to a review by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, heart attacks are by far the top reason for claims on critical illness policies. Ofall the critical illness claims Colonial paid in an 18-month period from Jan. 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006, 40 percent were for a heart illness categorized as a heart attack. Critical illnesses resulting in a paid claim include: Heart attack: AQ percent Bypass surgery: 13 percent Cancer: Stroke: Renalfailure: Carcinomain situ (noninvasive): 20 percent 19 percent 3 percent 3 percent The likelihood of suffering a critical illness is surprisingly high. The American Heart Association says one in three adults have some form of cardiovascular disease (Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, 2006 Update). In addition, the lifetime risk of cancer is one in three for women, one in two for men, according to the American Cancer Society (Cancer Facts & Figures 2006). Critical illness insurance can help protect families from the out-of-pocket expenses associated with majorillness. of product marketing. “But the financial strain of treating these illnesses can be overwhelming to a family. No matter how good your major medical plan is, you’re likely to face significant out-ofpocket expenses.” Critical illness insurance helps pay the expenses associated with major illnesses such as heart attacks, strokes, organ trans- plants, end-stage renal failure and coronary artery bypass surgery. Policies such as Colonial’s pay a lump sum benefit upon diagnosis of a covered illness, no matter what other insurance the policyholder may have. Benefits are paid directly to the policyholder to use as needed. Expenses typically not covered by major medical plansinclude trans- When these patients are in their prime earning years with young families to care for, it creates an extra financial burden on lodging and meals for family members accompanying the patient, “Survival rates for heart more accessible, in addition to top of treatmentcosts. attacks, strokes, cancer and other critical illnesses are increasing every year,” says Monica Francis, Colonial’s assistant vice president portation to treatment centers, child care, home maintenance or modifications to make the home deductibles and co-payments. To learn more aboutcriticalillness insurance and policies, visit www.coloniallife.com.
