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How Do I Choose the Best Critical Care Insurance?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Some considerations in the selection of critical care insurance include conditions covered, available riders, and policy restrictions. This is an example of a supplemental insurance policy, designed to augment existing health insurance coverage. Policyholders can get competing quotes from several companies if they want to learn more about available options. They may want to consider bundled coverage options which offer a discount for buying several insurance products at once.

This type of insurance provides a lump sum benefit in the event of a critical illness. It can be used to cover copays, deductibles, and other expenses not handled by conventional health insurance. In addition, it can provide support for family members. There are no restrictions on how people use the lump sum benefit, and some critical care insurance may come with extra benefits like income protection for people who become incapacitated. Many insurance companies offer this coverage among their family of benefits options.

The money from a critical care insurance policy can be used to cover out-of-pocket costs, such as co-pays and prescription drugs.
The money from a critical care insurance policy can be used to cover out-of-pocket costs, such as co-pays and prescription drugs.

One thing to consider is what the critical care insurance policy covers. Conditions like stroke, cancer, and heart disease that requires surgical intervention may be included. If there are exclusions, these should be clearly discussed and defined. Some policies offer more protection, but may be more expensive, which is another thing to consider. Buying a bigger policy might be important in the event of a problem, but could mean an expensive premium.

Sometimes critical care insurance offers riders for additional coverage. If these are of interest, clients seeking quotes can ask for information about all available options. They may want to consider, for example, a policy that repays their premiums if they don’t use the coverage within a set period of time. Riders may offer more protection for family members, like survivor benefits, to help them afford critical care and maintain their standard of living after a primary income-earner is no longer able to work.

Another consideration can be whether the critical care insurance comes with any waiting period requirements. People may need to hold a policy for a set period before they can use it, and the lump sum payment may only be disbursed after certification of need and another waiting period. The specifics may vary between policies; it is important to be familiar with them so this information will be available in the event the insurance becomes necessary. Insurance representatives should be able to provide information about the enrollment and claims process for people considering their options.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • The money from a critical care insurance policy can be used to cover out-of-pocket costs, such as co-pays and prescription drugs.
      By: Andy Dean
      The money from a critical care insurance policy can be used to cover out-of-pocket costs, such as co-pays and prescription drugs.