
<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1






               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (No. 33-56656, No. 33-56544, No. 33-55230, No. 33-84506,
No. 33-84508 and No. 33-95598) of John Alden Financial Corporation of our report
dated March 20, 1998 appearing on page F-2 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1997.



/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
------------------------

PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

Miami, Florida
March 20, 1998


