Bringing kids into this world is one of the most amazing experiences you’ll ever have. But don’t leave it until tomorrow to protect your family’s security.

For Cameron and Holly raising a family was the ultimate goal in life. They had both always loved to be around kids and from the moment they met they were keen to start a family.

After they married they sold their apartment and bought a house with plenty of room for a big family. It wasn’t long after Mahrie came along, and by the time she was taking her first steps Holly was pregnant again, this time with their son Oscar.

As is often the case, the years flew by and before they knew Mahrie and Oscar were both off to school. Holly chose to remain at home while the children were in primary school and Cameron continued teaching.

Cameron and Holly had often thought of ‘doing something’ about bringing their personal insurance up to date but decided to ‘get ahead a little more’ before committing to any firm plan. Cameron was earning good money, but the monthly bills and paying a little extra off the mortgage always seemed to take priority over any longer term plans for financial security.

Then their world was suddenly turned upside down

Just before Christmas, Cameron was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and 18 months later was completely confined to a wheel chair, requiring 24 hour care to assist with basic living activities. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease with uncertain, but potentially life threatening effects. It attacks the nervous system causing numbness and tiredness and can progress to a point where it severely restricts movement and makes performing everyday functions impossible. A critical factor in the progress and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis is limiting stress. Any concerns about finances and work would have been extremely detrimental to Cameron's health and wellbeing.

The emotional impact for Cameron, Holly and the children was devastating and it took some time for the reality to sink in. The financial impact however was quickly apparent. Once Cameron’s sick leave had expired and without the financial safety net of insurance, Holly was faced with the prospect of selling their house or leaving her role as a full time care giver in order to find work. The love Cameron had for his family could not be translated into the secure lifestyle he had dreamed of providing for them.

What could they have done differently?

At the right level, Total & Permanent Disability Insurance would have provided a lump sum payment so that the mortgage and other debts could be paid off, assisted with home renovations for wheelchair access, paid for nursing care, as well as provided a lump sum for the children’s future so Holly could care for Cameron and not rush back to work.

Teachers Insurance Services Life Plan with optional Total and Permanent Disability and Critical Illness Insurance helps young families protect this lifestyle against not only premature death but also listed critical illnesses, such as Multiple Sclerosis, cancer, heart attack, stroke and total & permanent disability.