When someone is diagnosed with cancer or a critical illness, we might assume they’ll need to stop working.
But the reality isn't always that simple. Some continue working because it gives them purpose and normality. Others are unable to. And for some, stopping work simply isn't financially an option.
Because being able to work today doesn't mean being able to work tomorrow.
And when that changes, what happens next?
Elizabeth is a nurse in her fifties who was diagnosed with cancer in late 2025. Having worked for the NHS for almost 20 years, she had a good sick pay structure and a supportive employer.
In 2024, Elizabeth had taken out life and critical illness cover following conversations with her Financial Adviser Rhys. She understood the importance of protection through her work, but never expected to need it herself, especially so soon.
Aside from six weeks recovering from surgery, Elizabeth continued working throughout much of her cancer journey. It helped her stay active and maintain a sense of normality.
When her critical illness claim was paid in full, Elizabeth received £30,000.
She chose to put the money aside, with the intention of potentially reducing her working hours in the future. As she explained, the payout “immediately took the pressure off”.
Elizabeth’s recovery is going well, and she’s back at work full time with no plans yet to slow down. But her experience has given her a new perspective, with a greater appreciation for everyday life and what matters most.
For Elizabeth, it wasn't about replacing her salary. It was about having options, breathing space and the freedom to make decisions about her future from a place of financial stability, rather than financial uncertainty.
Because the value of critical illness cover isn't always about replacing what we've lost, but having the freedom to decide what comes next.
Ruby is in her early forties and works as a self-employed contractor in the manufacturing industry. Like Elizabeth, she was diagnosed with cancer in 2025 and continued working throughout part of her journey.
She also received a full payout from her critical illness cover.
For Ruby, that lump sum meant security. It gave her choices and helped cover the additional costs that can come with a cancer diagnosis, from hospital parking and a dog walker to alternative therapies and, eventually, a wig.
Eventually, Ruby began an intensive course of chemotherapy.
Her doctors explained that the expected side effects could make everyday activities, let alone working, incredibly difficult.
Being self-employed, no work meant no income. There was no employer sick pay to fall back on, and no guarantee her work would still be there when she was ready to return.
Fortunately, Ruby had arranged income protection in 2022, alongside her life and critical illness cover, on the advice of her Protection Adviser Matthew.
Before her chemotherapy began, we helped submit the necessary evidence so the insurer could assess her claim in time for the end of her four-week deferred period.
Once the claim was accepted, Ruby began receiving £2,000 a month.
That regular amount helped Ruby cover her bills, food shop and everyday expenses that her income otherwise would have. Meanwhile, her critical illness payout provided additional financial flexibility, giving her options and security both now and in the future.
Ruby is eager to return to work, but with chemotherapy ongoing and taking its toll, she isn't quite there yet. For now, recovery comes first, with returning to her career firmly on the horizon. Ruby has discovered a resilience that reminds her she is far more than her diagnosis, and that cancer doesn't get to define her future.
Elizabeth and Ruby have a great deal in common. Both faced a cancer diagnosis. Both continued working for a time. Both had critical illness cover in place, and both received a full payout.
Yet the value of that payout, and what came next, looked different for each of them.
For Elizabeth, it brought financial breathing space and the freedom to think differently about her future. For Ruby, it provided that same flexibility, while her income protection offered another layer of support when treatment meant she could no longer work.
Neither could have known exactly what they would need their protection for when they first took it out. We can plan for the unexpected, but we can't always predict how life will unfold.
Critical illness cover and income protection serve different purposes, and the right protection will look different for everyone, depending on their circumstances, priorities and budget.
Both Elizabeth and Ruby have now received the full payout from their critical illness cover, bringing those benefits to an end. Their Protection Advisers continue to support them, helping them understand their remaining cover and explore what options may be available now and in the future.
We hope both women continue to enjoy the best possible health and have many more opportunities ahead of them.
Their stories remind us that protection isn't about predicting every eventuality or having every policy available. It's about understanding what matters to you and what financial support could make a difference when life changes.
Because sometimes, the true value of protection is more than meets the eye.
Real clients but names and identifying details changed to protect the privacy of the individuals.
A serious diagnosis can knock the wind out of your sails.
The value of critical illness cover isn't always about replacing what we've lost. It's about having the financial freedom to choose what comes next.
With Waddle, you're in safe hands. Our advisers are here to help you navigate protection with confidence, clarity and advice tailored to you.
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