#1 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Stacey - Dallas (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, February 20, 2009
POSTED: Saturday, February 21, 2009
I have had AFLAC for 3 years - they have paid everyone of my claims
I read the policy before I got it
What type of policy did you get anyone - you did not mention that in your report
What claims were denied??
#2 Consumer Suggestion
AUTHOR: Janis - Amherst (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, February 25, 2009
POSTED: Wednesday, February 25, 2009
I'm very sorry you had a negative experience with Aflac. But trust me, this company is not a scam. They've been around a long time and have millions and millions of policyholers, including state governments and municipalities (and believe me, if the company were a scam, they wouldn't be working with these types of clients.)
Regarding cancelling your policies after you sign up; if you are paying for them through pre-tax deductions at your job, then yes, you can only make changes (including cancellation) at open enrollment time. This is NOT an Aflac rule; it's an IRS rule. Exceptions are: death, marriage, divorce, adoption, change in work status from full time to part time, and of course, losing your job. Now...if you are paying for your Aflac with AFTER-TAX dollars, then yes, you can cancel at any time.
I think it was a poor choice to post the name of the agent on this website. The owner never takes down any posts, and you are now in the position where you could get sued for defamation of character. Aflac is a good company; I should know, I've worked with them (not FOR them) for over 10 years. You are the buyer, and you should make intelligent, informed decisions, including reading the policy (which by the way, is not printed in small letters, it's very readable.) and taking responsiblity for what you signed up for.
I've read through every single complaint about Aflac here, and they all boil down to two reasons: The policyholder didn't read their policy, and therefore misunderstood what they were buying, or The applicant had an agent that was either new, or uninformed, or both. In any case, it isn't the company's fault. Their agents are independent brokers...anyone with an insurance license in Health and Life can contract with them. Same deal with all the big insurance companies; Mutual of Omaha, Prudential, etc. There are 60,000 Aflac agents in the U.S. Just by sheer numbers, there will probably be a few agents who give our wrong information. But not understanding what you're buying, and calling the entire company a scam is a giant, and inappropriate leap.
I've known people who have collected on the Aflac Cancer Claim who would have lost their homes if it weren't for the money Aflac paid them.
I strongly suggest you contact the Aflac State Office in your state and talk to either a Regional Coordinator, or the State Sales Coordinator (they call them 'SSC's') Explain your problem to them and I'm positive they will help you in any way they can.
Best of luck to you.