Heart-related conditions account for almost 30 percent of Unum’s
critical illness claims
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Treatment of cardiovascular diseases accounts for about one of every 6
dollars spent on health care in the United States, according to the
Centers for Disease Control. American Heart Month in February is a
perfect time to prepare ahead with financial protection against a
critical illness, such as a heart attack, stroke or bypass surgery.
“Recovering from a critical illness, such as a heart attack or stroke,
can carry some pretty expensive medical expenses, but non-medical
expenses can also quickly add up,” said Mary Ann Beliveau, assistant
vice president, Product and Market Development at Unum. “Benefits from
critical illness insurance can provide financial support so an
individual can concentrate on getting better instead of paying the
bills.”
Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum benefit directly to insured
people diagnosed with a covered illness. Individuals can use the benefit
any way they see fit, for medical or non-medical expenses such as paying
bills, groceries and even child care.
Without adequate protection, people who suffer a heart attack or stroke
might have to use their savings or rely on family, friends or credit to
cover their expenses. According to the American Association for Critical
Illness Insurance nearly two-thirds of U.S. bankruptcies are the result
of medical expenses. Even more troubling, 78 percent of those filing for
bankruptcy had health insurance when they were first diagnosed.
Unum, a leading provider of critical illness insurance, says
heart-related incidences account for almost 30 percent of its critical
illness claims. Heart conditions are second to cancer, which accounts
for more than half of the company’s critical illness claims.
“A critical illness, even covered by the most generous medical plans,
can leave an individual with a stack of bills and other financial
commitments,” Beliveau said. “The benefits of critical illness coverage
can go a long way in helping to ease these financial worries.”
About Unum
Unum (www.unum.com)
is one of the leading providers of employee benefits products and
services in the United States and the United Kingdom. Through its
subsidiaries, Unum Group paid approximately $6 billion in total benefits
to customers in 2010.
Unum
Dawn McAbee, 423-294-1892
dmcabee@unum.com
Source: Unum