I had an accident in February last year that left me disabled from the waist down.
The doctor’s diagnosis was that I had suffered a spinal cord injury known medically as cauda equina syndrome.
I cannot feel my legs. I lie in bed most of the time as sitting for long periods puts immense pressure on my lower spine and causes a shooting pain in the lower back.
I held a job in the banking industry for 12 years before the accident but am unable to work now.
Two months ago, I contacted my insurer NTUC Income to make a claim on my Dependants’ Protection Scheme policy. The coverage was up to $46,000, which is not substantial but would be useful for an unemployed person.
The policy said there would be a payout only upon death or permanent incapacity. But I was told that my medical condition did not qualify me for that as I could still perform sedentary work.
To be clear, the doctor’s medical report said my injury was permanent but I could still perform work that did not require the use of my legs.
Had the insurer written to my doctor to clarify my condition, it would know that I am unable to sit for long hours, thus making me unable to do “sedentary work”.
I hope NTUC Income can display more empathy and flexibility when dealing with cases like mine.
Wendy Tan (Ms)
* Letter first appeared in ST Forum (3 Sep)
Editor's Note: What is the point of buying insurance when they don't pay you when you need it? You may as well save the money in your bank for rainy days. It seems like NTUC income is just a money collecting company.