Almost 17 years ago, Rachael took out ALI’s protection with her mortgage broker, during the process of buying her first home. Rachael held onto her policy, knowing the protection could provide much needed security if something unexpected were to occur.
Then, in August 2020, Rachael was unfortunately diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
Rachael has undergone two surgeries, 16 rounds of chemotherapy and is now beginning 25 sessions of radiation.
“It has been a big process and like anyone, I have had a lot of ups and downs, but I’m trying to remain positive through it all”.
Rachael got in touch with ALI regarding her policy and within seven days, received payment of Trauma Benefit claim.
“The claims experience with ALI was really easy, much easier than I had first anticipated, which was lovely. The team was very responsive to any questions I had, which was great. When you’re going through such a hard time, you don’t want to be following people up, so the fact ALI was very clear and gave good instructions made the process really easy for me”.
Before the diagnosis, Rachael worked in Human Resources and whilst the road back to working full-time again is long and winding, Rachael feels grateful to have financial security allowing her to take the time she needs to go through treatment.
“The fact I had the policy there to fall back on has definitely helped to take the edge off the financial strain and it’s allowing me to take my time getting back to full-time work again. Knowing I have that space to go back at the right time for me rather than feeling like I have to go back as fast as I can, really helps”.
Due to gruelling treatments, Rachael has been told to expect around 12-18 months of aftereffects. Thankfully, Rachael has the support of her workplace and a role to return to when she is ready - something which is not always the case for others.
“I’m lucky in that regard to have the support from my work. Even still, it would have been a totally different kettle of fish if my broker had never spoke with us about ALI’s protection. We would have had to look at a lot of different options, which would have meant more drastic changes to a lifestyle we love and are used to. So, the ability to be able to make that claim and have the security I now have, I really implore others to consider taking out a policy”.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month
Each year, over 20,000 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer, which equates to 55 Australians every day. And, unfortunately, over 3,000 of those diagnosed will lose their lives this year.
Whilst it’s easy to get lost in those numbers, each one represents someone’s mother, father, sister, brother, best friend, partner, or colleague.
ALI Group’s partnership with The Otis Foundation
Since early May 2021, ALI Group have partnered with The Otis Foundation, a national charity dedicated to providing retreat accommodation to those and their loved ones going through a breast cancer diagnosis. As we can learn from Rachael’s story, treatment is often intense and it can take a long time to recover.
The retreat accommodation Otis provides around Australia, allows families and friends to take a much needed break and create lasting memories together, at absolutely no cost.
To find out more about the work of The Otis Foundation, visit their website at: www.otisfoundation.org.au
The current My Protection Plan product has been available since 5 April 2022. The above are examples of customers' claims paid on that product and similar products distributed by Australian Life Insurance Distribution ABN 31 103 157 811 (AFSL 226403). Any advice provided is general in nature and does not take into consideration your objective, financial situation or needs. You should consider these and the information in the Product Disclosure Statement (available along with the target market determination, from www.aligroup.com.au ), or speak to a financial advisor, before making a decision about our product. © ALI Group August 2022.