Group income protection - Parkinson’s

[Irish_Stu]

I am looking for advice from anyone who has successfully claimed under an employers group income protection scheme.

I have been told by a neurologist that he is 95% certain I have Parkinson’s. I am awaiting a Dat scan for confirmation.

My employer has a Canada life group income protection policy. While I am currently physically able to work, I suffer from brain fog and struggle with motivation. I’d rather spend time out in the fresh air than stuck in front of a computer.

Has anyone any experience of a successful outcome for conditions that are more mental than physical?

[rayny]

Random thoughts :

Talk to your GP, and discuss your concerns - Will he/she sign you unfit whilst awaiting the consultants definitive diagnosis ?
If so, what is your employers sick pay policy - Some will pay full pay for a number of months.

This may get you through your current needs.

If you do receive a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's - Then discuss with your employer their long term sickness policy.

HTH

[edc]

Unfortunately I don't think anybody else experience is going to help you. Each case is unique, each policy and underwriting is different and the approach from employers is different. Refer to your company for your policy document but typically you will have a deferred period of several weeks. This means an absence from work and no likely return. I've been involved in a handful of claims in recent years. The agreement is between insurer and company so you won't be claiming directly.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

edc said:

Unfortunately I don't think anybody else experience is going to help you. Each case is unique, each policy and underwriting is different and the approach from employers is different. Refer to your company for your policy document but typically you will have a deferred period of several weeks. This means an absence from work and no likely return. I've been involved in a handful of claims in recent years. The agreement is between insurer and company so you won't be claiming directly.

100% this.

One of the downsides of this type of cover is that in order to claim, you have to effectively burn your bridges. Take time off unwell, extend that time, and eventually, backed with medical evidence, say you cannot return. Then the claim starts. It can take many months (during which time you may still get paid). But if it's denied, you're out of a job.

Also, if you want to claim, do not take any offers from the firm of alternative employment more suitable for your ailments. These policies almost always provide cover for not being able to continue to do YOUR job. That's what you need to stick to.

[Pinkie15]

Irish_Stu said:

I am looking for advice from anyone who has successfully claimed under an employers group income protection scheme.

I have been told by a neurologist that he is 95% certain I have Parkinson’s. I am awaiting a Dat scan for confirmation.

My employer has a Canada life group income protection policy. While I am currently physically able to work, I suffer from brain fog and struggle with motivation. I’d rather spend time out in the fresh air than stuck in front of a computer.

Has anyone any experience of a successful outcome for conditions that are more mental than physical?

Can't comment on the insurance aspect, but nson's is NOT a mental condition, it is very much a physical condition as specific parts of the brain are being destroyed.

Best wishes for the future.