Question

Lori, age 26, works as a waitress at an upscale restaurant in Dallas, Texas. After the restaurant closed one evening, she drove home in a blinding rainstorm. A drunk driver ran a red light, smashed head-on into Lori’s car, and was instantly killed. Lori was more fortunate. She lived but was unable to work for six months. During that time, she incurred medical bills in excess of $100,000 and lost about $20,000 in tips and wages. The restaurant did not provide any health or disability income insurance, whereas the driver had a life and health insurance plan.

i) What are the types of hazard confronting Lori and the drunk driver? Explain your answer.

ii) Briefly discuss how Lori could have handled the risks.

Answer 1

It is rightly said that health is wealth. lifestyle habits, increase in pollution levels, and many other factors have a severe impact on an individual’s health. This may cause various health conditions and medical diseases.

Medical costs associated with the treatment of such diseases are increasing rapidly. In order to safeguard your finances against high medical bills, it is necessary to invest in health insurance plans. Such plans cover all hospitalization expenses, as well as pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization charges.

Following are five major advantages of purchasing a health care plan:

1. Coverage against medical expenses

The main purpose of medical insurance is to receive the best medical care without any strain on your finances. Health insurance plans offer protection against high medical costs. It covers hospitalization expenses, day care procedures, domiciliary expenses, and ambulance charges, besides many others. You may, therefore, focus on your speedy recovery instead of worrying about such high costs

2. Coverage against critical illnesses

Insurance providers nowadays offer critical illness insurance, either as a standalone plan or as a rider. Such an insurance policy provides coverage against life-threatening diseases such as kidney failure, bone marrow transplant, stroke, and loss of limbs, among others. Upon diagnosis of any of the critical illness from the predetermined list of your policy, you are entitled to receive a lump sum amount. This amount may be used to meet your illness-related treatment costs, daily expenses, and any other financial obligations.

3. Cashless claim benefit

Many insurance providers offer cashless claim facility. In such an arrangement, you do not have to make any out-of-pocket payments. The hospitalization expenses are settled between your insurer and the hospital. To avail of this benefit, it is imperative to get admitted at any of the insurer’s network hospitals. You may fill out a pre-authorization form and display your health insurance card to enjoy the cashless facility.

4. Additional protection over and above your employer cover

Many organizations cover their employees with a group insurance plan. However, such policies are not tailor-made according to the needs of every individual. Besides, you may be left uninsured in case of loss of job or change in employment. In order to protect yourself against such an event, purchase a health cover individually.

5. Tax benefits

Health care plans provide tax benefits. Premiums paid towards your health care policy are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The quantum of deduction is as under:


Keep these advantages in mind and choose from numerous medical insurance plans available in the market. Based on your personal needs and requirements, select the best plan and do not miss out on the opportunity to enjoy all these benefits.