Is your insurance know-how up to date?

Issue: BCMJ, vol. 61, No. 1, January February 2019, Page 44 News
By: Jessie Wang

Navigating the numerous types of insurance out there can be a confusing and even overwhelming process. The layperson’s summary below will hopefully make this a less daunting task. 

Life insurance pays your loved ones a lump sum in the event you pass away before a certain age. For example, Doctors of BC offers plans with a payout of up to $5 000 000 in the event of death before age 75, as well as options to be covered permanently (i.e., until you pass away, at whatever age). 

Disability insurance pays you monthly if you are no longer able to earn an income (or your full income). The BC government provides “free” coverage for physicians with a payout of up to $6100 monthly, but a disability income insurance plan could get you up to an additional $18 900 monthly (as offered by Doctors of BC). 

Critical illness insurance pays you a lump sum if you receive a critical diagnosis like cancer or Alzheimer disease. For example, Doctors of BC offers plans that cover 25 critical conditions with a payout of up to $250 000.

Professional expense insurance, going a step beyond disability insurance, reimburses you monthly for professional expenses (office rent, employee salaries, accounting fees, association dues, etc.) when you face a disability. With a Doctors of BC plan, for example, you could be reimbursed up to $20 000 monthly for 15 months.

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance pays a lump sum to you in the event of an accident costing you a body part, or to your loved one if you pass away due to an accident. 

Insurance policies include many details (the fine print) and optional add-ons (riders). For personalized information to suit your needs, contact Doctors of BC at 604 638-2904 or insurance@doctorsofbc.ca to speak with a licensed, noncommissioned insurance advisor. 
—Jessie Wang
Medical Student Intern, Doctors of BC

Jessie Wang. Is your insurance know-how up to date?. BCMJ, Vol. 61, No. 1, January, February, 2019, Page(s) 44 - News.


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Halpern SD, Ubel PA, Caplan AL, Marion DW, Palmer AM, Schiding JK, et al. Solid-organ transplantation in HIV-infected patients. N Engl J Med. 2002;347:284-7.

About the ICMJE and citation styles

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