Critical Illness Insurance Aetna: A Comprehensive Guide

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Critical illness insurance from Aetna can provide financial protection in the event of a serious health diagnosis, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. This type of insurance can help cover medical expenses, lost income, and other related costs.

Aetna's critical illness insurance typically covers 15 to 20 different critical illnesses, including cancer, heart attack, stroke, and more. This comprehensive coverage can give you peace of mind and financial security.

The benefits of Aetna's critical illness insurance include a lump-sum payment, tax-free, to help with medical expenses and other related costs. This payment can be used as you see fit, without any restrictions or penalties.

Aetna's critical illness insurance is usually available to individuals between the ages of 18 and 65, although some policies may have different age requirements.

What Is Critical Illness Insurance?

Critical illness insurance is designed to provide a financial safety net in the event of a serious medical diagnosis. This type of insurance can help alleviate the financial burden of medical treatment, lost income, and other expenses associated with a critical illness.

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A critical illness can be a life-altering experience, with many people facing significant medical expenses and lost income due to their condition. The average cost of treatment for a critical illness can range from $100,000 to over $1 million.

Critical illness insurance policies typically offer a lump-sum payment upon diagnosis, which can be used to cover a range of expenses, including medical bills, lost income, and even funeral costs. This payment can be a huge relief for individuals and families facing a critical illness.

How It Works

Critical illness insurance from Aetna provides financial protection when you need it most. After purchasing the plan, you'll have peace of mind knowing you're covered.

The plan kicks in after a diagnosis of a covered critical illness. This can include conditions like cancer, heart attack, or stroke.

You'll then receive a cash benefit that can be used however you want. This freedom allows you to focus on your recovery and well-being.

The cash benefit can help cover medical expenses, lost income, or any other financial burden caused by your illness.

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Benefits and Costs

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Critical illness insurance can be a worthwhile investment for those who don't have sufficient savings to pay for unexpected medical bills.

The cost of critical illness insurance is generally lower than traditional health insurance, with a 30-year-old nonsmoker paying about $8 a month for $25,000 worth of coverage.

You'll want to weigh the costs against the benefits before buying coverage, considering whether a future lump sum would offset paying for critical illness insurance in the years until you may need coverage.

What's Covered

Critical illness insurance covers a range of serious health issues, including cancer, end-stage renal failure, and heart attack. These conditions can have a significant impact on your life and finances, making it essential to have a safety net in place.

Some policies cover specific illnesses, such as major organ transplant, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. These conditions can be life-altering and may require extensive medical treatment.

Here are some examples of critical illnesses that may be covered under a policy:

  • Cancer
  • End-stage renal failure
  • Heart attack
  • Major organ transplant
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Stroke

Keep in mind that not all policies cover the same conditions, so it's essential to review your policy carefully to understand what is covered.

Costs vs Benefits

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Critical illness insurance can cost less than traditional health insurance, but you should carefully consider the benefits before buying coverage. For instance, a 30-year-old nonsmoker may pay just $8 a month for $25,000 worth of coverage.

The cost of critical illness insurance varies based on several factors, including your age, health, and coverage amount. A 40-year-old may pay $12 per month for the same $25,000 policy, while a 50-year-old may pay $19.

Critical illness insurance policies often cost less than traditional health insurance, but it's essential to weigh the costs and benefits before making a decision. You'll want to consider whether a future lump sum would offset paying for critical illness insurance in the years until you may need coverage.

Employers may offer critical illness insurance as a benefit, which can be a lower-cost option. However, you'll likely lose this coverage if you change jobs, so it's crucial to consider the pros and cons before buying a policy.

Critical illness insurance can be worthwhile if you have a high-deductible health plan or don't have sufficient savings to pay for unexpected medical bills. It may also offer peace of mind, which is invaluable.

What Is Not Covered

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Critical illness insurance has its limitations, and it's essential to understand what's not covered under these policies. Most plans don't cover pre-existing conditions that were diagnosed before the policy was purchased.

Pre-existing conditions can be a significant exclusion, and it's crucial to review your medical history before buying critical illness insurance. If you're diagnosed with a condition like coronary artery disease before buying coverage, the plan will likely not provide funds for related treatments, such as bypass surgery.

Injuries sustained in certain situations are also not covered. These include injuries from illegal acts, substance abuse, and war. If you're involved in any of these activities, it's unlikely that your critical illness insurance policy will provide financial assistance.

Some common health conditions, like asthma and diabetes, are also not typically covered under critical illness insurance. These exclusions can vary depending on the policy, but it's essential to review the terms and conditions before purchasing.

Here are some specific exclusions to be aware of:

  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Injuries sustained in an illegal act
  • Injuries sustained by substance abuse
  • Injuries sustained in war
  • Pre-existing conditions, though some policies may cover the condition after a certain time period, such as one year after purchase
  • Self-inflicted injuries

Do You Still Need Health?

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You still need health insurance if you have critical illness insurance, because it only provides funds if you're diagnosed with a covered critical illness. Health insurance pays for your healthcare, while critical illness insurance has a coverage limit and doesn't contract with providers or directly pay for your care.

Critical illness coverage usually provides a lump sum, which can help pay for healthcare but has a coverage limit. This means you'll still have to pay out of pocket for many medical expenses, even with critical illness insurance.

Filing a Claim and Coverage

Filing a claim for critical illness insurance through Aetna is a relatively straightforward process. You can start by downloading the My Aetna Supplemental mobile app or visiting myaetnasupplemental.com to register on the site.

To file a claim, click on "Report New Claim" and follow the steps to answer the questions. This process will guide you through the necessary information to submit your claim.

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Critical illness insurance through Aetna covers a range of serious health conditions. These typically include cancer, end-stage renal failure, heart attack, major organ transplant, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke.

Some policies may also cover additional conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease) and hearing loss, but this can vary by plan.

Here's a list of common critical illnesses covered by Aetna's critical illness insurance:

  • Cancer
  • End-stage renal failure
  • Heart attack
  • Major organ transplant
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Stroke

You can review your policy to see if it covers any additional conditions.

Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?

Critical illness insurance policies from Aetna typically don't cover pre-existing conditions diagnosed before buying coverage.

Most critical illness plans don't cover pre-existing conditions that were diagnosed before the policy was purchased.

If you're diagnosed with a condition like coronary artery disease before buying critical illness insurance and later need bypass surgery, the plan will likely not provide funds.

Pre-existing conditions can include a wide range of health issues, but the specifics may vary depending on the insurance policy.

Employer-Sponsored Plans

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If you're lucky enough to have an employer that offers critical illness insurance, you might be able to get it for a few dollars a month.

This can be a lower-cost option, with some employers offering $5,000 critical illness insurance for a few dollars a month.

But keep in mind that you'll likely lose that coverage if you change jobs, so it's essential to weigh your options before buying a policy.

About 1.2 million people have health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield, which offers plans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

FAQs

A critical illness insurance policy from Aetna can provide financial protection in the event of a serious health condition.

Aetna's critical illness insurance covers 12 major health conditions, including cancer, heart attack, and stroke.

The policy pays a lump sum benefit directly to you, which you can use to cover medical expenses, lost income, or other living costs.

You can apply for Aetna's critical illness insurance even if you have pre-existing health conditions.

The policy is renewable, so you can continue coverage as long as premiums are paid.

The lump sum benefit is tax-free, which means you won't have to pay income tax on the payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aetna critical illness coverage?

Aetna Critical Illness coverage provides financial benefits to help with out-of-pocket medical costs and personal expenses when diagnosed with a serious illness or condition. It offers peace of mind and financial support during a challenging time.

Is critical illness cover worth getting?

Critical illness cover can provide financial protection during a long-term illness, helping you maintain your income and pay bills. It's especially valuable if you don't have savings or a safety net to fall back on.

What illness is covered by critical illness insurance?

Critical illness insurance covers serious medical conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. These policies provide financial support for unexpected medical expenses that exceed traditional health insurance coverage.

Archie Strosin

Senior Writer

Archie Strosin is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a deep interest in financial institutions. His work often delves into the history and operations of Missouri-based banks, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of their roles in the local economy. A particular focus of his research is on Dickinson Financial Corporation and Armed Forces Bank, tracing their origins and evolution over the decades.

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