David’s Story:

The hidden costs of cancer

Five years ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It hit me out of the blue. I was 48, living a healthy lifestyle, and had no obvious symptoms. During a routine check-up, my doctor noticed something unusual, and after a few more tests, I was told I had prostate cancer.

In that moment, my life changed. Suddenly, my focus shifted to survival – and survival alone. My insurance covered most of the medical treatments, surgeries, and medications, but what I wasn’t prepared for were the “hidden” costs of cancer.

I had to take time off work for my treatments and recovery, but the process was longer than I expected. Eventually, I was unable to work altogether, which led to me losing my job. It wasn’t just the lost income that hit me hard, but all the additional expenses that began piling up. Every trip to the hospital meant paying for transport, and once I was in recovery, I needed home care, which wasn’t covered by my insurance.

Then there were all the little things that added up quickly – paying for food deliveries when I didn’t have the energy to cook, handling house repairs that I couldn’t do myself anymore, and dipping into savings to stay afloat. My savings – which I thought were enough for a rainy day – disappeared faster than I could have imagined.

The stress of losing my job and the financial pressure that came with it were almost as tough as the cancer itself. I found myself choosing between spending money on things I needed for my recovery and cutting corners to make ends meet. My focus should have been on getting better, but instead, I spent too many sleepless nights worrying about bills and income.

I wish I had known about products like Inqus back then. Having a critical illness insurance plan with a cash payout would have made a world of difference for me. It could have helped cover my day-to-day expenses during treatment and given me the financial security I desperately needed. Instead of stressing over how I would survive financially, I could have focused on surviving the cancer itself.

I’m sharing my story now in the hope that others can learn from my experience. Cancer doesn’t just affect your health – it affects every part of your life, especially your finances. Being prepared, both physically and financially, can make all the difference.

If you’re reading this, I encourage you to take a hard look at your own financial preparedness. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

This is a true story with names changed for privacy. If you or someone you know has experienced something similar, we encourage you to share your story and help others prepare for the unexpected.