What happens when you’re 29 and are diagnosed with lung cancer?
Remembering Marece Lazarus
No one thinks a terrible disease will come their way, even less so when you’re as young as 29. That’s what happened to Marece and Delwin Lazarus; this is their story…
The importance of ‘adulting’.
Marece and Delwin Lazarus grew up together, were best friends in high school, and eventually married. They bought their dream house and settled in with their two beautiful boys.
It was at this point that, realising their responsibilities, they met with an Old Mutual financial adviser, ultimately opting to protect their family with life-, severe illness-, and disability cover.
It was the right thing to do, and the decision became even more important when, just one month later, Marece received her diagnosis. Delwin explained that she had been clearing her throat a lot, so the doctor did an x-ray and that’s when they received the shocking news that Marece had lung cancer.
It can happen to anyone.
Although many young people think “it won’t happen to me” the truth is that illness can strike anyone at any time.
According to the Old Mutual Claim Stats 2023, the youngest person to make an illness claim was a 23-year-old male, while the oldest male was 81. Among women, the youngest claimant was just 29 years old.
Old Mutual came through for Marece and Delwin.
With the policy only one month old the couple were doubtful about a payout, but Old Mutual came through for them. Delwin stated that Marece’s medical expenses for the surgery alone amounted to R800,000. Many people face difficulties in obtaining treatment or getting medical aid to cover certain procedures. Fortunately, they never encountered such issues, which significantly alleviated their stress.
Having adequate illness insurance allows you to take time off work for recovery and covers the costs of out-of-hospital assistance and, generally, the younger you are when you get cover, the lower the premiums.
There when you need us most.
In 2023 Old Mutual paid out R7 billion in death-, retrenchment-, disability- and illness claims. Illness claims alone amounted to R926 million.
John Kotze, Head of Retail Protection Product Marketing at Old Mutual explains: “Over 179 years ago, we promised to be a certain friend in uncertain times. This is our most important promise, and we continue to honour our customers’ valid claims, even during the toughest of times.”
The Solution:
Old Mutual Illness insurance pays a single tax-free amount from R100 000 to R6 million* if you have a critical illness such as cancer, a heart attack, or stroke. You will be covered up to 30 days before your first premium is payable and you can customise your cover to suit your specific needs. If you are diagnosed with cancer and your quality of life is significantly affected by the treatment, the Cancer Enhancer benefit will increase the cash payout by 25% * if you are unable to care for yourself.
The importance of ‘adulting’.
Marece and Delwin Lazarus grew up together, were best friends in high school, and eventually married. They bought their dream house and settled in with their two beautiful boys.
It was at this point that, realising their responsibilities, they met with an Old Mutual financial adviser, ultimately opting to protect their family with life-, severe illness-, and disability cover.
It was the right thing to do, and the decision became even more important when, just one month later, Marece received her diagnosis. Delwin explained that she had been clearing her throat a lot, so the doctor did an x-ray and that’s when they received the shocking news that Marece had lung cancer.
It can happen to anyone.
Although many young people think “it won’t happen to me” the truth is that illness can strike anyone at any time.
According to the Old Mutual Claim Stats 2023, the youngest person to make an illness claim was a 23-year-old male, while the oldest male was 81. Among women, the youngest claimant was just 29 years old.
Old Mutual came through for Marece and Delwin.
With the policy only one month old the couple were doubtful about a payout, but Old Mutual came through for them. Delwin stated that Marece’s medical expenses for the surgery alone amounted to R800,000. Many people face difficulties in obtaining treatment or getting medical aid to cover certain procedures. Fortunately, they never encountered such issues, which significantly alleviated their stress.
Having adequate illness insurance allows you to take time off work for recovery and covers the costs of out-of-hospital assistance and, generally, the younger you are when you get cover, the lower the premiums.
There when you need us most.
In 2023 Old Mutual paid out R7 billion in death-, retrenchment-, disability- and illness claims. Illness claims alone amounted to R926 million.
John Kotze, Head of Retail Protection Product Marketing at Old Mutual explains: “Over 179 years ago, we promised to be a certain friend in uncertain times. This is our most important promise, and we continue to honour our customers’ valid claims, even during the toughest of times.”
The Solution:
Old Mutual Illness insurance pays a single tax-free amount from R100 000 to R6 million* if you have a critical illness such as cancer, a heart attack, or stroke. You will be covered up to 30 days before your first premium is payable and you can customise your cover to suit your specific needs. If you are diagnosed with cancer and your quality of life is significantly affected by the treatment, the Cancer Enhancer benefit will increase the cash payout by 25% * if you are unable to care for yourself.
Don't wait for an unexpected diagnosis to change the course of your life. Protecting your family against the financial impact of a severe illness puts you one step ahead when one of life’s big challenges happen.
For more information visit www.oldmutual.co.za/illness or speak to your financial adviser.
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (SA) Limited is a licensed FSP and Life Insurer.
*Ts and Cs apply.
Disclaimer: This story was told by one of our customers, who received a monetary token of our appreciation for sharing it. The information shared in this article does not constitute financial advice.
Don't wait for an unexpected diagnosis to change the course of your life. Protecting your family against the financial impact of a severe illness puts you one step ahead when one of life’s big challenges happen.
For more information visit www.oldmutual.co.za/illness or speak to your financial adviser.
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (SA) Limited is a licensed FSP and Life Insurer.
*Ts and Cs apply.
Disclaimer: This story was told by one of our customers, who received a monetary token of our appreciation for sharing it. The information shared in this article does not constitute financial advice.
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