JANUARY 24, 2005 - 09:30 ET

HORIZON PLANNING GROUP INC.

Horizon Planning Group Inc.: New Insurance Helps Canadians Prepare for Critical Illness and Long Term Care

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(CCNMatthews - Jan. 24, 2005) - "Today's baby boomers are among the most influential and knowledgeable consumers, yet incredibly they are not prepared to deal with the often devastating effects of an acute or chronic illness" says Kyle Dunn, CEO of Horizon Planning Group Inc. of Victoria, B.C., Canada.

Horizon Planning Group Inc. launched today the marketing of a ground-breaking and very innovative critical illness insurance plan that can ease the financial strain for Canadians that have survived a major illness.

This insurance is a hybrid of a comprehensive critical illness insurance plan and the best long term care insurance policy. This new insurance plan was developed in Canada by MEGACORP Insurance Agencies Inc. is set to turn the insurance world on its ear. Called "LifeBeat", it is the only insurance plan in Canada that offers the dual coverage of both acute and chronic conditions.

Richard Gilbert, President of MEGACORP Insurance Agencies Inc. of Mississauga, Ontario, pioneered critical illness insurance in Canada by introducing "LifeCheque" in 1994. Richard (Dick) Gilbert has been successful in the development and designing of many other innovative insurance plans for the Canadian market.

"This new critical illness insurance and long term care policy (LifeBeat) is the best plan available for Canadians today to help protect their quality of life by reducing financial stress and preventing asset erosion after a major illness." Mr. Gilbert said.

Before age 70, LifeBeat provides a lump sum, tax-free benefit thirty (30) days after initial diagnosis for most of the covered conditions - regardless of severity, degree of disability or ability to work by the patient. After age 70, LifeBeat is the only insurance product on the market today that converts automatically to long-term care coverage, which consists of a guaranteed monthly income.

"You have to ask yourself: What would happen if I was diagnosed tomorrow with cancer? Would my family, my business and my lifestyle be compromised? Am I ready if this happens?" Mr. Dunn said, "For most people, sadly, the answer is 'No'."

The statistics cannot be ignored. One in every three Canadians will suffer a potentially life threatening critical illness of some kind between the ages of 35 and 65. Many people who survive critical illnesses, such as heart attacks, cancer or a stroke, lose their homes or jobs, or suffer a decline in their quality of life. The loss of income and the costs involved in treatment can leave people in a financial crisis. Seniors who find themselves unable to live independently in their homes often need Long Term Care housing. Most, however, cannot afford to pay for the care they need.

"It only takes one major illness to possibly completely erode a lifetime of savings. Traditional life and or disability insurance plans do not help when you are in need of immediate financial assistance to cover additional health related expenses." Mr. Dunn said.

LifeBeat coverage is provided by AXA Assurances Inc., a member of the AXA Group, a world leader in financial protection. AXA was ranked #1 in terms of profits as a percentage of revenues in Fortune Magazine's 2004 Global 500 ranking of the Insurance, Life and Health industry. AXA was ranked the world's 13th largest company by revenue in the Global 2003 report of the world's largest corporations.

Critical illness plans were first developed by a heart surgeon Dr. Marius Barnard from South Africa. Dr. Barnard saw a need to provide "living" insurance plans to survivors of major illnesses. Thus was born the concept of critical illness insurance.

Horizon Planning Group Inc. is a National (excluding the Province of Quebec) Managing General Agency (MGA) for LifeBeat and all other AXA Assurances Inc. financial protection insurance products.

"There is no question the time is right for this product," Mr. Dunn said. "It is the fiduciary responsibility of insurance brokers and financial planning firms to review the health and life insurance protection now available for Canadians and in a timely manner." LifeBeat has been available in Canada since January 2004.

All LifeBeat insurance policies purchased by a Horizon Professional or Consumer Members are eligible for a group premium discount rate.

For additional product and policy information on LifeBeat, go to www.BestPlans.ca/LifeBeat and view a current Critical Illness Insurance product analysis chart. Horizon Planning Group's - Bestplans.ca goal is to be the consumer's first choice when searching for information on the best plans for their life planning solutions.

To view the Fact Sheet accompanying this press release please click on the following link: http://www2.ccnmatthews.com/database/fax/2000/hrz0122.pdf

For further information please contact:

Horizon Planning Group Inc.
Kyle Dunn, President /Founder
Toll free: 1.866.309.6711
Email: kyle@bestplans.ca
Website: www.bestplans.ca

See the CCNMatthews release