This is the True Story of how Income Protection cover
helped save my life!
This is my story but it is not unique – certainly the condition I suffered from is not common, however many people have similar stories to tell.
In the telling of it, I’ve tried to leave out the dramatic. My hope is that this account will give the reader an idea of just how, with a little planning and a little fore thought, we can ensure that if things do go wrong in our lives, we’ll be able to genuinely cope – at least financially, which will help us meet the challenges of our condition.
My experience taught me very quickly that illness can and does generate enormous anxiety and uncertainty. It makes real sense that if we’re not able to cope financially when illness and injury happen, then we limit our chances of a successful outcome.
So here goes…
In 2005 I was an extremely fit 45 year old. Like most of us I never imagined that anything was ever going to happen to me – indeed I never really gave it a thought. I was running most days and was in good physical shape. Life was pretty good and I’ve always had an optimistic outlook on life. Nothing-unusual there.
Life changed for me most abruptly when after putting up with a pain in my gut for several weeks I was diagnosed with the condition known as Duodenal Atresia. I had know real idea of what this condition was or how I might be affected, but was forced to confront the reality of the situation when I was told that I would be extremely lucky to “get out of the woods”.
At this moment my thoughts were that this is the sort of thing that happens to others, which of course is natural, but completely irrational. It’s a fact that thousands of people get sick or suffer a major trauma every year in New Zealand and I was simply one of them.
Over the next four years I required four major surgeries – all of which where life threatening. I spent many months in hospital – some of which was spent in the Intensive Care and Critical Care units of Auckland Hospital. Over three and a half years I was connected to a machine for twelve hours a day via a tube in my chest. This enabled me to receive the nutrition I required to keep me alive. And frankly it was hellish.
It’s widely known that New Zealand’s Public Health System is amongst the best in the world – if not the best, and the care I received in Auckland Hospital was outstanding.
It’s fair to say however that when one is ill, medical care is only one part of the equation. If we are not able to work and enjoy a continuing income then life can change dramatically and very quickly. The financial impact of illness and injury puts enormous strain on families and relationships, often to breaking point.
I was lucky in that some years ago an insurance broker had suggested that protecting my income was a smart idea. I can remember thinking this over for a day or two. Certainly I agreed that it was prudent thing to do but wondered if I really needed it. Well, that’s what insurance is all about I figured. Thank goodness I took his advice.
My Income Protection Insurance kicked in almost immediately. What a palpable relief!!
And that’s my story – almost.
Like many people who get sick, there are no guarantees that I won’t become unwell again. I still have my Income Protection plan in place and know that if I do get sick again I’ll be OK financially.
My experience and the experiences of others I’ve met encourage me to urge everyone to think carefully about this aspect of their lives. It’s a truism that you never know when you might need it – but one thing’s for certain, if you’re not able to work as a consequence of a major trauma or illness, you’ll be mightily relieved and grateful that someone suggested you make income protection part of your financial strategy.
As an Insurance Broker the focus of my business is now very much about making sure that irrespective of what might happen to you in the future, you and your family will be well taken care of.