When we think about life insurance, most of us hope we’ll never need it. For one client, that decision – made back in 2019 with Ben Day, our Risk Specialist in Melbourne – became life-changing.
At the time, she was healthy, busy, and balancing a demanding career with raising her young family. Like many people, she’d put off sorting out her cover, unsure how much she really needed. With Ben’s guidance, she took out comprehensive Life, Trauma and Income Protection cover, ensuring her family would be protected if the unexpected happened.
“I remember thinking I might be over-insured,” she recalls. “That’s inconceivable to me now that I’m on the other side of this trauma.”
A life turned upside down
A few years later, her world changed. After a devastating diagnosis, she began claiming on her Trauma and Income Protection policies. The financial support allowed her to step back from work and focus on treatment and time with her family.
“If I hadn’t reached out to Ben back in 2019,” she says, “I would be dealing with terminal cancer with a substantial mortgage, tackling long stretches of chemotherapy while working full-time in a demanding job. My husband would be left with debt, grief and worry – my children with the bare minimum.”
Instead, her insurance became a lifeline.
The next conversation – and a lasting legacy
Last year, Ben spoke with her about accessing her terminal illness benefit. It was a sensitive and emotional conversation – but one that brought immense peace of mind. Together, Ben and Raelene helped manage the claim, resulting in a $1.2 million payout. The funds were then structured through Wealth Architects to provide long-term stability for her husband and children.
“I still have to face terminal cancer,” she says, “but I’ve now been able to set up Education Bond Accounts for each of my children that will pay for private schooling, their university degrees, and still leave money to help them buy their first home, car and travel when they’re adults. My husband will be able to care for our family with no mortgage, with enough money to replace my income and top up his super. In other words – I’ve been able to do what every parent dreams of: give my family security, even after I’m gone.”
The value of advice
Working with Ben and Raelene didn’t just make the process easier – it made it human. “Dealing with both Ben and Raelene has been a lifeline for me,” she says. “They are true professionals with so much expertise and an amazing amount of empathy. I feel like I have the best life coaches at my fingertips.”
Her message to other families is simple: “Make sure you have sufficient life insurance, income protection, and seriously consider trauma and TPD cover. Take advice from professionals – don’t just buy off the shelf. Ben’s advice was priceless, truly.”
She also offers one last, heartfelt reminder: “Accept hard truths. I was in my late forties and overweight. I knew I was high-risk and had to swallow my pride paying higher premiums – but it has truly saved my children’s future.”
Why this story matters
For Ben Day and the team, this case is a powerful example of why protection advice matters just as much as investment advice. Insurance isn’t just about policies – it’s about people, and what happens when life doesn’t go to plan. As Ben reflects, “It’s never an easy conversation, but seeing what this has meant for her family reminds you why we do what we do.”
The right cover. The right advice. The right time. That’s what makes all the difference.