Combined Insurance Encourages Consumers to Evaluate Their Readiness for the Financial Impact of an Accident

More than 43 million Americans visit the ER every year due to injury

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Combined Insurance

Aug 09, 2016, 09:07 ET

GLENVIEW, Ill., Aug. 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- August is the most dangerous month of the year to drive, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Add to that the high number of boating accidents and sports injuries that occur in August, Combined Insurance, a leading provider of individual supplemental accident, disability, health and life insurance products, and a Chubb company, is encouraging consumers to take time this month to consider whether they and their families are prepared to deal with the additional expenses from an accident.

"Too often, individuals feel that they can cover the expenses associated with an accident simply by carrying major medical insurance," says Jan Martin, Vice President of Product Innovation at Combined Insurance. "With deductibles, out-of-pocket costs and associated non-medical expenses, the costs can really escalate. It is important for consumers to prepare for the unexpected by considering supplemental accident insurance as an additional way to help cover those costs."

Martin says that supplemental accident insurance varies from policy to policy, but most benefit policyholders in four key ways:

Cash when it is needed most
A 2011 report from the Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 43 million people visit the emergency room in the U.S. every year due to injury. Meanwhile, the average hospital stay costs more than $10,000 in 2012, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality. Supplemental accident coverage pays benefits when a patient needs it most, helping them with cash benefits to use as they wish, so that they can focus on getting better.

Peace of mind
Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that there were more than 3,000,000 non-fatal workplace injuries in 2014. Meanwhile, the Home Safety Council reported in 2008 that unintentional injuries in the home lead to 21 million medical visits each year.

Often, supplemental accident insurance follows the policyholder wherever they are, covering individuals when they are on the job, off the job, on the road, or at home – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Cash benefits paid directly to the policyholder
With major medical insurance, benefits are typically paid directly to the hospital or medical treatment provider. With supplemental insurance, the benefits are paid directly to the policyholder and cash benefits can be used anyway the policyholder chooses: to help pay bills, help cover deductibles, other expenses not covered by their major medical plan, or other daily living expenses.

Coverage follows the policyholder
Many consumers have major medical insurance that is provided by their employer. If they leave or are separated from their job, their medical coverage doesn't follow them. With supplemental accident insurance, their coverage goes with them if they leave their job as long they continue to pay their premium.

"Accidents happen, but you can help protect yourself and your family by preparing for the unexpected with accident insurance," says Martin.

About Combined Insurance
Combined Insurance Company of America (Chicago, IL) is a leading provider of individual supplemental accident, disability, health and life insurance products and a Chubb company. With a tradition of more than 90 years of success, Combined Insurance is one of Ward's Top 50® Performing Life-Health Insurance Companies and was named the number one Military Friendly® Employer by G.I. Jobs magazine in 2015 and 2016. Combined Insurance is committed to making the world of supplemental insurance easy to understand. For more information about Combined Insurance products, career opportunities or to contact a local sales agent, call 1-800-490-1322 or visit www.combinedinsurance.com.

About Chubb
Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients.  As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline.  We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly.  The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally.  Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index.  Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: new.chubb.com.

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SOURCE Combined Insurance

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