Financial Protection When You Need It Most

I have written many articles lately on the topic of Critical Illnesses. The main reason why I have done so is the fact that it has hit home very close to me, and I want to ensure all of you financially prepare yourself if this does happen to you or a loved one. Last summer, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Right around that time when her doctor recommended that her children be tested is when my younger sister got checked out and found out that she also had breast cancer. Two weeks later to be exact. My younger sister had just given birth to a new baby boy. So, to say her plate was full would be an understatement.

Did they have Critical Illness coverage? No, they didn't. As her brother and Advisor, had we gone through the necessary needs analysis to that point yet? No. We always planned on getting coverage in place once the baby was born, but all of this happened so fast that we never did find the time to get to it. It was too late to do so, and the financial consequences did affect them.

Her course of treatment was surgery to start to remove the cancer, then 6 sessions of Chemo, followed by 25 radiation sessions. Her Chemo as well as radiation had to be administered in Regina; therefore, there was a regular trip from Moose Jaw to Regina. Anyone that knows of someone that has dealt with Chemo knows that they are not driving themselves to the hospital to have it administered. Who drives you? Well usually a loved one. In my sister's case, it was her mother (yes, the same one who just finished her own radiation sessions for her cancer) as well as her husband. Her husband had to take time off work to do this, which hurt their income substantially. His group disability coverage at his employment only covers if he is injured or sick, so this was not an option for him to obtain income from. With help from the community, they were able to fundraise money to offset some of their costs. So, the love and support of many friends, family and community members went a long way, but still there were expenses that they were left to them personally.

This is not the only story of someone affected by a Critical Illness. This happens everyday to many individuals. I am sure you know of someone that this has affected in some way. So, my question is this: If you don't have coverage to protect you and your family for an illness such as cancer, heart attack, stroke etc, then, why don't you? Is it cost? Is it finding the time to sit down and go through the process? Is it the unknown of what the product is all about? Is it that you need someone to push you to decide? Is it that you think you will be fine if it happens to you, or even worse, that it won't happen to you? Look, my sister is 34 years old and I am sure she never thought this would happen to her, but it did — and could happen to any of us.

So, let's take the steps to financially prepare ourselves in the event that it does. It starts with one call to me to inquire about this type of coverage. I would be more than happy to educate you on obtaining coverage and ensuring the price fits any budget out there so that you do not have to worry about your finances and you can focus on your recovery.

Just to note, my little sis has officially 2 more radiation sessions left in her process and is feeling good. I am very proud of her — as well as my mother and brother-in-law — for all they have endured and the strength they have showed in handling it, and am looking forward to seeing them put this all behind them.

If you would like additional information on this valuable coverage, please don't hesitate to contact me.

-Russ MacDonald
Heritage Insurance Ltd.
(306) 631-9738