Mdm Ang (not her real name) was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in September 2003. She was only 39 years old.She submitted a claim under her Living policy which covers Cancer and 29 other diseases. Her medical report revealed her cancer to be carcinoma-in-situ. Carcinoma-in-situ describes a cancer in the very earliest stage. At this point, the cancer is quite small and has not invaded the tissues surrounding it. Cancers found in situ are the easiest to cure and have been specifically excluded under the policy. This exclusion clause is standard and applies to similar policies across the insurance industry. As Mdm Ang's condition does not fall within the policy definition for cancers, the claim is not admissible. However, Mdm Ang has undergone a painful operation to remove her womb under her doctor's advice. This experience proved to be very traumatic for Mdm Ang.
As an insurance co-operative, NTUC Income has always taken a compassionate stand in our claims settlement. We do not believe in rigidity. It is easy to administer a claim by adhering to
strict policy definitions. Any person can do that! But not every one can settle a claim with a generous dose of compassion like us. Mdm Ang has incurred a substantial medical bill due to her operation. As such, we decided to offer her a fifty percent ex-gratia payout. Her policy will continue with the remaining fifty percent of the original coverage. We hope that this amount of money will go a long way in easing Mdm Ang's financial burden. Indeed, Mdm Ang was very happy and glad to receive our offer. She said that NTUC Income has a big heart and that this amount will surely help her to tide over this difficult period.
We are glad that we have been able to make a difference to Mdm Ang's life. Afterall, is this not what insurance is for?
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