"Away from home help"

Many employers today purchase Group Life AD&D and Disability benefits for their employees. Why not ? Despite the challenging economic times these insurance products are relatively low cost and have a high value. An unexpected death could leave family members in a difficult financial situation. How would you pay your bills if you suddenly became disabled and you didn't have disability insurance? For many of us our employers have taken these concerns away by providing such insurance products.

Unfortunately, for many small businesses, these products have become a commodity. Purchasing decisions are made on price alone - usually with the least expensive insurer. During the sales process, the insurance agent may highlight some value added services - many which most buyers forget about.

However, in the aftermath of the tragic earthquake in Haiti now may be a good time for employers to review the value added services included with their life and disability products. Many insurance companies offer assistance when traveling more than 100 miles from home. Typically an employee simply dials an 800 number to access these benefits. These services can be as basic as pre-trip planning - like weather forecasts at your destination or visa, passport and immunization requirements. More complex services like emergency medical evacuation and transportation can be handled by organizations that insurers have partnered with. Lincoln Financial Group partnered with MEDEX Assistance Corporation to provide these services. In the worst case scenario that results in death these companies may even handle return of mortal remains of the deceased traveler.

Don't think these programs exist ? Check out the web sites of just a few group insurers like Unum or the Hartford. Or check your current group insurance policy and see if this benefit is part of your plan. And the next time your agent or broker explains some of the value added services insurance companies include - realize that sometimes these could be more important that you think.

Finally, if you have not yet made a donation to the victims of the Haiti earthquake, please consider giving through an organization like the Red Cross.

Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits. Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.