The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has released a consumer protection document regarding the sale of insurance. Known as The Principles for the Sale of Insurance, this document details the consumer's rights which must be provided to the purchaser of any insurance policy. A copy of this document must be provided to the purchaser of any policy and with any renewal or cancellation notice. The government has asked that the insurance industry comply with this request by July 1, 2007.

For those residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who are considering purchasing insurance, or those who already have existing policies, we have listed the main points of this document. It is important for all residents to closely read and understand this document, as it outlines your consumer rights and obligations.

• The consumer's interest takes priority over the interests of the insurance company and/or their agents, brokers and representatives.
• The consumer's right to privacy shall be protected as outlined in the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. The consumer's personal information shall only be used for the purpose in which it was collected. Written consent must be obtained for use of your information in any other regards.
• Coverage cannot be canceled, be refused renewal of policy, or be charged an increase in premium for an incident in which no claim was paid.
• The consumer has the right to the knowledge of which insurance companies the agent, broker and/or representative represents. The consumer must also be made aware of any present or potential conflict of interest the agent, broker, and/or representative may have.
• The consumer has the right to know the ownership and financing arrangements between agents, brokers, and/or representatives and the insurance companies that they represent. This includes disclosure of any and all compensation arrangements for the product which is purchased, as well as the amount of commission paid out.
• If insurance coverage has been denied, the consumer has the right to be informed in writing of the reason(s) why. This also applies to policies that are cancelled or not renewed.
• The consumer is entitled to be made aware of the complaint resolution process of the insurance company.
• Upon purchase or renewal of any insurance policy, the customer must be provided with the following:

I. The full range of deductibles available, and the cost of coverage with each of the deductibles.
II. All of the different types of coverage available, the costs of each different policy, and any discount that may be available.
III. The total amount of the premium for all quotes obtained for the policy being sold. Upon request, a detailed breakdown by coverage of the premiums quoted must be provided. The consumer is also entitled to all of this information in writing if they so request.

If you are not a citizen of Newfoundland and Labrador, but are interested in finding out your province’s own statutes on insurance, Life-Quotes.ca has information listed for each province. You can also contact us directly with your questions.

The gap between the life expectancy between men and women is growing. In 1920, women outlived men by an average of one year. Today the average difference has grown to over 5 years. The main cause of this discrepancy in lifespan can be attributed to attitude towards healthcare and preventative medicine.

Part of the reason that men live shorter lives than women is lack of a healthy lifestyle. They are more likely to engage in unhealthy behavior and less likely to regularly access medical care. It has been estimated that 60% of men are overweight or obese, which if not dealt with, can cause serious health problems. Men also have traditionally been employed in more dangerous occupations, exposing themselves to more work related injuries and illnesses, but yet often do not have sufficient health insurance coverage.

Recent studies show that more than half of premature deaths in men are preventable. By following a few basic health tips, men can improve their health and increase their chances of living a long, healthy, productive life.

Healthy Diet:  By simply cutting down on foods that are high in fat, salt, and/or sugar, you can decrease your cholesterol and lower your blood pressure. Try to incorporate more healthy foods, such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains into your diet. When you do eat foods that aren't healthy, try to stick to smaller portions.
Regular Exercise: 20 minutes of exercise 3 times a week can help improve your health. As well as helping to maintain a healthy weight, regular exercise is important for cardiovascular health. Team sports is a great way to great exercise and have fun at the same time.
Avoid getting sunburnt: Men need to use sunscreen just as much as women do. Even if you are not prone to sunburn, by protecting your skin from high UV rays will decrease your chances of getting skin cancer.
Hydration: Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to ensure that you are hydrated.
Regular Doctor Visits: Get a physical at least once a year. Even if you don't feel sick, it is important, especially as you get older, to get examined on a regular basis. For men who are older, it is important to regularly get screened for prostate cancer. The earlier health problems are caught, the better chance of successfully treating it. Discuss these health concerns with your doctor and set up an appropriate schedule for testing.

A health calculator can be helpful in assisting you to live a healthier life. Standardlife.ca offers a health calculator, which provides information, quizzes and articles in order to help you live a healthier, longer life. Improving your health can also mean better life insurance rates.