None of us likes to think about the likelihood suffering a critical illness, but statistics show it is a possibility we have to come to terms with. With advances in medical science and improved lifestyles, we now have a far greater chance of surviving critical illness than ever before.

What would happen if you woke up tomorrow in the hospital after experiencing even a mild heart attack? Your doctor might simply recommend a change of diet and more frequent exercise. But what if you had to modify your lifestyle even further - like being forced into early retirement or to trade in your old job for one that is less stressful and less productive?

Now picture the financial and emotional impact on your family. Not only do you, and they, have to cope with dramatic lifestyle changes, you will quickly realize that the mortgage and other monthly living expenses still need to be paid.

To compound the problems, the incredible strain on our medical system makes waiting for surgery, treatments, and other procedures common place - and projected to get worse as time goes by. Are you willing to bank on the treatment you need being available when you need it? Would you rather be in a financial position where you have choices?

Critical Illness Insurance was designed to provide financial assistance in the form of a lump sum, tax free payout to help you cope with the stress and difficulties associated with such an event.

The benefit is paid on first diagnosis of one of a list of critical illnesses. The list includes cancer, heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease, paralysis and others. Coverage can be issued up to $2 million. There are no restrictions on how the money is used, and can be used to pay for things like:

• Specialized medical treatment
• Income replacement
• Paying off debts
• Alterations to your home that may be necessary because of your new condition
  
  
  

This is a NO RISK proposition. If you die, for any reason while the policy is in force, and you were not eligible for payment of a critical illness insurance benefit, all of the premiums will be refunded!

Building a comprehensive financial portfolio is a lot like putting together pieces of a puzzle. Consideration must be given to your needs, both today - and in the future - so you can pull all the pieces together to form a complete financial plan.