Critical illness insurance, also known as specified disease insurance
What it does
Provides a lump-sum payment if you are diagnosed with one of the covered serious illnesses.
How it works
After you receive a diagnosis for a covered condition and submit your claim to us, you’ll receive your payment. There’s no waiting period and payments are made directly to you, so you can use them as you see fit.
What it doesn't do
Provide payment for illnesses or conditions that were diagnosed prior to your effective date, or for illnesses or conditions that aren’t covered. Check with your benefits representative for your company’s specific plan details.Protection that’s critical
Video transcript:
At Equitable, we help you take steps toward a brighter future, whether that means planning for a family or reaching a savings milestone. It can also mean helping you adjust to unexpected events that come your way.
Meet Reese: He's newly married and celebrating a promotion at work. A few months after starting the new position, and without any clear warning signs, Reese suddenly experiences a stroke. He's rushed to the hospital where he receives necessary treatment and starts on the path to a full recovery, including a rehabilitation program to strengthen his right arm and shoulder. While Reese is grateful for his good prognosis, his medical bills are piling up quickly, even after what his health insurance covers.
Fortunately, Reese had also purchased critical illness insurance through his employer. Although every plan is different, Reese's pays a $15,000 lump sum once he submits documentation on diagnosis and his claim is approved. This gives him the additional funds he needs to help pay for anything from medical bills to everyday expenses. Because of this, Reese doesn't necessarily have to dip into savings.
You can never fully know what life has in store, but you can rest assured knowing that you're covered even if you were to become seriously ill. So take a moment to speak with your benefits representative about your options for critical illness insurance. It can make it easier to deal with the unexpected, so you can focus on your health and continue building the life you desire.
67% of bankruptcies are caused directly by medical expenses. 1
1 Source: https://www.retireguide.com/retirement-planning/risks/medical-bankruptcy-statistics (Published October 2023)
FAQ
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What is critical illness insurance?Group critical illness insurance is designed to pay a lump sum cash benefit when an insured is diagnosed with a covered condition (i.e. heart attack, stroke, cancer, etc.). The covered conditions are common and typically are survivable diagnoses.
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Why should I buy CI insurance?Equitable's critical illness insurance policy covers the most common conditions likely to arise over your lifetime and provides protection from the many expenses stemming from a significant medical condition.
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What is a Wellness Benefit?Insureds are eligible to receive an annual benefit amount (default is $50) when they undergo any eligible exam or screening from the covered list.
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Can I enroll for this insurance without having to take a medical exam?Yes. No medical evidence is required for Equitable's group critical illness insurance.
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Do I have to wait before I can access benefits?No, once enrolled and your benefits are effective, there are no waiting periods before benefits can be accessed.
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Are benefits paid directly to me or to my health care provider?All benefits for Equitable's group critical illness insurance are paid directly to you to use as you see fit.
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What happens if I change jobs? Can I take my coverage with me?Yes. Equitable's group critical illness insurance is portable, which means you can take your policy with you. Coverage and rates will remain the same.
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Is the claims process simple?Yes, we have two forms: one for a critical illness claim and a short form for the wellness benefit. The forms are designed to be easy to complete and submit to our claims department. Our average turnaround time for claims is 5 days.
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Are there conditions that aren't covered by the insurance?
The plan does not provide payment for conditions that aren’t part of the covered list. Additionally, the policy has exclusions that may affect benefits payable.
Click here for full exclusions and limitations.
Equitable's full suite of insurance products
Dental
Vision
Life
Short-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability
Accident
Critical Illness
Hospital Indemnity
Availability of this product is subject to state approvals.
In some states, critical illness insurance is referred to as specified disease insurance. Critical illness insurance is a limited benefit policy. It does NOT provide basic hospital, basic medical or major medical insurance, and does not satisfy the requirement for minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act. This policy is not a Medicare supplement plan.
The certificate has exclusions and limitations for certain conditions that may affect any benefits payable. Benefits payable are subject to all terms and conditions of the certificate. For costs and complete details of the coverage, please see the actual policy or contact your benefits representative. This overview is preliminary to the issuance of the policy and certificate.
The policy, certificate and rider, if applicable, may not be available in all states and may vary based on state laws and regulations. Policy form AXEBP19 CI; MOEBP19 CI and state variations.
NEW MEXICO BROKERS, EMPLOYERS AND RESIDENTS: This advertisement is not currently directed to, applicable to or intended for any person residing in New Mexico.
All group insurance products are issued either by Equitable Financial or Equitable America, which have sole responsibility for their respective insurance and are backed solely by their claims-paying obligations. Some products are not available in all states