Did you know...

Fact #1

Critical illness insurance provides a lump sum benefit to support you financially, upon the diagnosis and survival of any one of the covered critical illnesses.

Fact #2

A critical illness can present many challenges that go beyond the need for financial resources. Access to Assistance Services may ultimately have a more significant impact on your ability to cope with – and recover from – a critical illness.

Fact #3

Critical illness insurance is an idea that started with medical professionals. They know from experience that doctors work to save patients’ lives, but at the same time, the financial drain during recuperation can be devastating.

Fact #4

A critical illness can happen to anyone:

• One in two heart attack victims are under 65 years old.
• Each year, 50,000 Canadians suffer a stroke. Of all stroke victims, 75% will be left with a disability.
• One in three Canadians will develop a life threatening cancer.

Fact #5

Sixty-three percent of Canadians say they should be able to buy upgraded medical services!

What if you suffered from one of these conditions?

How would it affect your life?

• Alzheimer disease
• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
• Cancer
• Heart Attack
• Kidney Failure
• Major organ transplant
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Paralysis
• Parkinson disease
• Stroke

Why critical illness insurance?

In the event of a critical illness, having greater financial resources can help you:

• 1. access quick and cutting edge medical service
  • In Canada, pay for drugs and treatment not covered by provincial health plans
  • Outside Canada, pay for timely treatment that may not be available at home, and for the family’s travel and lodging expenses
• 2. Reduce your financial stress
  • Reduce or pay off your debts (mortgage, credit card, etc.)
  • Maintain your business or practice
• 3. Maintain your independence
  • Modify your home for improved mobility
  • Receive assistance by hiring domestic help during recovery
  • Allow for a family member to take a leave of absence to help you recover
• 4. spend more time with your family
• 5. Or use the benefit any way you choose to assist in your recovery

How much critical illness coverage would you need?

although each situation is different, there are many types of expenses that arise when a critical illness strikes:

Need 1

Jack suffers a heart attack. His primary need is to reduce any additional financial stress, by paying off:

• part or all of his mortgage
• other debt obligations

Jack would also like help in locating possible assistance for the care of his children and maintenance of his property.

Need 2

Mary has been diagnosed with life-threatening cancer. She has been told she has a choice to either wait to receive treatment in Canada or access immediate treatment at a leading research and treatment centre in the United States.4 In addition to Need 1, Mary will incur the following expenses:

• travel and lodging expenses for herself and her husband
• her husband’s leave of absence
• treatment, hospitalization and medication expenses
• child care for their two children

Also, Mary needs help:

• determining the most appropriate treatment for her cancer, the best U.S. facility for that treatment, and how to avoid paying the excessive “foreigner” charges she has heard about
• coping with the fear and anxiety that she has been overcome with since being diagnosed

Need 3

Tom’s daughter was in a car accident that left her paralyzed.5 Tom learns of an experimental treatment that is available. He wants to cover both Needs 1 and 2 and:

• buy a wheelchair,
• modify his home and,
• ensure nursing care and rehabilitation services

In addition to researching the treatment options, Tom needs information about home modifications for wheelchair accessibility.