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Archive for January, 2010

Once, the world was simple. If there were two opposites like either/or and day/night, it was easy to treat them as different and act accordingly. Then along came the idea of equality and some opposites were judged the same when it came to the treatment they deserved. At least, it’s now politically incorrect to suggest men and women should be treated differently. So the law imposes rules to prevent discrimination on the ground of sex (or gender if that is also different). Except that, when it comes to insurance, there are some very good reasons for treating men and women differently. Although the law may have changed, there are some fixed biological and cultural roles that seem permanently attached to women. We may now vote, own property and pursue our own careers, but we give birth and are expected to raise a family with the possibility of becoming a carer for elderly parents. In juggling between all these conflicting demands on our time, it’s easy to drop the ball of financial planning. Read the rest of this entry »

There is something deeply annoying when people in a particular trade or industry start using jargon and letters to talk to us. What is wrong with the English language? Why must they hide the meaning? Why do they believe we will be impressed? The insurance industry is one of the worst offenders. By the time the experts have finished describing the different health plans and the lawyers have wrapped everything in obscurity, we seem left with a take-it-or-leave it choice. They seem to be saying, “close your eyes, trust everyone has your interests to heart, and pick something out of the alphabet soup.” Well here is a quick tour through two of the most common plans to help you decide. Read the rest of this entry »

Washington likes acronyms when it comes to lawmaking and this new law is no exception. This is the GINA and this November sees it finally come into force. Because it affects both employers and the insurance industry, this has been a hard-fought change and was only signed into law last year. Now it should prevent you from obvious discrimination. Sadly, it does not rule out discrimination by backdoor means. If an employer overhears you talking at the water cooler or routinely surveys local news including the obituaries, it is legal to use this information. But, overall, you should find some improvement. It covers two different situations with the same type of result. Firstly, it prohibits employers from asking you to go through a genetic test or making genetic information the basis of deciding whether to hire, promote or fire you. Secondly, it prohibits insurers from testing or demanding genetic information about you or your family in deciding whether to offer you coverage, in setting the premium rate and level of the deductible, or continue the cover. Read the rest of this entry »

Many people have heard of mortgage protection through insurance policies but it may sound quite complicated to some. To answer the question right away: mortgage protection through insuring ones life is a form of personal insurance that pays off mortgage loans for people who were unable to pay it off in full due to death, terminal illness or disability. Read the rest of this entry »