The diagnosis of a serious illness is devastating in any circumstances but the burden will be far greater if your financial security is put at risk.

• • Approx. 50% or more of people with cancer will be long term survivors.
• • Approx. 20 New Zealanders on average have a stroke every day, 25% of which are under 65.
• • Stroke is the major cause of adult disability in New Zealand.
• • Approx. 1in 9 women in New Zealand will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• • Approx. 1 in 3 people will suffer from a serious illness before 65.

A person suffering from one of the four main critical illnesses (heart attack/ heart disease, cancer or stroke) has nearly 50% change of surviving for up to 10 years. However in many cases this will involve a reduction in the ability to work and the possibility of significant lifestyle changes.

While for most people the early death of an income earner would cause serious financial strain for those left behind, the financial impact would be just as serious if that income earner became totally disabled and unable to work for the rest of their life. In some cases the hardship experienced would be even more prolonged as on-going daily living and medical costs for the disabled person could be significant.