While it is encouraging to see advancements in science and technology now providing us with new methods of managing and in some cases overcoming certain illnesses, there are those modern day illnesses such as cancer and heart attack which have increased.

Now if you are one of those Australians who do not believe that something like this can happen to you then read on.

Today 3.7 million Australians are affected by cardiovascular disease or heart attack and it is our leading cause of death and disease.

Stroke is the leading cause of long term disability in Australia with 48,000 people affected each year (or 1 every 11 minutes).

Nearly 730,000 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with dementia by 2050.

More than 800,000 expected to be suffering from blindness by 2024 (36% of which are expected to be less than 65 years of age).

More than 36,000 Australians die from cancer each year with 1 in 4 women and 1 in 3 men suffering from a cancer event at some time in their lifetime.

On the upside, statistics do show that more women are surviving these critical events and living long fulfilling lives however we also know that many women who do survive serious illnesses or accidents are also likely to face other worries as well.

The effect of any accident or illness will be felt not only by you, but those close to you including your spouse and your children. Apart from the emotional stress imposed by these conditions you may also have to deal with additional financial worries.

Whilst Medicare covers a portion of your medical treatment, there may be other medical costs which are not covered by the Government. If you work full time you may have to forego your regular income; you may need in home help to care for you or your children; your spouse may wish to take time of to be with young; and your recuperation may be lengthy. All of this on top of your regular mortgage, education expenses and household costs.

Unfortunately some women neglect to plan for their financial futures preferring to leave things to chance and others preferring to leave these matters to their spouses. However women are living longer than men and may therefore face a greater risk of suffering from a serious accident or critical illness.

Income Protection, Trauma Insurance, Life and Total & Permanent Disability Insurance provide the financial support for you and your family so you can focus on your treatment and your recovery.

If you still believe it will not happen to you, then take a look at these startling statistics which illustrate the actual likelihood of suffering from an illness or injury. All you need to do is look up your gender and age. The figures on the line relevant to your gender and age tell you how likely you are of suffering from an illness, the chance of having an accident and the chance of being disabled as a result of either illness or accident for more than three months before the age of 65.

Report of Disability Committee IAA 1995 IA 85-90 Institute of Actuaries
Age is certainly a consideration with all of these illnesses however so to is lifestyle and hereditary factors. Do not be fooled into believing these illnesses can only affect the old and the frail. It too can happen to you?

Theresa Chapman is a Certified Financial Planner passionate about helping women achieve financial security. For more information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.sppgroup.com