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Aflac insurance: Is it any good?

If your regular insurance doesn't cover all costs, Aflac's supplemental insurance can help fill the gap.

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Amy Stoltenberg
Updated
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It’s rare to find a major healthcare policy that covers 100% of medical costs. Aflac offers supplemental products that help relieve the leftover strain through lump-sum payments deposited directly into your account. And, if you want a full-on traditional life or employer disability policy, Aflac covers that too.

What is Aflac?

If the voice in your mind sounds like a duck when you think Aflac, you’re not alone. The company’s quack-quack mascot is well-recognized, but Aflac’s actual services may be less understood.

Most Aflac policies act as a sidekick to your regular insurance policy. These supplemental policies are meant to provide a safety net to fill in the gaps of your health insurance or other insurance, so that when the unexpected happens, it’ll be less of a jolt to your financial situation.

Supplemental insurance policies

Since these policies aren’t comprehensive, any policy you consider from Aflac should be gravy on top of your meat-and-potatoes health coverage. Aflac doesn’t deal directly with medical providers, favoring a direct payment to your bank account instead.

  • Accident
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Cancer
  • Critical illness
  • Hospital

Supplemental insurance explained

Supplemental insurance operates around the theory that major medical coverage doesn’t usually cover the full cost of treatment. Deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, medication costs and other out-of-pocket costs (think child care, lost wages, and transportation) are often left up to you. Supplemental coverage swoops in with a lump sum paid directly to you to help foot the outstanding bill.

Lump-sums payment amounts are typically specified using a predetermined fee schedule laid out in your policy.

Comprehensive insurance policies

Aflac offers two types of policies that can act as a stand-alone insurance policy.

  • Employer-based short-term disability
  • Life insurance

How does Aflac work?

Once you file a claim and are approved, you’ll receive the payout associated with your policy. How you receive your payout will depend on which type of insurance you have through Aflac.

Payment for supplemental coverages

Once you file a claim, you’ll receive cash benefits that are paid directly to you. Your cash benefit will be based on a fee schedule determined in your policy. A fee schedule specifies how much Aflac is willing to pay per situation, and per occurrence.

For example, let’s say your accident policy lists a lump sum payment of $200 for a major diagnostic exam. After a bad fall, your doctor orders you to have a CT scan to confirm if you’ve broken your foot. Regardless of what your health insurance covers, you’re eligible to receive a lump-sum payment of $200. That $200 might help pay for your health insurance copay or prescriptions that aren’t covered by your health insurance, for example.

Payment for comprehensive coverages

Aflac’s comprehensive policies each work a little differently when it comes to receiving your benefit.

  • Term life. If you have term life insurance and die during your specified term, your loved ones will receive a one-time lump sum payment.
  • Whole life. This type of life insurance policy lasts your entire lifetime and has two parts. A death benefit is paid out to your beneficiaries when you die. Your saving component, called cash value, can be withdrawn while you’re alive.
  • Short-term disability. If you have disability insurance through your employer, and suffer a covered injury or illness that leaves you unable to work — Aflac will pay you a percentage of your monthly salary for the amount of time specified in your policy.

Aflac pros and cons

Pros

  • No medical exam policies. If you’re a high-risk applicant or just want to opt-out of taking a medical exam, Aflac has plenty of guaranteed issue policies to choose from.
  • Speedy payouts. If you’re filing a covered claim via Aflacs smartclaim process, you’re likely to receive a quick payout, typically within an average of 2 days.
  • Fortune 500 company. Being a fortune 500 company signals financial strength, and the ability to pay out claims.

Cons

  • Limited flexibility. Since most policies are supplemental coverage options or offered through an employer, you won’t be able to customize your policy for a tailor-made fit.
  • Confusing website. Aflac’s website has a lot of information, however, there are no specific details about benefit levels or add-ons. You’ll have to contact the company to review your benefit options.

How do I get a quote for Aflac insurance?

If the company you work for offers Aflac coverage, you can add it through your workplace. But if you want to buy it independently — or you own a business and want to offer it to employees — you’ll need to start by requesting a quote:

  1. Go to Aflac’s website and hit Get a Quote.
  2. Indicate whether you’re An Individual or A Business Owner.
  3. Aflac will ask for your contact information, including your name, phone number, ZIP code and email. Then choose NEXT.
  4. The next page, Call Time, will give you an estimate for when an agent will be in touch. Select SUBMIT to give them the green light.

An agent will be in touch to discuss your options for supplemental insurance.

How do I file a claim with Aflac?

You have three different routes of action when filing a claim:

1. Use Aflac SmartClaim

This is the fastest way to get your money, and guarantees payment within 24 hours if you file by 3 p.m. ET on weekdays. Access this online or through the Aflac SmartClaim app and ensure you’re enrolled in direct deposit. Otherwise, they’ll mail you a check).

Aflac’s One Day Pay program sends you money within — you guessed it — a day, but it’s only accessible through filing a SmartClaim electronically. Steps to completion include:

  1. Log into my Aflac.com or download the Aflac SmartClaim app.
  2. Choose Start a Smart Claim online or File a Claim on the app.
  3. Gather and submit your documentation. Upload claims documents digitally — either scan or take pictures of your files with a smartphone.
  4. Verify your information and hit SUBMIT DOCUMENT(S).
  5. Track the status of your claims in the Message Center.

    2. Download Aflac’s online forms, fill them out and fax them over.

    3. Submit a claim via snail mail by printing out the applicable forms and mailing them to:
    Aflac
    1932 Wynnton Road
    Columbus, GA 31999

    Which policies are eligible for Aflac’s SmartClaim process?

    SmartClaims can be submitted online or via the MyAflac Mobile app, and is available for claims submitted on these policies:

    • Accident
    • Cancer
    • Hospital
    • Specified health
    • Intensive care

    Compare life insurance companies like Aflac

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    Compare up to 4 providers

    Bottom line

    With Aflac’s supplemental coverage, you’re paying for peace of mind in the event of an unexpected illness or medical need. It also offers insurance to help with loss of wages or end-of-life costs, including guaranteed-issue options.

    Scout other life insurance providers to make sure you’re getting the best fit for you.

    Frequently asked questions

    What does Aflac stand for?
    In 1955 when it was established, the initials AFLAC came from American Family Life Assurance Company.

    What info do I need to make a claim?

    In most cases, Aflac will need additional information to pay out your claim, including:

        • Receipts
        • Medical records
        • Healthcare provider information

    If you’re missing the necessary docs when you start the claim, you can add them later by clicking My Claims after logging in.

    Who should I contact to dispute an Aflac claims decision?

    Submit an appeal to Aflac by filling out its claim appeal form and faxing it to 888-659-1023 or mailing it to:
    Aflac Claims Appeals
    PO Box 84065
    Columbus, GA 31908-9998.

    Appeal a claims decision up to three times per claim, and all appeals must be submitted within 180 days after the original decision is made.

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