Jeremy focuses on recovery with Unum’s Critical Illness cover

Today’s employers aren’t just hiring, they’re shaping culture, driving inclusion, and leading on wellbeing. Jeremy’s story shows how the right support at the right time can change lives – and why forward-thinking benefits matter more than ever.

Discover how Critical Illness cover can grow with your team and support your people when it matters most.

Explore Critical Illness cover

When life suddenly changes 

In his mid-thirties, married, with a young family Jeremy’s life took an unexpected turn when he found himself undergoing surgery for Stage 3 bowel cancer on Christmas Eve. 

Thanks to his employer’s forward-thinking approach to employee wellbeing, Jeremy had access to Unum’s Group Critical Illness cover (CI). That support gave him the financial space to focus on what mattered most, his recovery and his family.

“I didn’t think I’d ever need it, but I’m so glad it was there.”

Support that made all the difference

Jeremy never expected to need CI, but when he did, it became a lifeline.

“It was a nice surprise to receive the money quickly and with so little fuss. The Unum claims handler knew exactly what was needed and when and I felt I could contact them at anytime.”
Preparing the paperwork before surgery gave Jeremy something practical to focus on.

“It helped me feel a bit more in control at a time when everything else felt uncertain.”

Family first

“You’ve got to think that it’s not just for you. It’s for your family.”

Jeremy didn’t need to use the lump sum immediately but knowing it was there gave him confidence that his family would be financially secure, no matter what happened.

“The last thing your family wants to worry about when you’re recovering is how they’re going to pay the bills.”

Communications matter

Jeremy emphasises the importance of knowing what support is available and the role employers play in making it clear.

“A friend of mine was diagnosed around the same time, but she didn’t know whether her employer offered any support. She had to dig through paperwork while still coming to terms with her diagnosis. That made an already difficult time even harder.”

“When you’re living with an illness, you need to know the day-to-day is still being taken care of.”

Why this matters for employers

Paula Coffey, Director of Claims, Rehabilitation and Medical Services at Unum, says:

“It’s wonderful to hear how Jeremy’s employer was able to support him during such a challenging time. Many employees tell us that they use their Critical Illness payment to help with recovery –  whether that’s private treatment, adapting their home, or easing financial pressure.

Jeremy’s story highlights the evolving role of employers in supporting employee wellbeing. That’s why Unum runs Wellbeing Ready sessions, to help employers and brokers bring benefits to life and engage their staff with the support available.”

Today, 90% of employees expect benefits to go beyond the basics, covering health, work-life balance, and financial wellbeing. CI cover is one way to meet those expectations, offering flexible support that fits across life stages and appeals to a multigenerational workforce.

^{As requested by the individual featured representative images have been used to protect their privacy.}