Working at TSP Wealth, I’m surrounded by talk of “worst-case scenarios” and the importance of a safety net. But in 2018, that professional knowledge became very personal for me.
At the time, I was 27 years old, a fit, healthy non-smoker. Even though I wasn’t the one sitting in the adviser’s chair, being part of this industry taught me a fundamental truth: insurance is most accessible when you are young and healthy.
I decided to take out £150,000 of level life and critical illness cover for about £50 a month. At the time, it felt like a sensible “just in case” measure. I didn’t know then just how much of a “bullet” I was about to dodge.
The BRCA1 Bombshell
Just one year later, my family received some life-altering news. We discovered that the BRCA1 gene mutation ran through our family. For context, carrying this gene can mean a 65% or higher chance of developing certain types of cancer.
It was a daunting time. I went for the screening, waiting for results that could fundamentally change my future health and my family’s security.
The Value of Acting Early
I was incredibly lucky—my results came back negative. I didn’t carry the gene.
Because I had taken out my £50-a-month policy before we knew about the family history, I was already “locked in.” If I had tested positive, my ability to get affordable critical illness cover in the future would have likely vanished. Most insurers would have viewed me as a significantly higher risk, leading to huge premiums or total exclusions for cancer.
Because I acted when I was healthy and had no known family history, I was fully protected. Had I tested positive and later developed a condition covered by my policy, I would have been entitled to that payout. By getting ahead of the curve, I’d protected my future “insurability.”
Don’t Wait for the Warning Signs
Many people wait until they buy a house, start a family, or—worst of all—receive bad medical news before they think about protection. But my story is proof that the best time to get covered is now.
Insurance is the only thing you can’t buy at the moment you actually need it.
By securing cover early, you:
Lock in lower premiums: I secured a comprehensive plan for £50/m that would be much harder to find today.
Protect against the unknown: You safeguard yourself against future medical discoveries or changes in family history that could make insurance impossible to get later.
Gain true peace of mind: Knowing that if the “worst” happens, you have a financial cushion in place.
At TSP Wealth, we see how much of a difference the right cover makes. If my story makes you think about your own “what ifs,” let’s have a chat. It’s never too early to protect your future, but it can very easily be too late.
By Alisha Patel
The cost and availability of protection cover depend on your individual circumstances, including your age, health, and lifestyle. Premiums and cover levels are subject to the insurer’s underwriting process.
This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. We recommend speaking with a qualified financial adviser before taking out any protection policy to ensure it meets your specific needs.
