David Morey 
Critical illnesses can happen to almost anyone. While traditional health insurance can help cover many costs, it may exclude certain expenses or not offer enough coverage.Fortunately, critical illness insurance can help fill these gaps. This policy pays a lump sum cash benefit if you’re diagnosed with a critical illness. You can use the funds to help pay for care and replace your income to avoid draining your savings or going into debt. This article will discuss several situations where getting critical illness insurance could be a smart financial move.
Those With Family Histories Of Health Conditions
People with family histories of health conditions usually have higher risks of being diagnosed with them. Critical illness insurance helps provide a layer of financial security to guard against this increased risk. If you suffer a critical illness, the policy will help you cover care costs and replace lost income.
Those Who Want Additional Peace Of Mind
Like many supplemental insurance policies, critical illness helps offer financial protection for specific circumstances that traditional health insurance may not cover. For example, health insurance may not cover all the costs of major illnesses or procedures, such as heart attacks, strokes, or organ transplants. Critical illness insurance helps fill these gaps, creating additional peace of mind for those who may generally worry about their financial situation if they were to be diagnosed with a critical illness.
Families With Primary Or Sole Earners
Families with a primary or sole earner may undergo financial strain if that individual suffers a critical illness. 
Purchasing a critical illness insurance policy can help protect against these situations. If diagnosed, the policyholder can use the payout to help replace their income and continue supporting their loved ones. Additionally, these individuals may consider short-term disability insurance to gain coverage for injuries that make them unable to work.
Self-Employed Professionals
Self-employed professionals may not have the same safety nets as employees, such as employer-sponsored insurance policies or paid sick leave. A critical illness insurance policy can help them cover care costs if an illness makes them unable to continue earning in a self-employed capacity. It helps reduce their need to tap into savings or go into debt to pay for care and maintain their daily expenses.
Older Adults
Older adults may face increased health risks and may not have a regular income stream if they’re retired. Critical illness insurance can help them avoid straining their assets to cover healthcare costs and regular expenses. It can also help them pay for additional care services if needed.
The Bottom Line
Critical illness insurance is a versatile supplemental insurance policy suited to various situations. People with family health histories of conditions or who just want added peace of mind can gain additional protection beyond health insurance. Meanwhile, self-employed professionals, families with primary earners, and seniors can protect their income and savings while paying for the coverage they need.
It’s crucial to shop with several insurers and get quotes when looking for a critical illness insurance policy. 
This can help you compare rates to get the most coverage for your money.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Critical Illness: In Delaware, Policies A74100DE, A74200DE, A74300DE. Policies B71100, B71200, B7130H & B7140H. Policies A71100DE & A71200DE. In Idaho, Policies A74100ID, A74200ID, A74300ID. In Oklahoma, Policies A74100OK, A74200OK, A74300OK. Policies A73100OK & A7310HOK. Policies B71100OK & B7110HOK. Policies A71100OK & A71200OK. In Virginia, Policies A74100VA, A74200VA, A74300VA. Policy A73100VA. Policies A71100VA & A71200VA.
Short-Term Disability, A57600 series: In Delaware, Policies A57600DE & A57600LB. In Idaho, Policy A57600IDR. In Oklahoma, Policies A57600OK &A57600LBOK. In Virginia, Policies A57600VA &A57600LBVA.
Critical Illness coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).
Critical Illness: In Delaware, Policy T71000. In Oklahoma, Policy T71000OK. In Virginia, Policy T71100VA.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations, and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
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