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Debra's powerful journey through bowel cancer highlights the life-saving impact of group health insurance. With fast access to treatment and comprehensive follow-up care, she avoided major surgery and made a full recovery. Her story is a testament to the value of timely, supported healthcare when it’s needed most.
Two years ago, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. The shock was indescribable, and it hit my family hard. But in the midst of the fear and uncertainty, there was one thing I could count on: the peace of mind that came with having the right health insurance—thankfully available to me through our group health scheme at work.
I know that might sound a bit cliché, but when you're faced with losing an organ and then discover you can avoid surgery because you have health insurance, there's a real reason behind that statement.
I want to explain why I’m so grateful I had health insurance. My journey, and the care I received, is a testament to how life-changing it can be. Thanks to our group scheme, I didn’t have to wait weeks or even months to begin treatment. Less than 24 hours after my diagnosis, I was sent for an urgent MRI. By the end of the week, I was already meeting with a specialist to chart out a treatment plan. The speed at which things moved gave me a sense of relief—something I desperately needed at that moment. I didn’t have to spend time in limbo; I could focus on getting better.
The relief of avoiding delays was indescribable. I can’t imagine what it would have been like to be stuck in the uncertainty that so many people face. In fact, I witnessed it firsthand when a friend of mine, diagnosed with cancer around the same time, was forced to wait weeks just to see an oncologist. It took nearly two months before they could begin chemotherapy or even get an MRI. Watching them go through that was heart-wrenching, and it only deepened my appreciation for the speed and accessibility my health insurance provided.
But there’s a part of my story I feel is especially important to share. After my treatment, my surgeon explained that the typical procedure for someone with my type of cancer was to have their bowel removed. He told me I had a 40% chance the treatment would work, but if I lived in Wellington—where there was no funding for follow-up surveillance—the standard protocol would have been to remove my bowel. However, because I had health insurance, I was able to access a comprehensive follow-up care plan, including regular MRIs, CT scans, endoscopies, and biopsies. This allowed me to stay on a “watch and wait” programme, avoiding the need for surgery.
By the grace of God, the treatment worked, and the cancer is gone. I became the first person in Wellington not to have their bowel removed after such a diagnosis—all because I had health insurance.
This wasn’t just about avoiding surgery; it was about preserving my life and future. I know it sounds grossly unfair that just because I had health insurance, I could access care while those in the public system couldn’t due to lack of funding.
Looking back, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Health insurance didn’t just help me get the treatment I needed when I needed it—it gave me the opportunity to live a full, healthy life and keep all my organs! The quick access to specialists, the seamless treatment process, and the long-term follow-up care made a world of difference. Walking through chemotherapy and radiation was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but having the peace of mind that my health insurance provided meant I didn’t have to face unnecessary delays or gaps in my care.
Today, I am cancer-free and filled with hope for the future. I’m incredibly thankful for the health insurance that made this journey possible. To be honest, when you take out these plans, you never really think you’re going to need them—but I’m so grateful I had mine.
Without it, my story would have been very different. Health insurance wasn’t just a safety net—it was the lifeline that allowed me to recover, hold on to my health, and move forward with hope and gratitude.
D.
A HUGE heartfelt thank you to Debra for courageously sharing her cancer journey story with us. Her experience shows how timely access to care through group health insurance can truly change lives. Her story is a powerful reminder of the difference support and coverage can make when facing life’s most difficult moments.
Always get professional advice
The information shared in this post is meant to be general guide to support you on your journey. When making important decisions about your finances, we encourage you to seek independent financial advice first, tailored to your unique situation. As well as talking with a financial adviser, make sure you talk to your lawyer and accountant too – together they'll help you find the best solution for your specific situation. Our knowledgeable financial advisers are here to help. Check out our website for the details about our financial advisory services in our disclosures https://www.velocityfinancial.co.nz/disclosure-statement.