Can you afford to get sick?

Take a moment and think of how many persons you know; family, friends, co-workers, who have been affected by cancer, heart disease, stroke, or another critical illness.

For many Jamaicans, it’s more than just a statistic. It’s personal.

When critical illness strikes, it doesn’t just affect your health, it hits your finances, your peace of mind, and your entire way of life. Without a financial cushion, treatment costs can quickly drain savings meant for a home, your children’s education, or even your retirement. And if you’re unable to work while recovering, the loss of income only adds to the stress.

Now, imagine the opposite. Imagine having the resources to get the best possible treatment without sacrificing your financial future. That’s what critical illness insurance is all about.

THE GROWING THREAT OF NCDS

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and heart or kidney disease are now the leading causes of death and disability in Jamaica, and the numbers are alarming. According to the Ministry of Health:

. one in three Jamaicans is hypertensive

. one in eight is diabetic

. one in three will be diagnosed with a chronic illness like breast or prostate cancer

With changing lifestyles, environmental factors, and increased pollution, your risk is only going up.

And if your family has a history of these conditions, your chances of developing them are even higher.

The Good News: You Can Prepare

Here’s what many persons don’t realise: even if you have a pre-existing condition, you can still get coverage. Jamaican insurance companies now offer critical illness plans for individuals with NCDs or those who’ve been declined for other health reasons.

These plans are available in Jamaica dollars with no medical exam required.

But don’t wait. The younger and healthier you are when you apply, the more affordable your premiums will be and the more coverage you can receive.

If you’re in good health now, even better. You may qualify for much higher coverage limits. These policies can cover up to 30 critical illnesses.

Smart financial planning means protecting your income and your health. Consider pairing your critical illness policy with a Lloyd’s of London International Health Plan.

These are living benefits designed to help you when you’re alive and in need. It is important to note that in 2024 Jamaican insurance companies paid out $1.71billion in critical illness claims alone. So, ask yourself honestly: Can you really afford not to have critical illness insurance?

Persons are invited to call for a free personalised consultation along with a variety of options.

Deborah Vieira is an insurance/financial advisor at Lawe Insurance Brokers. Contact via email deborahv@laweinsurance.com.