Hi all. I had my Stroke in September, on Friday 13th of all days so I am 6 months into my recovery. I get full pay for 6 months, then a few months of half pay then statutory. I have income protection insurance but have had my claim declined as i am not incapacitated. I still struggle with fatigue, memory, concentration and whilst i am getting better all the time i am not ready to return to work. Their process’s do not consider brain injuries or their lasting effects and i wondered if others had experienced issues around accessing insurance further to a Stroke.
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Hello @HamPorkson - Welcome to the community where members have a wealth of experience and knowledge about surviving a stroke and the various trials and tribulations.
No doubt soon, a few will come along who will have been in your shoes and will offer you advice or give you information to help you on your way.
I don’t have any such experience or knowledge that is specific to your situation and so I take this opportunity to wish you all the best and look forward to your updates.
Namaste|
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Hello there. I had a stroke at 52. I know my immediate worries were around Finance. I was lucky that I have no long lasting physical impacts of the stroke but I am cognitively challenged. I like you had problems getting the pay out of income protection but I managed it in the end. First I went back to work supported by the occupational team. Often they are associated with the income protection company. That lasted two weeks before I could go on no longer. I did hardly anything in that two weeks as I was just not able. The occupational team actually advised that it was too soon. Income protection for me didn’t kick in until 12 weeks after my stroke - I think different policies are different so worth checking. Your HR team should be advising you on the process - just ask. I then tried again 3 months later but the same happened. After that I used my medical insurance (again through work) to get an assessment of my cognitive ability. I would do that immediately. My medical insurance company put me in touch with a Neuropsychologist. I had 3 sessions and a fourth for her to write the report. It told me quite clearly what was wrong and she also said I was way way too early to try going back. Having her on my side meant the insurance company HAD to start my Income Protection. They would never go against a qualified trained persons assessment. Two+ years later and I’m still working with the Neuropsychologist and I am still unable to return to work. So 1) get a cognitive assessment as soon as possible - either through medical insurance or pay privately (will cost you around £500 for x4 sessions) 2) you could go back to work BUT with occupational support 2) when it fails you will be signed off again and if you havent already - get a Neuro assessment of your cognitive capability. 3) Once you have a report and know what is going on use that as evidence with the insurance company. You should be good from there on in. The only other bit of advice I can give is remember you have the relationship with your company. You need to ensure they know that you are doing all you can to get back to work. Your company has the relationship with the insurance company (Not You). so don’t do the insurance companies work for them. If they want a report of where you are at they need to instigate it. Just keep your communication to the main facts - why? Because every which way the insurance company who provide the income protection will be trying not to pay it - They employ their people to work out how to STOP paying you - thats how they make money. Good luck and please reach out if you have further questions - I have learnt so much about this process over the last two years and none of it is readily available information.
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Thank you so much for that information. Lots to digest which is fantastic. You feel like you are banging your head against a wall so your advice amd support is amazing and i am very grateful. I am 54 and have a really complex job at a bank. Not sure at this stage if i will ever be able to return to that role but i really hope i can return to work sooner than later. Thanks again.
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I’ve sent a personal message if you want to reach out for a chat. I was in consulting now 54 also.
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Are you a member of a union? If you are they will support you. I would advise having someone with you at any meeting with management.
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Yeah, i am a member of Unite so will contact my rep on return to work. Thanks for the advice.
@HamPorkson just popping by to say hi & welcome to the community. Sorry you’ve had cause to join us but hopefully you’ll find it a useful place to be.
It looks like @rodkay has provided a great insight on how to navigate the income protection insurance system. Like all insurance companies they will always look at how they can avoid paying first. It’s very frustrating as you have enough to deal with.
You may also want to look at claimining contributions based (New style) ESA which is not means tested and is payable when your entitlement to statutory sick pay has been exhausted. Have a look at this link.
Good luck sorting your insurance.
Best wishes
Ann
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Hi , sorry to hear of your stroke but welcome to our community of stroke survivors and their carers and families.
I have no personal knowledge or experience regarding income protection insurance but it looks like you have been given some good advice and information. I would just like to wish you well and good luck getting your insurance sorted.
Regards Sue
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Thanks Ann. Good to meet you.
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Thanks a million. May take you up on that.
I am also a member of Unite. They will definitely advise you and will supply a rep to accompany you to a meeting with management.
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Thanks for that. Will definitely speak to my union rep when i go back on phased return.
Hi, I am 55 and had my stroke a year ago. Once back home my doctor signed me off as unfit to work for six months in total. During this period I was, fortunately, on full pay. I made an application for income protection, a company policy with Aviva, which was accepted and due to last for a period of five years max at 65% of pay. I have been back at work for six months. It is mentally exhausting - I have been in bed all day today to rest my brain. I believe if I get signed off again by my doctor I would need to make a new claim. Anyway, my point is that a stroke entitled me to income protection. It is mean’t to be just to cover you when you are coming back to work, not if you can never come back to work.
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