I purchased a cancer policy from aflac in 1990. It was SUPPOSED to provide a one-time payment based on the age of the policy. Shortly thereafter, I had a non-cancerous tumor removed. It was never diagnosed as malignant so my aflac agent advised me no to file a claim. I followed his advice.
In I was diagnosed with cancer. I talked with my aflac agent and he helped me with the paperwork and calculate what my payment would be, based on the 1990 purchase date. I filed a claim with aflac, never expecting any problem based on how honest the duck looks. Well, looks can be deceiving. They refused to pay the full amount because, according to them, I should have filed in 1990, when the amount due me would have been much lower since the policy was so new. Never mind that in 1990 it was a benign tumor, and my aflac agent told me not to file.
I negotiated with them for weeks and provided several medical reports that showed the 1990 tumor to not be cancerous. My aflac agent told me that he had told aflac about this situation and confirmed that he had indeed advised me not to file in 1990. Well, ducks must be very obstinate and dishonest creatures. I again was refused the full amount owed me.
Finally, I retained an attorney. He had about as hard a time as I did communicating with them. They changed their attorney working this case at least once and maybe twice. After several weeks of negotiations, the aflac duck finally offered a GENEROUS settlement that amounted to about 30% of what they still owed me.
My attorney suggested that I take it. He said the duck was notorious for its STALLING TECHNIQUES and that all we could do was have the case heard in court. This would consume so much money that even I won, I would lose. So as many probably have done before me, I settled. After all that, I still ended up with about 30%. I guess the duck had rather see attorneys and legal assistants get that additional money rather than my getting it.
I feel obligated to share my aflac experience with all who will listen. Perhaps I can prevent someone else from making the same mistake I did. Do not be charmed and bedazzled by the innocent looking duck. Look slowly and carefully at what is hidden underneath those snowy-white feathers. If you are looking for a completely honest and straight-up insurance policy, I suggest you look elsewhere.
I am not bitter, but I surely hope that duck never crosses the road in front of me.
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