Aflac, the leader in voluntary insurance sales at the worksite in the United States, announced the initial launch of its latest lump sum critical illness insurance policy, which has been redesigned to include new riders and a wider range of benefits to offer a holistic approach to recovery and care.

With the latest lump sum critical illness insurance policy, Aflac is expanding its direct-to-consumer portfolio, further opening up the voluntary insurance market to millions of Americans by expanding the way consumers can access benefits. Other Aflac plans available directly for consumers to apply for include cancer, accident, life, dental and specified health event, with more planned for 2019. As more American workers build careers outside of the traditional workplace as freelancers, contractors, self-employed solopreneurs and in startups, Aflac is making more and more plans available to everyone, no matter where or how they work.

"At Aflac, we believe everyone deserves care and coverage," said Wendy Herndon, second vice president of Product Development and Implementation at Aflac. "As the market evolves, we remain committed to finding new ways to meet the needs of our current customers while also reaching consumers across the nation. We're thrilled to offer Aflac agents a competitive critical illness policy that enables them to sell where potential customers may be."

Aflac's latest lump sum critical illness plan offers competitive coverage, with benefits for up to nine conditions when paired with Aflac's cancer protection assurance policy. Highlights of the plan include:

• Lump sum payment upon diagnosis, allowing policyholders to focus on recuperation;

• Building benefit, which means the policy increases every year for up to 10 years, to be paid out when policyholders need it most;

• Hospitalization Rider, providing additional benefits to help policyholders with everything from ambulance costs to physical therapy, easing the financial stress often associated with an unexpected illness;

• New Event Recovery Rider, paying a lump sum benefit for up to three months to help cover expenses from being out of work.