MET Adds Cancer Support Benefit to Upgrade Critical Illness Plan

MetLife, Inc. MET recently enhanced its Critical Illness Insurance offering by launching a Cancer Support benefit in collaboration with Private Health Management. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, employees covered under MET’s Critical Illness Insurance for cancer will gain access to the new benefit.This expanded offering provides access to leading oncology experts, technology-driven and expert-led care coordination, and patient counseling. In partnership with MetLife, Private Health Management’s experienced team will provide policyholders with personalized guidance, helping them manage the complexities of cancer treatment and recovery.Employers using these services have reported strong results, including a reduction in average case costs, fewer unnecessary treatments and patients receiving corrected diagnoses. Additionally, many benefited from modified treatment plans for optimal care, while survival rates for late-stage cancers improved significantly.The recent initiative seems to be a time-opportune one in the wake of rising cancer cases among Americans. The disease remains a widespread health challenge that creates both emotional and financial strain for those affected. Beyond the physical impact, it remains one of the most costly and complex conditions to treat, with expenses that continue to place a heavy burden on patients and their families.Benefits of the Recent Move to MetLifeMoves similar to the latest one reinforce MetLife’s sincere efforts to bolster its Group Benefits business. The beneficial nature of the new cancer benefit may increase the chances of more people opting for the Critical Illness Insurance plan and therefore, fetch higher premiums for the insurer. Premiums in the Group Benefits segment advanced 2.2% year over year in the first half of 2025. Within this unit, critical illness insurance is offered as part of Accident & Health Insurance products. In addition to this, the segment also provides life insurance, dental coverage, short and long-term disability, paid family and medical leave, individual disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and vision plans. MetLife resorts to product launches, acquisitions and partnerships to bolster its capabilities and strengthen its nationwide presence.MET’s Share Price Performance & Zacks RankShares of MetLife have gained 2.3% in the past three months compared with the industry’s growth of 1.1%. MET currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchStocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked stocks in the insurance space are Assurant, Inc. AIZ, Horace Mann Educators Corporation HMN and Primerica, Inc. PRI. While Assurant sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Horace Mann and Primerica carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Assurant’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the last four quarters, the average being 18.88%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AIZ’s 2025 earnings indicates an improvement of 5.8% from the year-ago reported figure, while the same for revenues implies growth of 5.7%. The consensus mark for AIZ’s 2025 earnings has moved north by 7.6% in the past 30 days. The bottom line of Horace Mann outpaced earnings estimates in three of the last four quarters and matched the mark once, the average surprise being 39.75%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HMN’s 2025 earnings indicates an improvement of 32.4% from the year-ago reported figure, while the same for revenues implies growth of 5.8%. The consensus estimate for HMN’s 2025 earnings has been revised upward by 5.5% in the past 30 days. Primerica’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the last four quarters, the average being 7.72%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PRI’s 2025 earnings indicates an improvement of 8.1% from the year-ago reported figure, while the same for revenues implies growth of 6.2%. The consensus mark for PRI’s 2025 earnings has moved north by 2.3% in the past 30 days. Shares of Assurant, Horace Mann and Primerica have gained 4.1%, 5.1% and 0.6%, respectively, in the past three months. #1 Semiconductor Stock to Buy (Not NVDA)The incredible demand for data is fueling the market's next digital gold rush. As data centers continue to be built and constantly upgraded, the companies that provide the hardware for these behemoths will become the NVIDIAs of tomorrow.One under-the-radar chipmaker is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. It specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.See This Stock Now for Free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report MetLife, Inc. (MET): Free Stock Analysis Report Assurant, Inc. (AIZ): Free Stock Analysis Report Primerica, Inc. (PRI): Free Stock Analysis Report Horace Mann Educators Corporation (HMN): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks