COLUMBUS, Ga., Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --Aflac, the number one provider of supplemental insurance in the United States, providing a safety net for employees and businesses across the nation, announced the launch of its latest television ad, "Boat" starring the iconic Aflac Duck. The new ad, which is the 54th commercial featuring the admired spokesduck, delivers a strong message about how Aflac can help you stay afloat when you are sick or ill by helping plug the holes in your insurance coverage.

"This new commercial shows policyholders what our policies can do for them," Aflac Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Michael Zuna said. "No insurance covers everything. It can leave holes that consumers need to fill to help keep their finances above water when unexpected health problems occur. Aflac helps fill those holes."

In "Boat", the Aflac Duck is enjoying a day on the pond with two gentlemen in a rowboat. When the discussion turns to insurance and finances, with one man asking if major medical is enough, the boat suddenly springs a leak, then another and another. Exhausting all of his wings and feet to plug the leaks, finally the Aflac Duck saves the day with his beak, plugging all of the holes and keeping the boat afloat. The commercial ends with the Aflac Duck squawking his familiar "Aflaaaac," with his beak underwater, propelling the boat to safety.

"Boat" was launched Wednesday, January 18th on selected cable outlets with a national broadcast release scheduled for February 6th. "Boat" was created by the Kaplan Thaler Group, part of the Publicis family. Click here to view the new ad online.

ABOUT AFLAC

When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For more than 55 years, Aflac insurance policies have helped provide a safety net and given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance. In Japan, Aflac is the number one life insurance company in terms of individual policies in force. Aflac insurance products provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For five consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies and by Forbes magazine as one of America's Best-Managed Companies in the Insurance category. In 2012, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the 14th consecutive year. Also, Fortune magazine included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies for the 10th time in 2011. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com or aflacenespanol.com.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100423/CL92305LOGO )

SOURCE Aflac