The events described in each case study are based on similar claims. To respect the privacy of each individual their detail like names, age etc have been amended.

Case Study #1
Bob
Auto technician who underwent angioplasty

In March, Bob was rushed to the hospital due to severe chest pain. He had to undergo an angioplasty (surgery that restores normal blood flow through a clogged artery), but continued to have ongoing pain despite his treatment. Normally, Bob could have expected to be back at work within weeks following his surgery, but because of complications, his recovery was not as quick as he’d hoped. Ten months following the initial event, Bob was still unwell and deemed unlikely to be able to return to his career as an auto technician in the near future. His Income Protection Cover provided him with a regular income while underwent further tests and treatments.

The benefit Bob received from his Income protection alleviated the financial stress caused by his illness, and enabled him to focus on his health and recovery.

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Case Study #2
Annie
Design Engineer diagnosed with bowel cancer

In August, an examination by Annie’s doctor noted hemorrhoids and referred her to a specialist for surgical intervention. Annie visited the specialist in early April and was required to undergo a sigmoidoscopy as part of her examination to check for tumours. The specialist noted what he believed to be a small rectal carcinoma. Having no medical history of this condition and given that Annie was only 34 years old, the diagnosis came as a huge shock. Action was needed immediately to treat her condition. Annie had tests the following week which confirmed that she had bowel cancer.

She underwent major surgery in mid-May and the procedure went well. Due to the nature of the cancer, Annie needed to undergo further surgery, and over the next 12 months, she will be required to have many follow-up consultations to ensure that the cancer has not returned. When Annie took out her Health Cover policy, she opted to have the Optional Specialists Visit and Diagnostic Procedures Benefit with no policy excess. The Insurance Company has so far paid approximately $43,000 directly to the medical providers involved with the treatment of Annie’s cancer, and she has not had to contribute financially towards any of these costs herself.

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Case Study #3
John
Self-employed Accountant suffering from anxiety and depression

In March, John filed a claim for Income Protection as he was suffering from anxiety and depression due to a work place incident. He went to see a psychiatrist and his GAF (Global Assessment Function) score was diagnosed around 55; a normal person scores usually 75 to 90. Under his psychiatrist’s recommendations, John began to take medication and started sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy. However, his psychiatrist became unwell himself, and John was left on his own for some months with his condition deteriorating.

John and his wife relocated to Tauranga as they felt a change of pace would benefit John’s health. However, there were very few mental health treatment providers in Tauranga at the time. After some enquiries, John obtained a referral to a nearby clinical psychologist. His latest GAF score was staggeringly low – around 35 and he was significantly disabled, even suicidal at times. An urgent assessment with a psychiatrist was recommended. The closest practices were in Auckland, so John was flown there to have a full assessment done, the costs of which were covered by his Income Protection through his Insurance Company. The outcome was that his medication needed to be completely changed, and that he needed to continue with sessions with the clinical psychologist in Tauranga.

After several weeks following his change in medication and continued counseling sessions, John’s mood improved dramatically, and his GAF score was up to around 65. He began a return to work programme shortly afterwards and was back at work full-time 6 months afterwards.

Being off work during this period of time really would have a huge blow financially to John and his family. But fortunately the Income protection insurance provided John with a regular source of income. This was one less thing to worry about during his treatment.

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For further information please contact
Oliver Pereira – OPM Insurance Services Limited
Ph: 0800 66 77 92, Mob: 021 66 77 92
Email: oliver.pereira@xtra.co.nz