Transamerica Life Canada announced today the launch of the first global medical care insurance with no deductibles and unrestricted access to treatment options for a critical illness outside of Canada.

Setting CriticalADVANTAGE apart from other health plans is up to $1 million in medical treatment expense coverage (out-of-country), as well as up to $10,000 in travel allowance.

If the client chooses treatment in Canada, they will receive a single payment of $25,000 to cover non-medical costs associated with their illness, which they can spend completely at their discretion. This unprecedented coverage empowers patients to follow their desired path to healthcare, wherever it may take them at home or abroad.

“CriticalADVANTAGE will relieve Canadians from the fear that money and availability or accessibility of expertise might stand in the way of receiving the best care for their condition,” said Pierre Vincent, VP, Life Products Marketing, Transamerica Life Canada, in a news release.

The new product covers: life-threatening cancer, coronary artery bypass surgery, heart valve replacement, aortic surgery, multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, major organ transplant, motor neuron disease (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), Parkinson’s disease and benign brain tumour. The focus of the program is early medical intervention, highly specialized treatment and recovery.

The insurer says CriticalADVANTAGE is an affordable product that provides information, funds, choice and access to medical experts. While the premiums will range depending on the age, health and general insurability of each applicant, the average premium is approximately $45 per month for a 45 year old, non-smoking male who is generally healthy.

Through a partnership with Best Doctors, Inc., policy holders enjoy access to medical advice, medical specialists and choice in treatment options from around the globe. Using its renowned database of over 50,000 doctors, Best Doctors provides rapid access to the best medical knowledge to thousands of people around the world faced with a serious illness. Best Doctors services are available worldwide serving more than 10 million lives in 30 countries.

“We are honoured to be working with Transamerica Life Canada, a committed insurer and industry leader,” said David Seligman, president and CEO of Best Doctors. “Together with Transamerica, we have developed a remarkable program that endorses our mission of connecting people to the best medical care.”

CriticalADVANTAGE is available through independent insurance and financial advisors across Canada.