Aflac Logo
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Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: September 6th, 2024

Originally called American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, Aflac was started by three brothers, Bill, Daniel, and John Amos, in 1955 in Columbus, Georgia.

The company is publicly traded, earning ~22.3 billion dollars in revenue in 2019. Offering multiple types of insurance — including accident insurance — Aflac is a major player in the market.

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The Good

  • Wide Availability
  • Cash Payment
  • Lack of Medical Exam

Wide Availability 

Aflac’s accident insurance policies are available to individuals, not just through an employer. This widens access to supplemental insurance to many individuals who are self-employed or not able to be insured through work plans. MetLife has supplemental policies as well, but accident insurance is only available through an employer. Competitor Unum is also only available through employers.

Cash Payment

When a claim is filed and verified, the company pays individuals directly through a personal check or account direct deposit. There is no hassle as far as going through a middleman main insurance provider. Customers can choose personally how to use the claim money.  

Lack of Medical Exam

The company does not require a medical exam in order to apply for an accident protection policy. This shortens the process of onboarding, as well as reduces paperwork, time delay, and ease of getting started.

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The Bad

  • Non-Transparent Pricing
  • Lengthy Claims Process
  • Sales Calls

Non-Transparent Pricing

Aflac does not have pricing and coverage listed on their website. Customers must fill out and submit information to request a quote. Competitor Unum also does not include pricing online either.

However, other companies provide more information up front and have automated sign up, so having to go through a sales agent is a bit of a deterrent. Buddy Insurance clearly lists pricing online — $50 per person or $128 per family per month — and makes that information about sign up a lot easier to find. 

Lengthy Claims Process

Many customers have complained about lack of communication from representatives, numerous requests for paperwork (sometimes duplicates of what was already sent), and Aflac avoiding paying out for claims. Payments also can take a long time to be received.

The number of complaints has increased significantly in the last two years or so, although a cause of this increase cannot specifically be determined.

Sales Calls

Customers have also complained about receiving calls from Aflac or affiliated partners wanting to upsell products, and that this happens frequently. This is par for the course for insurance brands, as the industry is highly competitive and rates change frequently.

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The Bottom Line

Aflac is a known brand — there’s hardly a person online or who watches television, who isn’t familiar with the company.

Lesser known is that the company offers accident insurance — and that it is more widely accessible to customers independent of employment status.

Like any corporation, Aflac’s disadvantages come from bureaucratic hassles and red tape; however, its deep pockets make the company’s financial procedures a very attractive choice.

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Star Rating

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4.1

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78 Reviews

Review Breakdown

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60%

4 grade

13%

3 grade

10%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

13%

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Annie Hickey

I used Aflac disability insurance when I got sick with a brain issue. They did exactly what they said they would do. They paid cash directly to me. This allowed me to get essentials when there wasn't a paycheck coming in.

8 months ago

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Sandy Murray

They were offered as a supplemental insurance for dental coverage. I submitted a claim for reimbursement of a panoramic x-ray because I am unable to do bite-wing x-rays, and they denied my claim. On top of that, it took them over 90 days and a complaint to the Tennessee Dept. of Insurance to finally get a denial so I would know why they denied it. It seems to be a bait and switch plan - the little one page benefits guide leaves out the loop holes that are in the actual policy that you don't get until they finally send a denial. Unfortunately, Tennessee insurance code is very general so you can't call them out for bad faith. It also seems no attorney wants to handle this type of insurance claim since it is not a personal injury with lots of potential money involved.

6 months ago

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Eva Salazar Lubbock, TX

I absolutely love Aflac as they have been there for me twice while pregnant and was paid as my job only paid me for sick time I had. I have no insured all my family members for accident insurance in case anyone gets hurt. They are the best and pay fast on a claim.

1 year ago

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Gina Donofrio

Aflac is the easiest Insurance company in which to be enrolled. The Agents are friendly, and has a vast of knowledge. When I was injured, without question a check was hand delivered to me the next day. There really isn't anything I didn't like a out Aflac. It's a great company.

2 years ago

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dc El Centro, CA

The clients are treated with fairness, compassion, and professionalism. Timeliness is essential in all facets of life, they are cognizant of the fact that time is irreversible and treat clients accordingly. They are helpful and readily choose to apply the most beneficial plans to the client

2 years ago

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Robert Mott

This came in handy when I broke my leg on my ATV. It helped with my bills and being off work. It was not only a life saver for me but my entire family. The customer service people I dealt with were helpful and compassionate. They knew their job and it was huge relief to have that service.

2 years ago Edited April 20, 2022

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Mario Martin Houston, TX

I signed up for Aflac in August of 2012 without actually giving it much thought. Later that same year in November I had an accident that required me to have knee surgery. My insurance covered my medical and I did have supplemental short term insurance that helped with other expenses. However, the real value of Aflac was what made the biggest difference. Without realizing and/or understanding exactly what Aflac value was, I can honestly say that without Aflac the 3 1/2 months off work would have been a greater inconvenience for me and my family.

2 years ago

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Maria Fernandez Arguello

Excellent company. I had accident insurance many year with them and I was very satisfied With them.

3 months ago

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Corryn Moore Richmond, VA

My husband just signed us up for this after he saw a coworker not be prepared when he was unexpectedly out of work for several weeks. He had someone come to his work, explain it all, got us signed up, and activated the same day. It's a great deal to prepare for the unexpected. Hope we don't need to use it, but it's great affordable coverage if we ever do.

2 years ago

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Zayden Dumas

I've had aflac for over 15 years and tried to make a claim, after 2 months of phone calls and being put on hold and having calls dropped they sent me paperwork to file a claim, When I called about verifying previous wages. I was told that aflac can not be used if you are currently unemployed or looking for work, even if your account is up to date. When I mentioned I wanted to talk to a manager to cancel my account I was hung up on

6 months ago

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Otis Adkins Hazard, KY

We have Aflac at the place my wife works and it is worth it helps coverage on the insurance doesn’t cover and cover accidents perfect if u have kids that plays sports they will be times u use it with er trips

1 year ago

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Reb R

I’ve had Aflac for about 15 years. I’ve tried to make claims several times. Every time there has been a problem with the way the doctor fills out the info & it’s denied. It’s also kind of awkward to have to bro g the paperwork to my employer to fill out, it feels like a violation of privacy.

1 year ago

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TC B Florissant, CO

I can't think of 1 person who has every said anything negative about AFLAC. AFLAC is a very affordable insurance coverage for emergencies, it is super easy to process a claim, and customer service is TOP NOTCH!

1 year ago

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Peter Land O' Lakes, FL

Very average in regards to customer service and pricing. Live agents were usually available but sometimes it could be a 30 minute wait or I have to wait for a callback that took 24 hours. Once I spoke to someone live, they were very cordial and efficient and knowledgeable, but I didn’t feel they could compete with my current insurance company chose not to go that route.

1 year ago

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Anna Meadville, PA

Aflac is a really wonderful company. The pay me to stay healthy with Wellness Benefits and help me in the event I shoud get hurt. i am truely glad i have additional insurance from Aflac.

1 year ago

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jamee emens Scottsdale, AZ

I have had Aflac for 16 years. I think the insurance offerings are comprehensive and competitively priced. I think their insurance reps are flakey. Our first Aflac rep was great. We had him for five years. When he left Aflac, we have years with no rep, reps that won't return phone calls, and reps that leave Aflac and try to take us with them. The claim process with Aflac is easy and the payment is prompt.

2 years ago

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Excellent Plumber Service Rex, GA

I love Aflac because it helps me pay my medical bills with services not covered by my insurance company. They are reliable with easy online claim filing. Great insurance plans.

2 years ago

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sasha robinson Fort Wayne, IN

I got introduced to Aflac through a job and the benefits are amazing. They pay you to go to the doctor for the whole family. I learned that they also do rebursment on payments as well.

2 years ago

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Chad Edgar Halifax, VA

I've had a aflac as long as I can remember I love the little Aflac duck customer service is very calm and ready to deal with the situation at hand which is always good in an emergency

2 years ago Edited March 1, 2022

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Anoushka Ahuja Orlando, FL

I was offered Aflac at work, the rep was very informed and answered all the questions with about if patience. Done if my colleagues were able to use the benefits and they told me that it was quick and painless

2 years ago

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Tx Mike Columbus, TX

If you are the type of person that saves all your grocery store and gas receipts and keeps them in a file in chronological order that you review and tabulate on a weekly basis, then AFLAC just might be the insurance company for you. While they promise great things about how you can save all this money and make a small fortune getting paid to go to the doctor for a hangnail, the reality is that the claims process is tedious and very time consuming for little reward. Not to mention, the insurance itself is expensive for the payout you receive. There are no free lunches out there and if you think your going to get one with AFLAC it will be the most expensive PB&J you ever bought!

3 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Tammie Newsome Milledgeville, GA

When a accident occurs and your unable to work you need a sting company behind you. I did not think I could afford extra insurance but the premiums are not bad at all. With all the types of policy everyone is covered for anything.

3 years ago

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Wendy W Collinsville, IL

Prices seem okay but when it comes to filing a claim they make it hard to do so. I was injured April 25, 21 and still haven't seen a penny. I keep sending in paperwork and signing consents and still they keep asking for more information. I'm also filling for short term disability for having surgery due to the accident and have been told it may not be classified as an injury and I may not get paid for it right away. If I had known it was going to be a fight to get paid I never would have purchased their insurance. Customer service is very sympathetic and understanding but can'r really help as "another department" that you can't speak to determines what is needed and if it meets the criteria of "an accident" or "illness" under their guidelines that are not identified in the policy paperwork they give you.

3 years ago

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Veronica Rusnak Milwaukee, WI

I've been battling AFLAC for the past 9 weeks following my total knee replacement surgery. I've had a policy for close to 8 years and have never had this issue before. Part of the Hospital Indemnity benefits include surgical benefits. After 9 weeks of trying to get this benefit paid, FINALLLY they notify me that they (claimed) they changed the policy back in March (this is October-November-December) and removed this benefit. I recieved no such notification. I especially like how they put off answering my requests for the past 9 weeks (where i spent an hour on the phone weekly because nobody follows up on their claims to "escalate to a supervisor" -- No I had to call weekly to get a status) until after OPEN ENROLLEMENT is closed. I want to cancel this policy but I'm worried that since open enrollment is closed I'm stuck having my paychecks deducted to the tune of $300/month to go to these crooks. If your employer offers AFLAC, RUN RUN RUN! They used to be great; now they're slimy crooks. Avoid AFLAC like the plague. (because if you get the plague and try to claim it on your "critical illness policy" chances are they'll find a way not to pay your claim.

11 months ago

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Teresa Bills Little Rock, AR

Wonderful I broke my ankle a couple of years ago and couldn't work for 3 weeks. Aflac helped when I needed it. Aflac is something I don't want to be without

1 year ago

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J Adams Charlotte, NC

I have been an Aflac customer for years. It is comforting knowing if I get injured there will be some extra cash flow to cover expenses. And they also pay a small stipend for a preventative doctor visit once a year.

1 year ago

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Joseph Faenza Ashland, PA

Aflac is a great option to cover some of the expenses you incur when you have to miss work due to an injury. The little extra you get back goes a long way towards medical expenses.

1 year ago

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Rebecca Tucker Fresno, CA

Just got first quote for my office staff. Looking forward to a potential partnership. They have been very responsive to my questions regarding coverage and costs.

1 year ago Edited July 19, 2023

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Joseph Tempe, AZ

Aflac is a quality auto insurance company, prices are good and service is friendly. Filing a claim for accidents with Aflac is very easy and customer service is top notch

1 year ago Edited June 12, 2023

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Bridget Walker Bay Saint Louis, MS

Aflac has the best insurance prices in the world. Everything in my life is insured through them. They keep me and my family insured. I couldnt ask for a better insurance.

2 years ago

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letsgogreen12 Macomb, MI

Honestly, I became an Aflac customer because I have always enjoyed the commercials on television. Since having Aflac, I have been satisfied with friendly customer service representatives and quick updates within my policy.

2 years ago

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WastedTalent Binghamton, NY

At first, Aflac had no problems paying out when I went into the hospital for emergency surgery and miss a few weeks of work. A couple of years later, they refused to pay out after I had to have a knee operation. My job terminated me the day before my surgery (company was moving and I wasn't commuting 70 miles) and Aflac wouldn't pay me, even though I was paid up with them.

3 years ago

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Tina Brandon Norman Park, GA

AFLAC is a very good supplemental insurance to have and my premiums were very reasonable. The worst part was that I had the plan through my job and when I left my job, I lost the insurance.

3 years ago

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K.M. P. Charlotte, NC

Absolutely love this company. They supplement our accident coverage through our auto insurance help out with appointments aftercare from an accident where the person didn't have insurance.

3 years ago Edited September 22, 2021

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Tiffany I Gaithersburg, MD

Aflac is amazing at what they cover. My work offers Aflac and I elected for long term coverage. I haven’t needed to use it fortunately; however, a colleague had an accident, filed her claim, and was quickly paid

3 years ago

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Caroline Dulin

They have great customer service and help support me where I need it the most :)

6 months ago

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Christine Ramos Kingston, GA

Glad to have Aflac just in case. I like the little perk of receiving a $75 credit just for visiting my doctor's for preventative care.

1 year ago

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J G Phoenix, AZ

My company doesnt offer health Ins. Aflac has helped me save money and paid me for going to the doctor. They even pay you if you miss work.

1 year ago

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Don Thigpen Kansas City, MO

I had it but it was complicated from my vantage point. On the positive, I'm going to try them again just to give them the benefit of the doubt. I do believe they are an honest company.

1 year ago Edited February 10, 2023

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Jlf New York, NY

Really came through when I needed them well worth the money always a professional and knowledgeable person waiting to help wonderful customer support

1 year ago Edited January 24, 2023

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Party0f7 Macomb, MI

Aflac is an affordable insurance with great customer service representatives. I feel confident with my insurance plan and coverage in the event of needing assistance.

2 years ago

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Ben Hayward, CA

I've had aflac for 25 years and the premium levels for everything they cover it's the best when it comes to claims fast response and never have let me down..

3 years ago

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Marc Tucson, AZ

The customer service and response times are great. I have not had to use my Aflac insurance thankfully, but I love knowing I have them if I ever need them.

3 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Robert Horn II Pahrump, NV

Aflac is a reputable insurance company with a good reputation for customer service. They have a wide variety of policys.

1 year ago

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michele fortenberry Franklinton, LA

I’m glad that I purchased this insurance!!! It really helps with paying for hospital bills when the insurance companies don’t pay for everything!

1 year ago

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Carlos Agosto

I have Aflac cancer plan I kneed because my mother suffer cancer and I protect in a future is I got cancer and the treatment is soo expensive !

1 year ago

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Tabitha Pettiway Smithfield, NC

I love this because it give me a peace of mind when I am in the hospital and I don’t have to worry about my expenses

2 years ago

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Shopman Herriman, UT

Having accident insurance brings our family a lot of peace of mind. The premiums are small. The big key is knowing what your policy actually covers.

2 years ago

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Paula Barber Melbourne, FL

We were offered Aflac as a supplemental insurance when I was working. I always added it. It was great for getting yearly exams and accidents.

2 years ago

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Ellie Giardino Tallahassee, FL

I love Aflac. Sometimes there are injuries that are not planned, but with Aflac you can always be prepared. I also love the commercials.

3 years ago