Category: Risk Bits

Gene Therapy – The Fix Is (Almost) In

Since its completion in 2003, the Human Genome Project has garnered a great deal of attention for genetic testing. All of this focus has resulted in the identification and mapping of the three-billion pairs of human gene structure, known as the genome. Today, geneticists can perform many different types of analyses that have never been seen before, including deep sequencing, RNA sequencing and epigenomics, the overall study of the complete set of epigenetic modifications on the genetic material of a cell – all of these allow scientists to study the expression of genetic patterns from person-to-person and more.

Genetic therapy is a developing area of our unprecedented understanding of the human genome. Imagine being able to add a normal, healthy gene where a person has inherited a defective gene variant? In some cases, this may improve outcomes from a disease and in the best cases, cure or prevent it altogether. Continue reading “Gene Therapy – The Fix Is (Almost) In” →

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Gene Therapy – The Fix Is (Almost) In

Travel and Underwriting – What in the World is Going On?

There was a time not too long ago when the term “travel bug” simply referred to someone with a penchant for adventure, someone with a desire to travel and see the world. Today, that term has a far more sinister meaning as travel is discouraged, airlines are more of less grounded and many Canadians are hesitant to even visit family in the same city for fear of spreading the COVID-19 virus. Whether it be a day-trip to the beach or weeks of wandering around Europe, travel has been indefinitely put on hold. As of the start of December 2020, there have been over 65 million cases and over 1.5 million deaths worldwide due to COVID-19, with no assurance that this will end any time soon (1).

So, the question remains – what is the impact on your clients who travel or plan to travel and how does the underwriting community view the travel risk as 2020 draws to a close? Continue reading “Travel and Underwriting – What in the World is Going On?” →

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The Travel Bug – When Travel is Too Risky

The COVID-19 Rating Guide: Get Ahead of the Curve

Since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Canada in the spring of this year, we have definitely learned a few things about this virus. We know now that the coronavirus, known as COVID-19, is highly infectious and that although most of its’ victims are elderly and/or medically vulnerable, too many fatalities have occurred across the age spectrum and among those with no obvious pre-existing risk factors to define who or where the virus will strike next. Something that makes all of us more than a little uneasy.

On the positive side, we now understand how to better curb infection by hand washing, social distancing and wearing a mask, and as Canadians, we can be proud of our collective efforts to flatten the curve of rising new cases and deaths, at least thus far. Having said that, now is the time to focus on the mortality and morbidity impact for the more than 110,000 COVID-19 survivors in Canada; today the question is how will these cases be treated when applying for life insurance, critical illness or disability coverage? Continue reading “The COVID-19 Rating Guide: Get Ahead of the Curve” →

The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act: A Supreme Thumbs-Up

Genetic testing has been an incredible success in helping patients determine both their current health status and future health risks. The results of a genetic test can help confirm or exclude a suspected genetic condition; they can also help determine the chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder – certain types of cancers, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease to name just a few [1].

So, what is genetic discrimination, and what happens if your client would like to buy insurance but they have been genetically tested and are worried their results will work against them? Continue reading “The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act: A Supreme Thumbs-Up” →

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The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act: A Supreme Thumbs-Up

COVID-19 Phobia – The Impact of Fear

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There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has elicited widespread anxiety and fear, and although both are a normal part of the human experience, these emotions have caused many of us, including your clients, to change behaviour and decision-making regarding health. In fact, many of your clients who were once quite vigilant about their own health may now be feeling anxious about visiting their doctor or a hospital if they are unwell. Continue reading “COVID-19 Phobia – The Impact of Fear” →

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COVID-19 Phobia and the Impact of Fear

The Vaping Debate Continues

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Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have caused quite the stir for the couple of decades that they have been in existence. In fact, there has been no end to debate on whether they are a healthy and risk-free alternative to smoking tobacco versus whether they are detrimental to health and will eventually lead to the cancer and heart disease that we typically associate with long-term smoking. Continue reading “The Vaping Debate Continues” →

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The Vaping Risk: Clearing the Air

Drop and Give Me 40: The Power of Pushups

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and remains a major focus in underwriting life insurance and living benefits. Determining the long-term risks of developing CVD has captured the interest of researchers, underwriters and actuaries alike. Continue reading “Drop and Give Me 40: The Power of Pushups” →

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Drop and Give Me 40: The Power of Pushups