Two women, one diagnosis, two very different journeys 

Initially Jackie thought it would be a manageable diagnosis, her treatment soon escalated to include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

Jackie worried about how this would impact her responsibilities at home and work. “I work full-time, and managing the kids’ school, sports, and social lives feels like a second full-time job sometimes. I wasn’t sure how I’d manage treatment or how it would affect the kids," she said.
 

Immediate financial relief

Fortunately, Jackie had financial support. Within two days of submitting her claim, her trauma insurance was approved and paid out. When her treatment forced her to stop working, she was able to make a claim under her income protection cover that provided monthly payments.

“My insurance meant we could focus on getting better without worrying it would cost us financially for years to come. It also gave my husband some flexibility to step back from work and support me and the family.”  

“The initial diagnosis and treatment stages were expensive, with many unknowns. Having the payout gave us financial breathing room to focus on the medical side of things,” Jackie said. 
 

Recovery goes beyond medical care

A full recovery takes more than just physical health. Jackie discovered this first-hand when her income protection gave her access to Zurich’s Cancer Support program. The program provided her with a psychologist, exercise physiologist, dietitian, and occupational therapist, all working together to help her recover holistically.
 

For Tegan, no financial support meant added pressure

Like Jackie, Tegan was in her 40s, married, and balancing work and family when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. But unlike Jackie, she did not have insurance cover, which made her recovery much harder.  

Stopping work wasn’t an option for Tegan, even during treatment. She juggled reduced hours where possible, but ongoing medical bills and family responsibilities kept her working through gruelling treatments.  

“There wasn’t really room to stop,” she admitted.
 

The mental and financial toll

With limited sick leave and reduced hours, Tegan’s income dropped at a time when life was already expensive. Financial stress became an added burden – one that took a toll on her mental and physical health.  
 

The sacrifices made to manage financially during treatment weren’t easy, and the strain on her family added another layer of difficulty. “Balancing work, treatment, and financial responsibilities was stressful. It affected all of us,” she said.
 

The long road to recovery

Even as treatment ended, Tegan’s challenges didn’t. She now lives with cognitive difficulties due to her chemotherapy, a condition experienced by many cancer survivors. Recovery, for her, continues to be an uphill battle.
 

Recovery doesn’t stop once treatment ends.

For Tegan, the after-effects linger. She now experiences cognitive impairment following chemotherapy – something that research suggests affects about one in three breast cancer survivors after treatment². 

Tegan explains, “Income protection would have just let me focus on what I needed the most – my recovery, my family, and my financial responsibilities.”
 

The financial impact of breast cancer

Breast cancer survival rates in countries like Australia are among the highest globally1. But for many families, recovery comes at a significant financial cost, and most don’t see it coming. Every day, around 56 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia³.

Zurich’s Cost of Care research shows that the median out-of-pocket expenses for breast cancer treatment are about $5,5003. On average, lifetime costs can exceed $41,0003. Some women face additional expenses, such as breast reconstruction surgery, which can add over $18,000 in extra costs⁴.

The impact doesn’t stop there. It also includes: 

• Lost income during treatment and recovery
• Reduced ability to work
• Costs for travel, parking, and medical appointments
• Childcare and family support expenses
• Rehabilitation and ongoing care
• Delaying or missing care due to affordability concerns

These financial strains place many families under immense stress. Research shows that this kind of stress impacts quality of life, mental health, and in some cases, causes patients to miss or delay treatment⁵.

How financial support shapes recovery

Neither Jackie nor Tegan saw breast cancer coming. Both remember the emotional shock of their diagnosis. But their recoveries unfolded differently – not just because of the illness but due to the support they had.  

Jackie had financial support, giving her breathing room.  

Tegan didn’t, and the absence of it added to her burden.  

Looking back, Tegan’s perspective on insurance has shifted. She says, “Insurance always felt like it was for someone else, not me. Like an illness – you think it happens to other people, not yourself.”

For Jackie, having cover was about peace of mind. “We bought the insurance hoping we’d never need it," she says. “While I wish I never had to claim, it’s been worth every dollar.”  

“I hope my story helps someone,” Tegan says. She hopes others might think differently after hearing her experience.

Because when serious illness strikes, recovery isn’t just about treatments. It’s being able to focus on healing without distractions.

Jackie and Tegan shared the same diagnosis, but their recoveries show how the right support can make all the difference.

Having financial security, the right advice, and a support network lets families recover in their own way, giving them the freedom to focus on what matters most: getting better.
 

Two ways to get covered with Zurich:

• Buy through a financial adviser: The right financial adviser will help you understand your current situation and future goals. They can then structure cover to suit your needs, cash flow and even your tax objectives.
• Buy direct from Zurich: If you already know the type and amount of cover you need, Zurich offers simple income protection and life cover products. Click here to find out what these products cover and request an online quote.

This article has been prepared by Zurich Australia Limited ABN 92 000 010 195, AFSL 232510. This information is current as at 24 June, 2026 and may be subject to change. This information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider these factors and the appropriateness of the information to you. Consider seeking advice specific to your individual circumstances from an appropriate professional. You should also consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the product and any applicable Target Market Determination (TMD) available zurich.com.au/life-insurance/documents or by calling 1800 394 268 in deciding whether to acquire or to continue to hold the product.