AFLAC: All About the Company, Its Policies and More

Everyone who owns a television has seen an AFLAC commercial. Everyone knows that the AFLAC mascot is a talking duck who waddles around quacking AFLAC instead of quacking like other ducks. While we know the commercials and recognize the duck, many people do not know what AFLAC offers or how they can become a policy holder. Whether you are married or single, have five kids or none everyone needs insurance. It's all just a matter of degrees. A family with two working parents and kids to support may worry more about protecting their income than someone without a family depending on them. No matter your situation supplemental insurance is something that everyone should take the time to learn more about and AFLAC is a company that can aid in that process.

AFLAC is a company that began in 1955 and is now one of the largest insurance providers in the nation. Today AFLAC insures more than 40 million people across the world and provides a comprehensive list of products and services available to individuals and employee groups. While some policies are only available to groups most products can be purchased by the individual consumer, though the price may be higher and additional health questions may be asked.

AFLAC offers a variety of products including Life, Dental, and Long-term care insurance. However the most popular policies offered by AFLAC are the Cancer, Accident, and Hospital Confinement Indemnity policies.

Policies like the AFLAC Cancer Policy appeal to those who have a family history of cancer and are concerned with the cost of treatment and maintaining their income should they develop the disease. AFLAC's Cancer Policy covers items such as: cash payouts for most parts of treatment in addition to hospital stays, trips to hospital for treatment, wellness benefits, and anti-nausea medication. This policy can be purchased by individuals or a part of an employee group. Those wishing to obtain coverage as part of a payroll group must be between the ages of 18 and 70 while those applying for non-payroll deduced coverage must be between the ages of 18 and 64. This policy can be purchased for individuals as well as allowing reduced rates for policy holder and spouse or policy holder and family. Those purchasing a plan that included all family members can only hold insurance on dependents who are unmarried and under the age of 25. If you or someone you know has a family history of cancer the AFLAC Supplemental Cancer Policy is worth inquiring about.

A second popular policy offered by AFLAC is the Personal Accident Policy. Those interested in the Accident policy tend to be those who have higher out of pocket expenses due to high health insurance premiums and co-pays. This policy is also popular with parents who have children participating in sports. The AFLAC Accident Policy provides cash directly to policy holders for such things as hospital admission, dislocations and fractures, concussions, burns, ambulance transport, emergency treatment by a physician, intensive care, and physical therapy. In addition this policy also offers a wellness benefit once each year. Those eligible for this policy must be under 64 years of age and can be written for group members or individuals. If you have children or are concerned that a serious accident may cause loss of wages and long term injury the AFLAC accident policy can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

For most people it is inevitable that we will have to spend a night in the hospital at some point in our lives. Hospital stays can be expensive and are usually not covered fully by health insurance. In times like this having a plan that will provide you with additional coverage if you must stay in the hospital more than 23 hours is something you may wish you had purchased. AFLAC's Hospital Confinement Indemnity Plan can alleviate some of the financial strain caused by an overnight visit to the hospital. This policy is available to individual and group members and is paid directly to the policy holder. The important thing to remember is that not all illnesses and injury is covered .

If you are interested in purchasing an policy from AFLAC check with your employer to see if they will allow payroll deduction or if there is interest from other parties. If you can get a group of three or more interested AFLAC can offer you a group discount rate. If there is interest from your employer ask them to contact a local representative to find out what advantages AFLAC can offer them. For example, many states offer tax credits for employers who offer supplemental benefits. If you cannot purchase as a group you will need to find an agent in your area. At this time AFLAC does not offer online purchases for policies. To find an office near you visit AFLAC's web site.

Sources:
www.aflac.com for additional information
Personal experience as policy holder
Personal experience as wife of AFLAC representative