GUARDIAN LIFE, one of Jamaica's largest insurance companies, yesterday unveiled Guardian Care, a new non-medical critical illness plan.
It was officially launched by Earl Moore, president and chief executive officer of Guardian Life, at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, New Kingston. According to Mr. Moore, "Guardian Care is another superior product to be introduced to the Jamaican market by Guardian Life, one that we know many Jamaicans have been anticipating for some time."
NO MEDICAL
The new product is available to persons between the ages of 18 and 60 years, requires no medical and provides cash to finance the cost of treatment and recovery from specific critical illnesses. "We are aware of the debilitating effects of some of these illnesses and the high expenses that are associated with treatment and recovery," Mr. Moore noted.
In explaining the reasons for choosing the specific health illnesses covered by the policy, the Guardian CEO pointed to statistics obtained from the Heart Foundation that indicate that 25 per cent of persons who have gone for ECG examinations found abnormality. And, of the 15,166 persons who tested their weight, 34 per cent were overweight, 22 per cent were obese and close to two per cent morbidly obese.
"We believe, therefore, that if we can play a role in providing a means for persons to finance their treatment and recovery the health status of our citizens would be vastly improved," said Mr. Moore.
The new health plan provides minimum coverage of $500,000 and a maximum of $1.5 million. A lump-sum payment is made on the first diagnosis of cancer, stroke, major burns or heart attack. An additional $5,000 is paid out to the beneficiary to cover the cost of ambulance fees, if used.
