The Risks are Real
The Risks Are Real: What Would Happen if You Couldn't Work?
Most of us don't wake up thinking about what could go wrong. We’ve got jobs to do, families to look after, and plans for the future. But every now and then it’s worth stopping to ask: what if something did go wrong?
Because the truth is, serious illness, disability or even death during your working life aren’t just rare, out-of-the-blue events. They're more common than most people realise.
What are the chances?
Here’s what the stats say if you’re a healthy 30-year-old non-smoker, working through to age 65:
6% chance of dying early (women) / 9% (men)
11% chance of suffering a critical illness (women) / 17% (men)
4% chance of becoming permanently disabled
19% chance of being off work for 6+ months (women) / 10% (men)
If you're part of a couple, or own a business with a few partners, those odds stack up quickly. For example, there's nearly a 50% chance that one of four business partners will be temporarily disabled at some point. Imagine one of your key team members being out of action for half a year—how would that impact cashflow, clients, or staff?
So… what’s the plan?
Most people don’t have one.
We assume our savings will last, or that ACC or the bank will come to the rescue. But in reality, many households are only a few missed paydays away from pressure. And most banks won’t wait patiently while you recover from cancer or bounce back from a stroke.
Ask yourself:
Could I still pay the mortgage if I couldn’t work for six months?
Would my partner be financially OK if I died suddenly?
Would I be comfortable recovering at work - or at home, with proper support?
If a business partner fell seriously ill, how would we handle it?
These aren’t pleasant questions, but they’re worth thinking about before you’re forced to.
Insurance isn’t about fear. It’s about options.
This isn’t about scare tactics or worst-case scenarios. It’s about being able to make good choices if life takes an unexpected turn. The right cover gives you breathing space. It lets you recover properly, protect your income, keep the business going, and support the people who rely on you.
You don’t need every type of insurance under the sun. But you do need to understand your risks—and which ones are worth protecting against.
Talk it through with someone who gets it.
We’re here to help you make sense of it all. No pressure, no pushy sales tactics—just a proper conversation about what cover (if any) makes sense for your life, your family, or your business.
Your future self will thank you for thinking about it now, not later.
Let’s make sure you’ve got a plan.
Fill in the form below & book a time to speak to us
This information was gathered from the Quote Monster Informational Flyer, for a downloadable copy click here.