(NewsUSA) - Scam insurance is not new - criminals have been selling fraudulent policies since health insurance came into being. But with today's skyrocketing health care costs, more consumers are seeking affordable access to quality care, which provides scam artists with fertile hunting grounds.

By Katherine Ly

Mistake #1
Don’t forget to update the beneficiaries on your life insurance policies regularly.  Update it every few years or when there’s a major life event such as marriage, divorce, new babies, death of beneficiary, etc.  I hear sad stories all the time from people who’s husband, father, or wife forgot to update the beneficiary on their policy.  Instead of the deceased’s family getting the money it’s some ex-wife, ex-husband, cousin, distant relative, ex-girlfriend and the current family and kids are left penniless.  That’s tragic.

by Rachel Lane

Critical illness insurance:

Critical illness insurance will cover you in the event of a serious illness such as cancer, coronary artery by-pass surgery, heart attack, kidney failure, major organ transplant, multiple sclerosis and stroke. Additional conditions covered by this insurance can include aorta graft surgery, benign brain tumour, blindness, coma, deafness, heart valve replacement or repair, loss of limbs, loss of speech, motor neurone disease, paralysis/paraplegia, Parkinson’s disease, terminal illness and third degree burns. Not all insurance companies will necessarily cover all of these illnesses, whilst some insurance companies will cover more; it is always worth reading the terms and conditions before you sign anything.

Boca Raton, Fl -- Did you know when parents add their teens to their car insurance policies, premiums can jump from 100 percent to 355 percent even if the teen is driving the family minivan?

There are several different ways to get lower premiums for your teenagers. Many insurance companies offer online tutorials that teenagers can take and if passed, companies will offer substantial discounts. For example, State Farm has an online tutorial called “Steer Clear” and if the new driver passes it, State Farm will give up to a 15 percent discount to first time drivers. Many other insurance companies have similar online programs that offer discounts for teens. Esurance, an online car insurance company, gives discounts every six months for clean driving records. Yes, a clean driving record means no speeding tickets.

Many things factor in with getting a cost effective life insurance quote and policy. It is wise to take some time out and do some important research first. With online access, it is much easier today than it used to be. There are many affordable life insurance offers on the Internet that would greatly benefit the beneficiaries we love. Taking the time out to educate yourself can be well worth your while.