Cancer, Coverage & Courage

A life lesson on the importance of insurance

It began with ordinary discomfort in my stomach, a minor complaint most of us would dismiss on any given day. But this was not just a fleeting pain. This was something far graver – Stage 3 Bowel Cancer.

Life, as I knew it, was abruptly catapulted into an unnerving realm of medical therapies, uncertainties, and emotional upheaval. Yet, two indispensable lifelines sustained me and my family during these turbulent times: the unwavering emotional fortress provided by my loved ones, and a discussion about a contingency plan that I’d had with my business partner (and financial adviser), Tyson a few years earlier.

I was sceptical about insurance. While I’m not ignorant enough to think “nothing will ever happen to me”, the odds of good health were considerably in my favour – I am under 40, have always been extremely fit, eat well, have strong genes, and am a social drinker at best.

Fortunately, after some consideration, I made the decision to implement critical illness insurance, income protection, and life insurance at the cost of less than 2% of my annual salary.

It was only when I was caught in the grip of my health crisis that I realised the profound significance of it. While others in a similar situation are forced to use their future savings, rely on the generosity of friends, sell their family home, or compromise how they want their kids to be raised, my safety net kicked in.

While it would be misleading to say I didn’t have any concerns left, I was able to spend more time getting better, and more time with my wife Sam and our four kids. We were even able to continue our pre-cancer goal of moving into our new dream home.

While insurance is a good lesson out of this, there has been an even better one.

This strenuous encounter with cancer has been an educational journey. Amongst the lessons I have learnt is the impermanence of life and the vital role health plays. If something feels amiss, don’t hesitate to pursue medical help until you find answers. Be the champion of your own health.

I have come to cherish simple joys and delight in the ordinary. I now understand the urgency of seizing opportunities and cultivating dreams without procrastination. Whether it is revelling in the company of dear ones, carving work milestones, or undertaking physical challenges, life is meant to be savoured fervently and immediately.

Bowel cancer is a potent threat to health, its frequency alarmingly increasing, particularly in younger adults. Awareness about symptoms and early screening is a critical weapon in our arsenal against this malady. So, if you are offered a bowel cancer screening test, do it.

The wellspring of love and support from those around me has been my stronghold during this ordeal. At work, I’ve found my stride again, with a big thanks to my colleague, Sam Higgins, who kept the fort during my absence.

This voyage has been transformative. It has underlined the worth of health and the necessity of being prepared for financial pitfalls. I share my story with a hope to heighten awareness around bowel cancer and to encourage others to invest in their health and financial security.

As I look to the future, I am filled with optimism and resolve. Remember, life may be unpredictable, but with the right preparation and a supportive network, we can stand up to whatever life throws at us.