One of our clients was diagnosed with breast cancer – an illness that many South African women must deal with sadly. She shares her story with us and how her severe illness cover benefitted her financially during this journey.
In 2017, Ms X age 50, was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer during her annual mammogram examination. Her oncologist recommended undergoing a lumpectomy procedure before considering a double mastectomy. Her treatment over the course of the next few months consisted of the following:
- Lumpectomy procedure
- 25 consecutive radiation sessions
- Regular following ups with the oncologist
- Numerous sessions with a therapist
Thankfully, the treatment was successful. As a result, Ms X is still required to undergo a mammogram and a CT scan every 6 months to monitor any new signs of breast cancer. Even though her medical aid and gap cover covered all her medical-related expenses, there are numerous additional factors and expenses to consider when one has to undergo treatment for such a critical illness:
- Time off work for radiation and therapy sessions after all sick leave has been depleted;
- Financial expenses related to family visiting from far to support and assist the individual during her time of need;
- Travel expenses for doctor and specialist visits;
- Take home medication for additional conditions that arise as a result of the treatment or disease: for example sleeping tablets, anti-depressants etc.
Ms X had the following policies in place to support her financially in terms of these additional expenses:
- Liberty severe illness cover: R1.1 m cover
- Group scheme trauma benefit: R200 000
Total monthly premium: R 550.00
The severe illness policy paid out 100% of the R1.1 m and the trauma benefit paid out 25% which amounted to R50 000.
This real-life story illustrates how a policy such as a severe illness policy can aid you when experienced with an unimaginable critical illness. In Ms X’s case, she did not have to be diagnosed with the worst-case scenario outcome, such as stage 4 breast cancer, in order for her policy to pay out her claim. If you have a similar policy in place or if you are considering one, make sure of the fine print and exclusions on your policy to ensure that it will cover you when the unthinkable happens.