Trustmark launches critical illness policy

Employers can now purchase Trustmark Insurance Co.’s Trustmark Critical LifeEvents, a critical illness insurance product designed to benefit policyholders throughout a lifetime, even when healthy.

Based on consumer feedback, the Critical LifeEvents policy expands traditional critical illness insurance policies by providing coverage for preventive care, early disease detection and caregiver support, offering multiple payouts as the disease progresses, Lake Forest, Illinois-based Trustmark said in a statement.

The policy also waives premiums during a critical illness without requiring a disability, extends protection to diseases that it says are not typically covered, such as diabetes and central nervous system infections, and offers more affordable coverage for common illnesses, such as heart attack, cancer or a stroke, Trustmark said.

Finally, the policy provides coverage if a policyholder struggles to perform two or more daily activities and offers an annual replenishing benefit.

“It was time to build a product that consumers can use throughout their lifetime, and not just when they are seriously ill,” Julie Pohjola, Trustmark’s assistant vice president of product management, said in the statement.

Critical LifeEvents policies will be available during the first quarter of 2016, Trustmark said.