General perception is that people who suffer a critical illness such as open heart surgery, motor neurone disease or a stroke are in their 60s,70s or even 80s.
According to Zurich, the average age of their Critical Illness claimants relating to these particular illnesses is:-
Open Heart Surgery - 35
Motor Neurone Disease 45
Stroke 50
WOW!
When you add in the fact that the biggest claims area remains cancer (typically in their late 30s,40s and 50s), followed by heart conditions, stroke and multiple sclerosis the importance of having some sort of protection in place should be high on peoples 'Financial Priorities'
While the great news is that these 'illnesses' are now survivable, your finances could take a hammering depending on your ability to return to work and the ongoing treatment you may need.
Unfortunately, having worked in financial services for over 30 years, I have seen the financial impact a long term illness can have on a family.
Its also true to say that I've seen a lot of the 'it wont happen to me' gang
I always tell my clients that I hope that they come back to me and tell me their insurance was the biggest waste of money.
Unfortunately, my experience is more of people telling me that without it they would have been in a financial mess at a time they were trying to deal with their health.
Your health is your wealth.......until it isn't! What back up do you have?