Hi …I’d first like to say how beneficial supportive and interesting the many contributions are on this forum.
I found the forum earlier this year when I was having investigations that lead to a diagnosis of Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma. It is five weeks today since my last chemo treatment - I have my PET-CT scan booked for next Monday, bloods and then fingers crossed, my last consultation on the phone the following week.
Blessed and lucky is how I feel. The hardest part for me this year - my 17 year old son not with me every other weekend and half of all holidays - thank god for FaceTime!
Anyway - life insurance; it will only be considered by a few of the larger insurers, and this would be best understood by using a regulated adviser who has access to ‘under-writing’ help lines. A rating/loading to standard premium rates is inevitable if terms are even offered. Gaining cover can often be very difficult when applicants have suffered from heart disease, cancers or strokes, and survived, and subsequently been advised they have no more of a risk to their life expectancy than someone who hasn’t suffered and recovered from the same.
Every individual is individual, and their medical journey and experience is also very individual, although inevitable similarities will be present. Insurers are in the business of risk. Risk needs to be assessed, and in spite of our belief and anger when declined for such cover, it is no ones fault, just a reflection of the level of ‘risk’ an insurer is prepared to take to provide a worthwhile level of benefit in return for an acceptable and affordable premium.
I have provided advice to private clients for over 30 years. I reckon 9 of 10 clients decline my offer of advice when I identify a shortfall in their protection needs (life health or income). The majority of people respond with, ‘it won’t pay out so it’s a waste of money’ or ‘I’m too young for that’. It is not my job to force people, but I feel for them when life takes a turn and they do not have the correct cover which might of had a modest cost attached when previously suggested.
There is no easy response to this issue. I have often secured terms for clients who have suffered ‘serious or critical’ illnesses. Unfortunately the terms offered have often been so much more than a ‘standard quoted premium’ and therefore declined as feelings of being ‘taken advantage of’ rise up and skew the rational thinking process.
I would recommend finding a ‘regulated’ adviser, being honest and open in opening discussions, and tell them how much per month you are willing to spend, and ask them to source the best level of cover they believe they can secure. This will avoid seeds being sewn as to how much cover would be provided without any medical issues.
I hope this provides some help!
Keep safe, eat well and healthily, and drink as much water as you can!
Kindest, Adam
but of course, as others have touched on- it’s not quite the same as seeing someone in person- we can completely appreciate that. How have you and your son been doing?