Jess Bartlett

On 8 January 2024 Timaru-based in-home care Presbyterian Services worker Jessica Bartlett (Jess) suffered a hernia when lifting a patient. Five months pregnant at the time, Jess heard a “pop” and was understandably concerned.

“Luckily I didn’t require surgery but I was unable to continue working in my role.” Jess reflects.

“My job doesn’t have a “light duties” alternative. Given I contribute to our living expenses and mortgage, my husband Connor and I were concerned about our ability to continue to pay our living costs, especially the mortgage.”

“I applied to get ACC cover after the hernia but was denied as it wasn’t deemed an accident, but “wear and tear”. I was pretty upset and worried.”

Jess and Connor live in Timaru with their four-year old Jack, and (now) nine-month old baby Hailey. When Jess and Connor bought a house and got their first mortgage, they were referred to Chubb Life Insurance Adviser Cassie Jamieson who assessed their needs, based on their circumstances at the time. Cassie recommended that they consider the various types of cover under Chubb Life’s income protection category of insurance (like Mortgage Repayment Cover), in addition to Chubb Life Trauma Cover and Life Cover, particularly if something happened and one of them couldn’t work.

“Having the right insurance cover was crucial for our ability to service the mortgage and keep everything ticking along at home. I think it’s important for people to understand what ACC will and won’t pay for, and why having life insurance, particularly when you have a mortgage and kids is so important.”

“Even having a small amount of cover in place made all the difference.”

Around 70% of New Zealanders are underinsured when it comes to life insurance*. Whether it be injuries, disabilities or serious illness, life and living insurances can provide a much-needed financial lifeline to adapt, recover and help people get on with their lives after an event.

Chubb Life offers a variety of life and living insurance options that could provide financial protection for individuals and their families. These options include, but are not limited to Chubb Life’s critical illness, life insurance and income protection categories of insurance which offer a range of cover types based on individual needs.

*Financial Services Council Financial Report 2022