Advances in modern medicine mean you're very likely to live a long life after suffering a major health problem – but the financial problems that this causes can be huge. The pioneering cardiac surgeon who helped develop Trauma Cover recognised this dynamic in his own patients; modern medicine was saving their lives, but his patients were suffering major financial hardship after traumatic health problems and the rigours of treatment.

Trauma cover pays a lump sum when specific conditions are diagnosed, such as cancer heart attack, stroke and paralysis. The actual conditions covered and how they are defined will differ from insurer to insurer. The sum can be used for any purpose - reducing debt, living expenses or paying for a spouse or partner to take time off work to be a support person.

Which Insurer is the best one for me?

Firstly, there is the normal stuff to consider like financial stability, a good claims payment record and competitive pricing. Some insurers cover your children also, some even for free. But most importantly, it is critical to choose an insurer with favourable definitions of the conditions covered. For example, you would want an insurer who uses evidence of infarction of the brain, rather than a percentage of brain damage to define a claimable stroke. If this sounds a bit like gobble-di-gook, don’t worry! When it comes to Trauma Cover definitions and options, your Greentree Insurance adviser is an expert, so you don’t have to be.

Want to talk to an expert? Ask an adviser.