Jennifer, age 45, is a single mother with two dependent children and a $300,000 mortgage. Her employer provides a group critical illness policy with a $50,000 benefit. She is concerned about maintaining her children's lifestyle and covering unexpected medical or recovery costs if she were to suffer a critical illness. Which option should she consider?

Question: Jennifer, age 45, is a single mother with two dependent children and a $300,000 mortgage. Her employer provides a group critical illness policy with a $50,000 benefit. She is concerned about maintaining her children's lifestyle and covering unexpected medical or recovery costs if she were to suffer a critical illness. Which option should she consider?

Answer options:

• Relying solely on the group critical illness benefit. ✅ Purchasing an individual critical illness policy with a higher benefit amount.
• Prioritizing a long-term care insurance policy instead.
• Increasing her disability insurance coverage only.

Correct answer: Purchasing an individual critical illness policy with a higher benefit amount.

Explanation: Jennifer should consider purchasing an individual critical illness policy with a higher benefit amount. While she has group coverage, a $50,000 benefit may be insufficient to cover substantial lifestyle disruptions, potential private medical care costs, and mortgage payments for a single mother with dependents during a critical illness and recovery period, making supplemental individual coverage suitable.