The first time Christine Brown* was told about the benefits of having life insurance, she was not interested. However, an encounter at a funeral changed her mind and her decision proved to be a lifesaving one, as eight months later, she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer.
Ms Brown, the mother of four adult children, is grateful she changed her mind because without her critical illness policy, getting treatment for the disease would have been even costlier.
“On a visit to my local JN Bank branch to transact business in the early 2020s, I met my [current] sales advisor, Jacqueline James, who told me about the various JN Life products. At the time, I told her I was not interested in having insurance,” she reflected.
“Although I was not interested, she was very friendly, and we exchanged numbers. She later sent me messages on WhatsApp asking about my well-being while providing advice about the benefits of insurance. I was still not interested. In early 2023, I was attending a funeral when I saw Ms James. I told her I was interested in purchasing insurance. At the time I was interested in another policy, but she convinced me that a critical illness plan, which has a recurring benefit would be good to have,” she added.
Ms Brown, who is also a health professional, purchased the critical illness policy. Her decision, thanks in part to Ms James’ persistence, proved to be a good and timely one because eight months later she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I do a mammogram every year and did one in October 2022. I was supposed to do one in July 2023, but decided to wait until October of that year,” she explained. “During July 2023, I was purchasing some tops for work and trying them on when I felt a small lump in my breast. I decided that I wouldn’t wait until October and went to the doctor where I made an appointment to do a mammogram.”
She added, “I was sent to do an ultrasound and while doing it I was nervous, especially since the technician doing the procedure wouldn’t tell me the results. When I met with the oncologist for the results, he confirmed I had cancer, and I became depressed almost immediately.”
She revealed that the diagnosis has taken a heavy toll on her.
“Although it is stage one and I am recuperating, it affected me badly because I have not worked since the start of the year. I haven’t told many persons and only my daughter understands the difficulties I have been going through mentally,” she shared.
Making the decision to purchase critical illness insurance is a decision Ms Brown considers one of the best life choices she has made.
“If I didn’t have the critical illness policy, it would be difficult. The treatment for cancer is expensive. It costs millions to treat because there is medication, doctor visits, aftercare and even loss of income. However, based on the policy I had, the claim was enough to cover my treatment and provide me with funds to provide for my family while I have been unable to work,” she pointed out.
She added, “Receiving the funds from JN Life Insurance was smooth. When I contacted Miss James, she revealed that she had never processed a claim before but would assist me as best as possible. A few days later, she reached out and informed me that I could receive a pay out and I was happy to hear the news. Ms James and the team were there every step of the way.”
And importantly for Ms Brown, although she has claimed on the policy, she can claim again if the cancer returns, or if she is diagnosed with any other of the critical illnesses covered by her JN Life Aide policy. Unlike other policies, Life Aide is infused with a recurrence benefit which means if she is diagnosed with another critical illness, she is still able to claim on the policy, if the premiums continue to be paid. The policy covers 13 critical illnesses including cancer, heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, liver disease and coma.
“The recurrence benefit gave me peace of mind because I know if I am diagnosed again, I won’t have to worry about how I am going to cover my medical expenses or survive,” she stated.
Jacqueline James, her financial advisor, JN Life Insurance, emphasises that having life and health insurance is important, given the high prevalence of lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, which cause most of the critical illnesses that affect Jamaicans. She adds that currently stroke, heart disease and cancer were among the top NCDs responsible for claiming the lives of Jamaicans before the age of 70.
“Many Jamaicans are hypertensive or diabetic but are unaware of their health status. This means that many are prone to major illnesses and do not realise until it’s too late. These diseases are expensive to treat and can impact families negatively. However, with a critical illness policy, they can be covered against major illnesses, including cancer, which helps to offset, or cover the expenses associated with treatment,” she said.
“Ms Brown decided to purchase a critical illness policy in the event of unforeseen circumstances, and it proved to be the right choice. I encourage everyone to invest in critical illness insurance because of the peace of mind it can bring if unfortunate events, such as a critical illness were to happen,” she added.
As Ms Brown recovers, she is happy she decided to purchase the critical illness policy.
“Prior to the diagnosis I was planning to increase the premiums to ensure I had more funds for coverage. If I didn’t have it, this period would be even more stressful,” she revealed. “Although my treatment is mainly hormonal, it is still taking a toll on my body and mental well-being. If I had to think about how to fund my treatment as well, I know it would have been harder. I encourage everyone to get a critical illness policy for difficult times like these.”
*Name changed to protect privacy
