SAGICOR Life Jamaica went into aggressive mode Friday, unveiling a comprehensive insurance policy called “Ultra Lifeline”, that offers up to a maximum of $35 million in coverage for 21 potentially fatal conditions.

Spokespersons for Sagicor, formerly Life of Jamaica, told the launch ceremony at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St Andrew that Ultra Lifeline puts the company ahead of the Caribbean region and $25 million more than its nearest competitor in Jamaica, for maximum coverage amount offered.

The 21 conditions covered are: heart attack, aorta surgery, major burns, kidney failure, motor neuron disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, coma, blindness, deafness, paralysis, heart valve replacement, coronary artery bypass surgery, cancer, loss of speech, loss of limbs, major organ transplant, angioplasty, benign brain tumour and multiple sclerosis.

“Today’s fast-changing world requires every organisation of value to keep abreast of the needs of its customers and in this industry complacency can lead to obsolescence,” said Mark Chisholm, vice-president for sales & head of individual lines business.

Chisholm, deputising for head honcho Richard Byles, said the equity-linked insurance plan was available to anyone between ages 20 and 60 for up to 21 living conditions, compared with the up to 12 being offered by competitors.

Statistics provided by the company showed 1,500 new cases of kidney failure in Jamaica each year; 300 Jamaicans diagnosed with cancer each year; high blood pressure is the leading cause of death in Jamaicans; Parkinson’s disease strikes 50 per cent more men than women and after age 65, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease doubles.

Chisholm who was supported by Olivene Barnes, assistant vice-president for sales, individual lines business, Horace Johnson, assistant vice-president actuary and risk, and marketing manager, Ingrid Card, said Sagicor Life Jamaica had recognised the increasing cost in medical treatment and developed a product geared towards improved living, despite the many health challenges.

Card described the plan as groundbreaking in the industry as “…it offers the Jamaican consumer peace of mind with 21 ways to live”.