Trampolines help your kids burn off excess energy, and they’re a great weight loss tool for you. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all consumers avoid using trampolines because unsafe use of this backyard toy can cause head and neck injuries, fractures and sprain. As a homeowner, don’t set up a backyard trampoline until you find out more about your liability.
Check Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
Trampolines are fun, but the expenses could quickly outweigh any enjoyment. Some insurance companies will not insure your home if you have a trampoline. They may either cancel your policy or exclude coverage for any trampoline-related injuries. Either way, you’ll be personally liable for any injuries that occur.
Set It Up Properly
If your homeowners insurance policy does cover your trampoline, be sure you set it up properly as you increase its safe operation.
*Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when setting up and using the trampoline.
*If possible, place the trampoline at ground level rather than above ground.
*Remove tree branches and other hazards located nearby.
*Provide adequate padding on the springs as you prevent pinching.
*Secure a safety net around the trampoline.
*Inspect the trampoline and all its parts regularly for wear and tear.
Provide Constant Supervision
Guests who are injured while using your trampoline can sue you. Be sure you provide constant supervision to ensure everyone practices safe jumping. That means only one person at a time should jump, and no one should do somersaults or flips, two major causes of spine injuries.
Fence-In Your Yard
You’re liable for injuries that occur by anyone who uses your trampoline, even if the jumper doesn’t have your permission or trespasses in your lawn. Protect yourself with a tall fence. It should have a self-latching lock on the gate for greater security.
Your family and friends can enjoy fun in your backyard thanks to your trampoline. Be sure to understand your liability, though, before you install one.
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Medical advances keep us healthier. However, debilitating illnesses still affect thousands of people, and the costs of treating those illnesses cause many medical bankruptcies. With critical illness insurance, you may get the treatment you need, keep your home and other assets, and spend time with your family.
Critical Illness Insurance Coverage
Dozens of medical conditions, including injuries, disease and surgeries, are covered under critical illness insurance. Several examples include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancers
- Coma
- Heart attack
- Heart valve surgery
- Kidney failure
- Loss of sight/speech/hearing
- Multiple sclerosis
- Organ transplant
- Paraplegia
- Severe burns
- Stroke
Many critical illness insurance companies offer critical illness categories such as cancer and related conditions, organ transplants and heart-related conditions. You may purchase coverage for one category or may more to purchase a policy that covers all the categories.
Policies usually range from $10,000 to $1 million. When you do file a claim, the insurance company will pay it in a lump sum. You may then use the money for any expense you wish, including:
- Medical bills, deductibles, co-payments or diagnostic testing
- Experimental treatment
- Out-of-network doctors and hospitals
- Transportation to treatment
- Wheelchair or other medical equipment and supplies
- Home health care
- Home improvements or retrofitting
- Household living expenses
- Income replacement
- Family vacation
- Childcare
Keep in mind that critical illness insurance typically provides coverage for two to 25 years. While the insurance remains in effect as long as you pay the premiums, critical illness insurance policies include a waiting period, also known as an elimination period, during which you cannot receive benefits.
Critical Illness Insurance Costs
Your age, height, weight, family health history, nicotine use and current medical conditions affect the cost of your critical illness insurance policy. Premiums may increase when these factors change.
Also, your costs depend on the amount of coverage you buy. Choose the right amount of coverage for you when you add two years worth of mortgage or rent payments and the amount of your outstanding credit card debt.
How to Purchase Critical Illness Insurance
When you decide critical illness insurance is right for you, purchase it in several ways.
- Purchase an individual policy, which includes a medical exam.
- Add the benefit through your employee benefits package and pay the premiums through payroll deduction. You’ll either receive a certificate under your employer’s group plan or an individual workplace policy.
- Add as a supplement to your major medical health insurance policy.
- Purchase as a supplement to your life insurance policy.
With critical illness insurance, you can afford medical treatment and provide for your family. It gives you peace of mind and may be a wise investment. Give us a call to find out more.
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