The human side of protection: why it’s more than just a policy

When we talk about financial protection, whether for ourselves or our employees, it’s easy to think of it as just another box to tick.

A policy, a premium, a piece of paperwork. But behind every policy is a person. And behind every claim is a story. That’s the part of protection that drives me. The human side.

I didn’t set out to work in protection. I fell into finance as a teenager and spent years in a compliance role during the height of the PPI scandal. I saw first-hand what happens when protection is sold for the wrong reasons. But I also saw something else, that when done properly, with care and integrity, protection can be life changing.

So nearly a decade ago, I made a decision. I would help people put meaningful protection in place. Not just policies, but plans that genuinely support people when life throws the unexpected. Because life does throw the unexpected.

Real life, real impact

One of my clients, a 52-year-old woman, came to me looking for Critical Illness Cover to protect a large mortgage. She already had full sick pay through her employer, so Income Protection wasn’t the priority. What she wanted was a safety net for the big stuff : cancer, heart attacks, strokes.

But there was a complication. A recent ankle injury meant surgery was likely, and three insurers declined her application. She felt defeated. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be.

I wasn’t ready to give up. I found two options. One insurer offered a more comprehensive policy but required a long application process. The other could offer cover immediately, with an exclusion for the ankle.

We talked it through. The second option wasn’t perfect, but it covered the major illnesses. I said ‘Let’s get this in place now. Once your ankle’s sorted, we can revisit and upgrade. But at least you’ll have something.’

She agreed.

Less than two months later, I got the call. ‘John, I need to claim. I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer.’

It hit hard. I was stunned. But I was also relieved, because she had cover.

The power of early action

The claim was processed quickly. No delays. No pushback. The insurer did what they promised. And because her employer also offered excellent Private Medical Insurance (PMI), she received fast, high-quality treatment.

The payout from her Critical Illness policy wasn’t needed for medical bills. It was used to make life easier. To take pressure off. To focus on recovery.

But what if she hadn’t had PMI? Lisa Jameson, our PMI Consultant, puts it perfectly: “Private Medical Insurance offers peace of mind and priority access to top-tier healthcare when you need it most. Whether it’s skipping NHS waiting lists, choosing your own specialist, or enjoying the comfort of private hospital rooms, PMI puts your health in your hands. It’s not just about treatment – it’s about confidence, convenience and care tailored to you.”

Whether self-funded or provided by an employer, PMI can be the difference between waiting and acting. Between stress and stability.