The American Association for Critical Illness Insurance is offering free membership throughout 2011 for insurance and financial professionals who want to learn more about selling critical illness products.

According to a recent MetLife study, experiencing a critical illness, such as cancer, a heart attack or stroke, can reduce a family's income by more than $12,000 in the first year alone – even with medical coverage in place – primarily due to the inability to work.

"We plan to educate 10,000 insurance professionals during the year and to significantly jumpstart product awareness and ultimately sales," said AACII Executive Director Jesse Slome. "Every agent or broker who has clients in their 30s or 40s will benefit by understanding how simple it is to offer and sell this highly affordable form of protection."