Americans are occasionally a little too optimistic.

For example, the 2011 Aflac WorkForces Report conducted byHarris Interactive —a recent survey of more than 2,000 benefitsdecision-makers and more than 4,000 U.S. workers— found that 13percent of workers believe it's likely that they or afamily member will experience a serious illness, such as heartdisease or cancer, in the future.

But this is one time where a little less optimism shouldprevail. The truth is that unexpected medical emergencies canhappen to anyone.

Even though people far underestimate the odds of experiencing aserious or chronic illness, most American workers say financialconsiderations would be the first thing on their minds if they or afamily member became seriously ill. According to the Aflac study,40 percent of workers say they are most concerned with thecoverage their insurance provides, and 34 percent wonder how aserious illness would affect their ability to pay monthlyexpenses.

More than half (51 percent) of workers say they aren'tprepared to pay out-of-pocket expenses not covered by majormedical/health insurance related to an unexpected illness oraccident.

Employee health is of utmost importance and I’m concerned aboutthe high potential of workers’ financial instability in light of amedical emergency. My concern also extends to my fellow HRcolleagues who may have to contend with an unsatisfied or underprotected workforce as a result of the limited benefit optionsavailable to them.

Agents and brokers should advise benefits decision-makers thatvoluntary insurance policies, such as short-term disability andcritical illness, help individuals pay bills that major medicalinsurance is not designed to cover. Voluntary benefits—acost-effective supplement to core benefits—allow employers to offercompetitive benefits packages at no direct cost to their companywhile providing a financial safety net to employees.

Just like accidents, serious illnesses happen and major medicaldoesn’t always cover all the costs. Consumers need to plan forunexpected health events in the same way they plan for life eventslike retirement and the cost of children’s higher educationexpenses.