Employer-backed Unum cover helps Helen recover after cancer diagnosis

When employees face serious health challenges, the support available through workplace benefits can make a life-changing difference. Helen’s story shows how access to Unum’s Critical Illness Cover and specialist cancer support helped her navigate diagnosis, treatment and recovery with confidence. 

Admin Associate Helen battled COVID-19 multiple times during the pandemic, and when she later developed persistent stitch-like pain, left of her chest towards her back, her GP initially assumed it was lingering scar tissue. But as the pain worsened over a year, she struggled to get a face-to-face appointment - until the pain became so unbearable, she insisted on one.

Eventually, Helen was referred for a chest X-ray which unfortunately revealed a shadow on her lung exactly where Helen had been feeling the pain.  This led to further tests, including a biopsy and PET scan, confirming a diagnosis of lung cancer. 

Swift treatment and financial relief

Helen’s surgery was scheduled quickly, and as she recovered, her and her son got talking about sick pay and how long she’d be off for. This is when Helen remembered she had Group Critical Illness Insurance from Unum.

Initially, she didn’t think she would be eligible to claim. “Although I quit smoking years ago, I’d convinced myself that an ex-smoker’s claim for lung cancer would just be rejected,” Helen said. With encouragement from her son, Helen submitted her claim, and to her relief, she soon received a lump sum payout.

“The money was a huge relief,” Helen said. “It helped cover extra costs during my recovery, especially as I couldn’t work. Having that financial security gave me peace of mind, allowing me to focus on getting better rather than worrying about money.”

Helen also appreciated Unum’s smooth claims process, with regular updates from her claims assessor. 

“They kept me informed even when I wasn’t feeling 100% with it,” she recalled.

Specialist cancer support when it’s needed most

Since her diagnosis, Helen has been supported by Reframe Cancer, an Unum partner, who provide specialist cancer support*.

“The people at Reframe are amazing - worth their weight in gold. They do so much for you. I can’t thank them enough” Helen said. “I was overwhelmed with medical terms I didn’t understand, but they helped me translate jargon in letters and appointments, stopping me from spiralling into panic.”

Her dedicated Cancer Nurse, Margarida, was always available when she needed reassurance. “Reframe can even help book medical appointments when you just can’t cope with spending all your time on the phone on hold or feel like you’re being passed from pillar to post with no answers.”

The ongoing support was invaluable. “They even messaged me recently just to check in. You get support for two years after your diagnosis, which is amazing,” Helen shared.

“With Reframe, they’re just there for you”

Helen appreciated the NHS but recognised its time limitations.

“With Reframe, you get someone on the other end of the phone whenever you need support. As professionals who know cancer inside out, they help you keep the worst of it away from your family. You don’t have to pass your worry on or show them you’re scared. They let you be the family member you were before cancer because you’re not unloading your fears onto the people you love.”

Moving forward: recovery, resilience and 15,000 steps a day

After surgery, Helen faced reduced lung capacity and required intensive respiratory physiotherapy. Step by step, she regained her strength - going from barely making it to her front gate to walking 15,000 steps a day.

Thankfully, her most recent PET scan remains clear, and her surgeon gave her the all-clear.

What Helen wants every employee to know about Critical Illness Cover

So, what would Helen like to tell people about Critical Illness Cover?

Helen never thought she’d need Critical Illness Insurance - until she did. “I didn’t feel I needed it, but when I checked our work benefits portal, I saw it was equivalent to just a few coffees a month. For that price, who’d say no? I arranged the cover right there.” Looking back, Helen is incredibly grateful she did.