A fit man who ate well and exercised, he'd go for regular health screenings, which showed that his cholesterol was within acceptable levels all along. So he was stunned when his doctor revealed he had a blocked artery. Very calmly, he broke the news to his wife and children. He also assured them, "Should the worst happen to me, you have nothing to worry about because I am well covered. Just leave things in God's hands."
His bypass operation went successfully, and what he was particularly thankful for was that he was spared the financial burden that often results from a critical illness, which can come in the form of loss of income, mounting debt or expenses for rehabilitation and mobility aids. It seemed that fate had decided to be gentle with him after dealing a cruel blow.
This happy outcome had nothing to do with luck, however.
Some time
around 2006, Vincent had bought a critical illness rider from Aviva that would give a lump sum benefit in the event of severe illness, so his family would be taken care of. The importance he places on insurance might have something to do with his former colleague's experience. Diagnosed with heart problems, he had to put off surgery for over a year because he did not have insurance or sufficient finances. The man eventually died of a heart attack.
Vincent was fortunate that he caught the problem early and gave it immediate attention. "After every battle with a critical illness, there's the recuperation stage, and that's where insurance comes in," he says.
In Vincent's case, it meant that he could focus on making a full recovery without worrying about money. After a simple process of securing the required documents, his claim was approved and the payout made to him.
Having overcome his illness, he became even more determined to live life to the fullest. A year after his surgery, the avid motorcyclist followed his heart and bought a Harley Davidson bike. "You only have one life, you have to enjoy it," he says.
Aviva's My MultiPay Critical Illness Plan provides up to five lump sum payouts of your sum assured upon diagnosis of critical illnesses including recurring heart attack, stroke and cancer, across early to severe stages. Premiums are waived upon diagnosis of severe stage critical illness so individuals don't have to worry about additional costs while they are on the road to recovery.