I work in life insurance in a corporate capacity, not advisory, but after spending all day living and breathing insurance, the last thing I want to do on my personal time is review my own needs. Sure, my husband and I have life insurance. I just never got around to the living benefits. Like any client, I had excuses. “We’re young and healthy. There’s no CI history in our family. I’ll get to it soon.”

Soon came too late. In spring 2009, my stoic husband admitted that he needed to see the doctor. He, too, had been procrastinating. His vision was blurred and he was exhausted after the slightest exertion. His intuition said something was wrong and he couldn’t postpone any further. He booked an appointment with his doctor for the following week. Well, I certainly was too late in applying for any CI coverage now!

Later that week, he couldn’t stand upright, speak clearly or see straight. We went to the emergency room, fearing a stroke. How could that be? He was only 35! After many tests and many doctors, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

The MS relapse in 2009 subsided and he is now doing better. Our life has changed in the last 6 years, and things we used to take for granted are now cherished and appreciated. My husband is now a stay-at-home dad, as his former job was too physical to maintain with MS. At some point, we’ll have to move into a one-level home, and that will be a costly move. A lump sum payout of CI insurance sure would have helped our family, but we’re managing. And yes, I have now purchased CI insurance for myself and my children. No more procrastinating!

Although I’m not a practicing advisor, I do like to share my story with others. I’m surprised to hear that many advisors do not have CI or DI insurance, or present the recommendation to their clients. I thought I was the only one who procrastinated. I encourage all advisors to revisit the idea of living benefits insurance products and ensure that they are part of both your individual practices and your personal risk management portfolios.