Aflac enhances short-term disability product with mental health coverage

Aflac announced the launch of its newly enhanced Aflac Individual Short-Term Disability Insurance. The company’s income protection insurance product provides policyholders with a source of monthly income when a mental health condition or another covered injury or sickness leaves them unable to work.

Highlights of Aflac’s short-term disability product include:

  • Expanded coverage for disabilities caused by common mental health conditions, including but not limited to schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, substance and alcohol use disorders.
  • Expanded coverage with no rate increases to policyholders.
  • Optional riders to help further amplify income protection coverage.

“Today, more Americans are grappling with challenges that, in the past, may have received less attention, but in the wake of the pandemic it is increasingly clear that mental health is a major concern for our customers. That is why Aflac is enhancing its offerings in the mental health space to provide solutions for consumers who seek to protect not only their physical health, but their emotional well-being as well.” – Aflac U.S. deputy president Virgil Miller.

“Events and conditions leading to disability that prevent people from working and generating income are more common than many think. When a disability leaves a person unable to earn a living, increased out-of-pocket expenses could rapidly strain their finances. In fact, 1-in-3 employees (36%) could not go for more than one month without a paycheck, which is a high degree of fragility.” – Kim Rudeen, vice president, Aflac Product Development and Management.