At SHARE, success is measured in good client outcomes. Our insurance advisers are in our clients’ corner every step of the way, from quotes to claim time. What’s more, as this recent success story shows, working with a SHARE adviser can ensure clients don’t miss out on any of the all-important benefits they have in their insurance policies.

Read on to learn how our Auckland-based adviser Mark Armstrong helped his client Graeme receive a significant pay-out from his cover.

It all started with a routine blood test

When Graeme had his blood tested as part of a routine medical screening, he didn’t expect the results to reveal any abnormalities. He was feeling in good health and had no symptoms whatsoever. But the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level turned out to be higher than normal, and further tests confirmed the diagnosis was prostate cancer.

Graeme acted promptly and underwent the recommended surgical procedure – which his health insurance covered in full – and started his path to recovery. The bullet was dodged, but the story wasn’t over yet.

How a casual chat changed everything

In the whirlwind of the moment, Graeme didn’t think of letting his insurance adviser Mark Armstrong know about the diagnosis. But they had a friend in common, the same one who had introduced them a few years back.

Recently, Mark caught up with his friend again, and during a casual conversation, Graeme’s name popped up. Only then, Mark heard that Graeme had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and quickly went into “adviser mode”, knowing the medical event likely had implications for his client’s insurance cover.

“Graeme hadn’t realised that he had a Critical Illness benefit within his Income Protection cover, which provided a lump sum in the event he suffered cancer,” Mark says. “Fortunately, having been given the heads-up by our mutual contact, I got a hold of Graeme’s wife and we were able to get a claim in, resulting in a full pay-out under the relevant policy benefit.”

“How often do claimable events slip through the cracks?”

For Graeme, the insurance pay-out was definitely a silver lining in a difficult time, but for Mark, the fortuitous way things unfolded was concerning.

“I wondered how often things like that happen and people don’t realise they have a claim,” Mark says.

Mark has been Graeme’s adviser over the past four to five years. It was Mark who recommended him to take out that particular Income Protection policy from a specific provider, knowing that – unlike other available options – it offered at least some trauma cover without needing a second policy.

In hindsight, that recommendation has also made a big difference. But still, it likely would have been for nothing if that friendly catch-up had never happened. Now Mark would like to ensure that none of his clients miss out on a claim.

“If you have a significant medical issue, even if you think it’s not relevant, please contact us. We can advise you if the event might trigger a claim under any of your insurance policies. You pay the premiums, so you are entitled to the benefits. And there may just be something you have forgotten about.”

Get in touch

Graeme’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of taking out the most appropriate cover for your needs. And it shows how working with a SHARE adviser can help you make the most of the benefits you have in place, even those you have forgotten or are unaware of. Knowing the ins and outs of your policies at all times can be difficult – that’s why we’re here.

Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your specific situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and speak with Mark for independent guidance.