Critical Illness Insurance | United Healthcare

Critical Illness Insurance | United Healthcare

Critical Illness Insurance

Helps you alleviate the expenses that come with a covered critical illness.

 

Here's what you need to know

Critical Illness Insurance helps provide financial support if diagnosed with a covered critical illness.

 

If you’re diagnosed with a critical illness like a heart attack or stroke, your life can change quickly. In addition to the emotional and physical toll, there may be strain on your personal finances. That’s because while a major medical plan may pay for some of the costs associated with treatment, out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays and deductibles can still put a strain on your savings.

 

However, once you’re enrolled in Critical Illness Insurance, you’ll have additional financial protection if you have a covered critical illness. With this policy, you receive cash benefits paid directly to you to use however you choose.

 

  • Gives a payment to use however you see fit
  • The payment is made directly to you
  • It can help pay out-of-pocket expenses related to medical care associated with covered illnesses
  • In addition to medical care, you may use it to pay for things like childcare, lodging, or over-the-counter medication

 

You can collect this benefit in addition to other coverage you have, including your employer’s major medical plan, any other type of medical coverage, disability insurance, or other benefits you may be eligible to collect. However, it is NOT health insurance and does not satisfy the requirement of minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

Dealing with a critical illness can be costly to you in two ways:

 

  • Medical bills. It’s not unusual for a critical illness to result in out-of-pocket expenses. It starts with the usual, deductibles and copays, but it doesn’t end there. You might decide to go to a doctor or facility that’s out-of-network. You might decide to get a second opinion or type of treatment that isn’t covered at all. When your health is at stake, it's important to feel like you have control and choices. 
  • Lost income. Treatment and recovery may require extra time away from work. That can impact the paycheck your family relies on. Or you might discover you have added expenses because you need more help around the house, extra childcare, or additional lodging near treatment. These costs can drain your savings quickly.

 

The advantage of this plan is simple: you can use your critical illness benefit any way you choose. You can use it to help pay for medical expenses like deductibles and copays, as well as any non-medical expenses. You can also use this money to help pay daily living expenses such as grocery bills, mortgage payments, childcare, and transportation – all of which can be an added worry if you lose income while you’re out of work.

 

Access to this benefit gives you more control over your finances and ultimately your health care options, too. Less stress about money and added peace of mind are both great ways to support your recovery.

You can enroll in Critical Illness Insurance:

 

  1. Within your new hire enrollment period
  2. If you have a qualifying life event (you get married, have a baby, etc.)
  3. During  annual enrollment

 

Check with your human resources/benefits team for specifics about these timeframes.

 

Keep in mind: If you enroll during these timeframes, you have what is called "guaranteed issue," which means no medical questions or tests are required to enroll. Pre-existing condition limitations may apply.

How It Works

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You enroll in Critical Illness Insurance

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After it’s in effect, you receive a diagnosis of a covered critical illness

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Receive a payment

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Use your money however you want

Doctor's test results indicate a heart attack diagnosis.

That’s when Critical Illness Insurance comes in.

Because you have Critical Illness Insurance, your diagnosis means you’re eligible to receive a payment you can use any way you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Who is the provider?

    This plan is provided by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company.
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  • When is a benefit paid under the plan?

    Once your insurance is effective, if you receive a diagnosis for a covered condition, you’ll be eligible for benefits under this plan. These benefits vary by state and may have other limitations and exclusions that may affect what’s payable. See your disclosure statement or outline of coverage/disclosure document for full details on your coverage.
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  • Who in my family is eligible for this program?

    Members of your family who are considered eligible to enroll for this insurance include:

    • You – if you are an active associate
    • Your legal spouse
    • Your eligible dependent children

     

    You must be enrolled in coverage for members of your family to also enroll. 

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  • How much does coverage cost?

    This is group insurance offered at group rates. Refer to the policy documents for complete details. 
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  • Do I have to answer health questions or take a medical exam?

    No, you don’t. Your Critical Illness Insurance is guaranteed issue, which means no medical questions or tests are required to enroll in this coverage. Pre-existing condition limitations may apply.
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  • What if my employment status changes?

    Good news! If you leave or retire from your current employer, you can continue your Critical Illness Insurance without interruption (subject to applicable law and the policy’s terms and conditions). Although payroll deduction will no longer be available, you can opt for other payment methods such as credit card billing or home billing. Higher rates may apply.
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  • When would my coverage start?

    Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month after coverage is approved.
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  • Am I really free to use the payment any way I choose?

    Yes, you are! There are no restrictions or requirements about how you can use your critical illness cash benefit. When you’re facing a critical illness, you want to be able to focus your time and energy on treatment and recovery. This policy can help you do just that. You’re free to use your benefit on medical expenses and/or non-medical expenses. Having that kind of flexibility can help you feel more in control over your care and your finances at a very stressful time.

Are you ready To Enroll?

Act now to put Critical Illness Insurance in place to help offset expenses that may not be covered by other insurance.

Do You Need Help?

Our team is ready

VB Call Center

M-F 9a-6p ET

Phone Number: 1-800-441-5572