Extended-care coverage can be complex. Here’s a list of questions to ask that may help you better understand the costs and benefits of these policies.
What types of facilities are covered? Extended-care policies can cover nursing home care, home health care, respite care, hospice care, personal care in your home, assisted living facilities, adult daycare centers, and other community facilities. Many policies cover some combination of these. Ask what facilities are included when you’re considering a policy.
What is the daily, weekly, or monthly benefit amount? Policies normally pay benefits by the day, week, or month. You may want to evaluate how (and how much) eldercare facilities in your area charge for their services before committing to a policy.
What is the maximum benefit amount? Many policies limit the total benefit they’ll pay over the life of the contract. Some state this limit in years, others in total dollar amount. Be sure to address this question.
What is the elimination period? Extended-care policy benefits don’t necessarily start when you enter a nursing home. Most policies have an elimination period – a timeframe during which the insured is wholly responsible for the cost of care. In many policies, elimination periods can range anywhere from 20 to 100 days after nursing home entry or disability.1
Does the policy offer inflation protection? Adding inflation protection to a policy may increase its cost, but it could be very important as the price of extended care may increase significantly over time.
When are benefits triggered? Insurers set some criteria for this. Commonly, extended-care policies pay out benefits when the insured person cannot perform 2 to 3 out of six activities of daily living (ADLs) without assistance. The six activities, cited by most insurance companies, include bathing, caring for incontinence, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring. A medical evaluation of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia may also make the insured eligible for benefits.2
Is the policy tax qualified? In such a case, the policyholder may be eligible for a federal or state tax break. Under federal law and some state laws, premiums paid on a tax-qualified extended-care policy are considered tax-deductible medical expenses once certain thresholds are met. The older you are, the more you may be able to deduct under federal law. You must itemize deductions to qualify for such a tax break, of course.3
Keep in mind, this article is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice, so make sure to consult your tax professional before modifying your extended-care strategy.
How strong is the insurance company? There are several firms that analyze the financial strength of insurance companies. Their ratings can give you some perspective.
There are many factors to consider when reviewing extended-care policies. The best policy for you may depend on a variety of factors, including your own unique circumstances and financial goals.
- PayingforSeniorCare.com, 2020
2. Investopedia.com, 2021
3. AALTCI.org, 2021
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2022 FMG Suite.
The more your assets grow, the higher your liability risks are. No matter how well you’ve covered your bases, sometimes things go wrong. A car accident. A guest who slips and falls on your property. A lawsuit. If you don’t have the right coverage, an unfortunate situation can compromise your financial security and put your personal assets at risk.
An excess policy responds when the underlying liability limits of your other policies, such as home and auto, aren’t enough to cover the unexpected costs of a lawsuit or accident.
It is important to note that most Canadian insurance policies carry on average $1,000,000 of liability coverage. This limit can quickly become quickly exhausted and is very frequently limited to North America. The Group Personal Excess policy provided by Chubb Insurance provides up to $5M of worldwide coverage which extends to all dependent member of your house hold and also provides coverage for foreign owned assets.*
* Territorial restrictions apply: Sudan, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Syria
Personal Liability (Homeowners) for bodily injury and property damage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per each occurrence.
Registered and unregistered vehicles in the minimum amount of $1,000,000/$1,000,000 bodily injury and $1,000,000 property damage; or $1,000,000 single limit per each occurrence. Registered vehicles include motorcycles and motorhomes.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist protection in the minimum amounts of $1,000,000 per each occurrence. This requirement does not apply to the provinces of Quebec or Manitoba.
Watercraft less than 8 metres (26feet) and 50 engine rated horsepower or less for bodily injury and property damage in the minimum amount of $100,000 per each occurrence.
Watercraft 8 metres (26 feet) or longer or more than 50 engine rate horsepower for bodily injury and property damage in the minimum amount of $500,000 per each occurrence.
*The above liability limits must be in USD if the asset is located in the United States.
Each participant is covered for a $5 million limit of liability, and there is no annual aggregate on the policy.
Your Chubb Group personal Excess Liability coverage provides worldwide automobile rental coverage (subject to a few territorial restrictions), for up to 60 days. You can rent a car while on vacation and have coverage for personal injury and property damage without buying the additional insurance.
Yes. At the time of writing this (November 1, 2017) you would not be covered in Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba and Sudan. Please check with us for any changes to these territorial restrictions.
What do I do if there is an accident?
Please contact Colley Insurance at 1-888-824-0445 as soon as possible, so we can help you through the claim process.
Need any help!
Office: 519-824-4040
Toll-Free: 888-824-0445
Fax: 519-763-6839
customerservice@tgcolley.com
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ON N1G 4V8
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