Published by CARP’s recommended insurance provider, The McLennan Group Insurance Inc.and by CARP, the leading national advocacy organization fighting for all Canadians as we age.

Trusted advice for proper protectionAs CARP’s recommended insurance provider, it’s our job to help you make an informed buying decision.

Making a case for caregiver supportCARP is calling on federal and provincial governments to take concrete action and increase financial support.

VOLUME 8, ISSUE NO. 2 • Published October 2016

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Insurance Programs for CARP MembersIn 1993, The McLennan Group Insurance Inc. joined with CARP to offer insurance solutions designed for the specific needs of Canadians 50-plus. Along with our life and health division The McLennan Group Life Insurance Inc., we offer 13 programs that together, provide a complete insurance protection plan.

To learn about Insurance Programs for CARP Members, look for features, benefits, coverage options, rates, applications, policy wordings and more on our website.

Complete details online at: carpinsurance.ca

Our Valued Insurance Program PartnersWe’ve partnered with leading Canadian providers who like us, are experts in the design and distribution of insurance products and services for Canadians 50-plus. When you call any of our toll-free numbers, licensed representatives answer your questions and help select the coverage solution that’s right for you.

Auto & Home ..........................................................1.866.231.8186Our Program Partner: Underwritten by Northbridge Personal Insurance Corporation, Northbridge General Insurance Corporation, Traders General Insurance Company or Zenith Insurance Company.

Travel .......................................................................1.866.943.6103Our Program Partner: Underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and First North American Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife.

Health & Dental and FollowMe™ Health ..........1.877.551.5566Guaranteed Issue Life and FollowMe™ Life ......1.800.396.4389Term Life .................................................................1.855.460.3631Our Program Partner: Underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife). ™/® Trademarks held by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company.

Critical Illness, Long Term Care and Simplified Long Term Care ...........................1.877.851.4520Administered by Program Partner, MyDignity Inc.

Pet ............................................................................1.844.863.3525Our Program Partner: Underwritten by Northbridge General Insurance Corporation and distributed by PTZ Insurance Services Ltd., and by Sodaco Juridique Inc. in Quebec.

Accident (AD&D) ....................................................1.800.461.5796Our Program Partner: Underwritten by AIG Insurance Company of Canada.

Small Business .......................................................1.844.795.7977Our Program Partner: Underwritten by Northbridge General Insurance Corporation, Northbridge Personal Insurance Corporation or Zenith Insurance Company.

Auto & Home and Pet Insurance Programs offered by The McLennan Group Insurance Inc. Life and Health Plans offered by The McLennan Group Life Insurance Inc. Health & Dental Insurance, Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance, Term Life Insurance, FollowMe™ Health and FollowMe™ Life Plans underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. Group rates and certain products may not be available in all jurisdictions. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply, see policy for details. The McLennan Group Insurance Inc. respects your privacy. Please visit our website to review our Privacy Commitment.

“Don’t gamble with your safety.”

The McLennan Group Insurance Inc. partnered with retired Police Sergeant Bob Paterson to develop tips to help keep you safe all year long - at home, on the road, on vacation, online or in case of an emergency.

Great Resource: You’ll find dozens of safety tips to read, or print and share, online at: www.seniorsafetytips.ca

Trusted Advice from CARP’s Recommended ProviderNo matter which insurance product or provider you choose, our best advice

is to compare before you buy. That’s why this publication doesn’t focus on Insurance Programs for CARP Members. Instead, we offer information that will help you compare programs and make an informed buying decision.

As a trusted CARP affinity partner, your protection is our priority. We urge you to be certain the program selected is right for your needs. Always read the fine print and if necessary, ask questions before you buy. Remember, insurance without proper coverage, is like having no insurance at all.

CARP is The Leading National Advocacy OrganizationCARP is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization advocating for financial security and improved health care for Canadians as we age. CARP works with all levels of government, collaborates with other organizations, and enlists members’ voices to increase its clout as an effective advocate for Canadians 50-plus.

Read about their recent

initiatives on pages 8 to 11 of this issue.

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4 5Great Resource: To learn more about auto & home insurance, visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s website at: www.ibc.ca

You can’t afford to buy travel insurance on price aloneThe need: Outside Canada, coverage provided by provincial health plans for hospital and medical expenses is limited. Without additional insurance, costs incurred from a medical emergency can be financially devastating.

Travel insurance is designed to pay for unexpected costs that arise while you’re away, such as hospital / medical, trip cancellation and lost baggage. But be aware that not all plans provide all coverage, and you get what you pay for. Don’t wait to the last minute - give yourself time to compare plans.

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE BUYING - Be sure it meets your needs:

PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS: What are the restrictions and limitations?

FULL LENGTH OF TRIP: Are you covered for the duration of the trip?

CHANGE OF PLANS: Can coverage be extended after you’ve departed?

RETURN TRIP HOME: Is it paid for in the event of an emergency?

ASSISTANCE SERVICES: What is offered, how are services accessed?

Our best advice: Answer all application questions honestly. Otherwise the policy may be voided. If you’re unsure of what a question means, get advice from a doctor or licensed broker. Remember, most claim denials result from customers not understanding what they have purchased, not knowing their own obligations in an emergency, or simply not reading their policy to learn what is and isn’t covered. If in doubt, ask questions BEFORE you buy.

Great Resource: Download the Consumer Guide on the Travel Health Insurance Association’s website: www.thiaonline.com

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Compare to ensure the right coverage for the right priceBoth automobile and home insurance coverage varies from one insurer to the next, so it’s important to select a policy that suits your specific needs.

Along with the coverage selected, when setting auto insurance premiums, insurance companies consider the vehicle’s make, model, year, where you live, and your driving record. Factors for home insurance rates include age, location and condition of the dwelling, plus materials used in construction.

BEFORE YOU BUY - Some key points to ponder:

THE COVERAGE YOU MAY NEED:

• After covering the dwelling, contents, personal liability, consider optional

coverage; endorsements for high-value art or jewellery, guaranteed replacement cost, or a property claims forgiveness endorsement.• For autos, consider accident forgiveness and a waiver of depreciation endorsement.• And ask about personal umbrella liability.

LEAVING MONEY ON THE TABLE?

• Taking advantage of discounts is the easiest way to lower your premiums.

• Auto discounts include multi-vehicle, claims and conviction free, snow tire, “toys”, etc.• Home discounts include mortgage-free, age of dwelling, claims-free, monitored alarm, etc.

When shopping around, ask about more than premiums. Get a complete list of optional coverages and limits. Do they offer renewal / loyalty discounts? Are there savings for combining auto and home policies? And be sure to ask about their claims services. That’s where the rubber really hits the road!

Great Resource: To learn more about auto & home insurance, visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s website at: www.ibc.ca

Why get coverage:Auto insurance for third-party liability is mandatory in Canada.

Most banks insist you buy home insurance before they’ll lend you money to buy a home.

If it sounds too good to be true…Don’t be fooled by low price. Look at benefits, coverage levels and most importantly, thepolicy maximums.

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Cost-effective protection from health care expenses Provincial plans may not cover full costs for some health care expenses. Without a company health plan, you could be paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket each year for the services you require.

Supplemental health and dental insurance is a cost-effective way to pay for expenses incurred when you see a health care professional or buy qualified benefits. Plans vary greatly, because coverage of non-core services differs from province to province, and because insurers may offer various levels and types of benefits. In addition, eligibility criteria may vary from plan to plan.

BEFORE YOU BUY - Some key points to ponder:

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR: coverage levels, policy maximums and co-pay amounts will all affect premiums.

CHOOSE THE BENEFITS YOU NEED: available options will range from basic plans to comprehensive coverage.

THERE ARE DEALS TO BE HAD: some include no cost benefits, and offer reduced rates for couples / family plans.

IF YOU’RE LOSING A GROUP PLAN: some plans help you maintain coverage with benefits similar to what you have.

Want to know more? The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association posted a helpful “Guide to supplementary health insurance” on their website.

To find out what your province may and may not pay for: Full details on the covered products and services, coverage levels and eligibility criteria are posted on all provincial and territorial health insurance plan websites.

Great Resource: Links to all provincial health plan websites are available on the Insurance Insights page at: carpinsurance.ca

Make sure you have proper - and enough - coverageTo know if you need life insurance, ask yourself: With your contribution to the yearly budget, how would your family get by if you died? Would you like to put money aside for a child’s education? Would your final expenses or outstanding debts be a burden for your family? Could life insurance help with business succession plans or be used for a donation to charity?

You’ve established the need. Now it’s time to shop. Regardless of the plan you choose, rates are based on coverage selected, gender, smoking status and age at the time of application. Note some plans have age restrictions.

BEFORE YOU BUY - Which plan type is right for you?

PERMANENT: while not ideal for short term needs, universal life and whole life plans hold cash values, offer premium stability and protection for life.

TERM: offers the most coverage for the money due to a lack of cash value, has set rates for length of the term - i.e. five or 10 years, or to age 100, is ideal for short term needs and renewable, while premiums will increase upon renewal.

GUARANTEED ISSUE: while available coverage may be less than other plans, acceptance is guaranteed - subject to receipt of first premium - with no health exam or questions at time of application.

To help you decide how much coverage you need, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association has published a comprehensive guide to life insurance, which includes a simplified financial needs analysis worksheet.

Great Resource: Read the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association’s Guide to Life Insurance online at: www.clhia.ca

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Are you losing your group life insurance plan?If a new policy is too costly, there are plans that’ll help you retain coverage when your employer-sponsored plan is about to end.

Benefits that may receive limited coverage from a government health plan can include dental and vision care, and prescription drugs.

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Want to learn more? Visit CARP online today, at www.CARP.ca

If you’re over 45 years old and living in Canada, chances are you or someone you know, looks after a friend or family member as an informal caregiver.

According to a report from Employment and Social Development Canada, more than eight million of us are caregivers and 35% of our workforce (6.1 million Canadians) provides unpaid care while balancing the demands of our jobs. About a quarter of employed Canadians spend up to 30 hours or more per week ‘moonlighting’ as caregivers. Further compounding the issue for caregivers, the World Health Organization recently reported that, “the physical and psychological impact on caregivers providing care to those with a long-term health problem, such as dementia, is significant; up to 75% will experience some type of negative psychological effects and 15-32% will experience depression”.

Since all levels of government save $25 billion annually from unpaid caregivers, unpaid care is likely to remain the main source of long-term care for Canadians.

Other countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the UK have national caregiver strategies in place. Unfortunately, in Canada this issue is being tackled largely by the provinces - resulting in an inconsistent and largely insufficient support for caregivers.

As our population ages and labour market declines, the need to support employees with caregiving responsibilities grows. The number of seniors requiring care is projected to double between 2012 and 2031. We know caregiver support is a priority for CARP members. It’s time for action.

Yes, caregivers are entitled to a federal Family Caregiver Tax Credit. But the tax credits will only help those who pay income taxes. Those who most need financial relief - individuals who have given up their employment to provide care - receive no benefit at all. Changing the federal tax credit to a rebate would ensure all caregivers can obtain this financial relief.

Right now, individuals can claim Employment Insurance (EI) if they care for a family member expected to die within 26 weeks. But many caregivers miss work to assist loved ones with chronic illnesses who are not imminently dying. EI needs to be expanded so these caregivers can benefit too.

Sometimes family members want to provide care, but lack the financial resources. A means-tested allowance paid directly to the caregivers would enable them to make ends meet while allowing their loved ones to stay in their home and community. Sweden, Australia, the UK and Nova Scotia have such programs. All Canadian caregivers deserve the same.

1. A rebate – not a tax credit

2. Support for caregivers of the chronically ill & dying

3. Allowance for those providing extraordinary care

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THE CASE FOR

Caregiver Support

CARP is launching a Caregiving Campaign. Caregivers need your support. We’ll call on federal and provincial governments to take concrete actions to lower caregiver stress by providing increased financial support:

Help CARP fight for caregivers. For more details and to support

this critical campaign, please visit www.CARP.ca/caregiver2016

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TWhat was originally perceived as human error began to sound alarm bells. When Barb took her to be checked, her mother’s doctor pulled her aside to ask, “Do you have power of attorney?”

The news that followed was crushing. Her mother was in the throes of early onset Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease. She was told his would advance to Lewy Body Dementia, thus completing a series of conditions that would eventually strip her of her ability to walk, go to the bathroom on her own and worst of all… recognize and engage with her loved ones.

Barb was a recently separated, young mother of two, when she moved her mother into her home. With the death of her only brother just a few years before, Stella was her only remaining family member. It meant that Barb would be carrying the full load. As Barb remembers, “Just as my children were moving out of diapers, my mother was moving into them”.

The stress eventually caught up with Barb, and soon she found herself self-medicating with a combination of alcohol and the prescription drug Ativan. Before she knew it, her life was spiralling out of control.

Barb managed to keep and care for her mother at home for six years.

However, when Stella started to develop hallucinations, screaming in terror during the night, Barb could no longer ignore the impact it had on her children

Barb moved her mother into a long-term care facility one night, then received a call from the home around 5:00am the next morning. Stella was inconsolable. Barb could hear her in the background pleading to come home. “I promise I’ll be good!” her mother begged.

It was the day she witnessed her mother being hoisted by a ceiling lift to take her to the bathroom that Barb fainted. How could this strong woman who had raised her and loved her, be reduced to this shell?

Barb reached the breaking point, suffering a severe nervous breakdown. Doctors ordered Barb to take a medical leave of absence from work, giving her no choice but to tend to her own well being, so she could then take care of her children and see her mother through her last days.

Her mother’s condition deteriorated until she could no longer form words; communication was reduced to howling noises. Soon after, Barb’s mother developed aspirated pneumonia. Barb understood that there was little to be accomplished by treating her mother. What life would she be bringing her back to? She made the agonizing decision to let her mother go. She had suffered enough. Stella, Barb’s mother was 64 years old.

We shouldn’t make caregivers choose between their parents and their health. It’s time for the government to do more to support the millions of unpaid Canadian caregivers who, like Barb, are asked to do far too much without the resources to cope.

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Caregiver Support

BARB’S STORYBarb Brzezicki’s mother Stella was only 52 years old when she started to misplace her keys. Soon, it was credit cards, eyeglasses and losing her purse several times a week.

Help CARP fight for caregivers: www.CARP.ca/caregiver2016

Help CARP build a better future.Join or Renew Today!CARP is the leading advocacy organization fighting for financial security and improved health care for all Canadians as we age.

Toll-Free: 1-800-363-9736 Online: www.CARP.ca/join2016

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12 13Great Resource: Read Critical Illness or Long Term Care, Which is the Right Coverage for You? online: carpinsurance.ca

With a critical illness, recovery should be your top priorityWhile being treated for a serious illness, you may be incapacitated, unable to work and powerless to care for yourself. Recovery times are often long.Daily expenses continue and can be magnified by costs not covered by provincial health plans, i.e. specialty drugs, private nursing, etc. Financial implications could be long lasting and devastating for you and your family.

Critical illness insurance provides a tax-free lump sum upon diagnosis of a covered illness to help offset costs, because odds are, you will survive.

BEFORE YOU BUY - Some points to think about:

BASIC PLANS will cover cancer, stroke, heart attack and bypass

surgery, which account for a majority of critical illness insurance policy claims.

COMPREHENSIVE PLANS cover basic illnesses plus over 20 more

serious conditions affecting people today.

MODIFY PLANS to your lifestyle, even a return of premium option.

NOTE: SPECIFIC UNDERWRITING!

In addition to your lifestyle practices and health, the underwriters will take family history into consideration, especially if any of your immediate family members have ever been diagnosed with a critical illness.

Because no one knows when they will become sick, a key benefit is lifetime coverage, while plans can only be purchased before age 65. Along with the expenses related to recovery, benefits can be used for income replacement, home renovations or even a respite vacation. It is your choice.

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Great Resource: A Guide to Long Term Care Insurance online, Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association: www.clhia.ca

Protect savings, secure independence, preserve dignityThe need: Of the Canadians age 65-plus who will ultimately require some form of long term care, when given a choice, most prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. A move to a care facility is often due to needing intensive care or due to the high cost associated with home care.

Daily care is required when you are physically or cognitively dependent as a result of an accident, illness or aging. Monthly expenses can reach into the thousands of dollars. Personal long term care insurance is the most logical and thoughtful solution, as government assistance is limited at best.

Two policy types with tax-free benefits / income:

REIMBURSEMENT repay expenses incurred up to your designated limit. These policies are the least expensive, and the most effective and efficient.

INCOME-BASED provide income if expenses are incurred or not. They’re a more costly policy, more difficult to obtain and prone to rate increases.

When should one start to think about long term care insurance? If you will be 65-plus within 20 years and are concerned about protecting your assets, income and savings, or are unsure of the support you’ll have in the future, the time is now. And if obtaining coverage is a concern for you due to cost or health issues, consider a simplified acceptance plan that is both affordable and easy to obtain, with no medical underwriting.

Regardless of the long term care insurance policy one may choose, it is an integral component of a solid financial strategy. Long term care insurance provides you with the freedom and control to choose how you wish to be cared for. No one wants to be a burden on the ones they love.

With rates based onage upon application,the sooner you apply,the lower your monthlypremiums will be.

The Heart & Stroke Foundation and Canadian Cancer Society tell us the odds you or a loved one will be affected by a heart attack, bypass surgery, stroke or cancer are more than 1 in 3.

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14 15Great Resource: To read more about small business insurance, log onto the Insurance Bureau of Canada website: www.ibc.ca

Proper insurance can be vital to your business’ survivalEntrepreneurial boomers who began their businesses in the post-recession economy have become a major presence in the start-up community. If you are an entrepreneur and small business owner, it is critical for you to obtain insurance protection for losses that could possibly threaten your operations. Purchasing the appropriate insurance coverage will help to protect your organization from financial risk.

There is no “one size fits all” solution, as businesses operating in different industries have assorted coverage needs. Determine your small business’ specific requirements before selecting coverage and policy limits.

Small business insurance coverage options include:

BUSINESS INCOME BUSINESS INTERRUPTION

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS GENERAL LIABILITY

Protection for yourhome-based business:If you are running a business out of your home, your standard home insurance policy may offer only limited coverage for assets such as office equipment, paperwork and inventory. Talk with an insurance representative about additional coverage to ease the risk of a major loss.

From a client or supplier slipping on the front porch, to being sued due to an issue with your product or service, liability is serious risk for the owners of home-based businesses. Along with helping you manage and mitigate your business - and personal - risks, securing a stand-alone insurance policy for your home-based business will provide you with peace of mind.

Protection, for the love of your petsConsider this: It’ll be expensive if your dog or cat were to develop a significant health problem. In fact, if you factor all expenses such as tests, accommodations, and medications, even routine treatments can cost you thousands. And no pet owner wants their decision about veterinary treatment to be determined by cost. Pet insurance helps protect you against unexpected health care costs and helps budget for annual health expenses.

Accidents can happenThink about it: if you lost your eyes or a limb as the result of an accident, it could dramatically change your life. AD&D insurance benefits are lump sum payments designed to help you cope and adjust to your situation.

Before you purchase your insurance, select the coverage type and amount needed to protect yourself and your loved ones. The worst time to find your coverage is insufficient is after suffering an accident.

Accidental death & dismemberment insurance can provide you and your family peace of mind, with financial protection when it’s needed most.

Our best advice: Do not wait until your pet is sick or injured to apply for coverage. It will be too late as there will be pre-existing condition exclusions.

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ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT:

Benefits paid vary by the typeof injury. The more serious the injury, the larger the amount - up to $300,000 or more in the case of death with some plans.

OPTIONAL BENEFITS: An in-hospital indemnity

pays daily if hospitalized four days, fractured/broken bones benefits pay for a single accident.

Home-Based Business RiskA significant risk for your home-based business is liability.1

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Before you buy, review terms, conditions, limits

to see what is and isn’t covered.

Avoid choosing a plan with premiums that will

increase as your pet matures.

Premiums are affected by the policy maximums

and coverage levels you choose.

Some plans offer added benefits like kennel fees,

trip cancellation refunds, etc.

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Insurance solutionsfor CARP members

Auto & Home 1.866.231.8186

Guaranteed Life 1.800.396.4389

Term Life 1.855.460.3631

Pet 1.844.863.3525

Health & Dental 1.877.551.5566

Critical Illness 1.877.851.4520

Long Term Care 1.877.851.4520

Accident (AD&D) 1.800.461.5796

Travel 1.866.943.6103

Simplified LTC 1.877.851.4520

FollowMe™ Plan 1.877.551.5566

Small Business 1.844.795.7977

The McLennan Group Insurance Inc. and The McLennan Group Life Insurance Inc. work with a number of trusted Canadian insurers. Auto & Home Insurance Program and Pet Insurance Program offered by The McLennan Group Insurance Inc. Life and Health Plans are offered by The McLennan Group Life Insurance Inc. Health & Dental Insurance, Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance, Term Life Insurance, FollowMe™ Health and FollowMe™ Life Plans underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. ™/® Trademarks held by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. Group rates and certain products may not be available in all jurisdictions. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply, see policy for details. The McLennan Group Insurance Inc. respects your privacy. Please visit our website to review our Privacy Commitment.

We have been CARP’s recommended andtrusted insurance provider for over 22 years.

Coverage for your auto, home, health, savings, pets, and loved ones, plus trusted advice from licensed brokers. Your protection is our priority.

Get Our Free Mobile App! Insurance is simpler to understand with our easy-to-use app. Check out the features and download the free “CARPMembers” today!

For complete information including features and benefits, rate cards, quotes, applications, policy wordings and links to our free mobile app, visit Insurance Programs for CARP Members online:

carpinsurance.ca

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