Empire Life Announces Higher Payout Amounts in Vital Assist Health Benefit

KINGSTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 28, 2011) - The Empire Life Insurance Company (Empire Life) today announced that it has enhanced its innovative Vital Assist Health Benefit ®, a streamlined critical illness product that provides financial assistance to employees diagnosed with a serious illness.

Business owners can now choose among three different levels of coverage for employees: $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000. Vital Assist Health Benefit is an optional benefit offered by Empire Life through its BeneFit and 20Plus group benefits products. It consists of a lump sum payment and a medical expense benefit.

"When we first launched Vital Assist last year the product was well-received. At the same time, advisors told us they'd like to be able to offer additional levels of coverage to give business owners greater choice," says Steve Pong, Senior Vice-President, Group Solutions.

"This is something we're really excited about. It's an innovative, cost-effective way for employers to ease the financial pressures their employees face when recovering from serious illness."

Two features make Vital Assist stand out in the marketplace: employees in the group plan do not have to provide medical information to qualify for coverage and, once covered, claims will not be denied because of a pre-existing medical condition.

Empire Life group life and health coverage includes life insurance, disability insurance, extended health and dental care benefits for small and medium-sized businesses across Canada.

About Empire Life

A subsidiary of E-L Financial Corporation Limited and in business since 1923, Empire Life helps Canadians build wealth and protect their financial security with competitive individual and group life and health insurance, investment and retirement products. The company's vision is to be the leading, independently-owned, Canadian financial services company committed to simplicity, being easy to do business with and having a personal touch.

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