Trauma Insurance provides a lump sum of money if you suffer a serious medical condition such as a heart attack, stroke or cancer (based on the definitions in the policy).
It is also called 'living insurance', because you don't have to die to make a claim.
History of Trauma Insurance This insurance was first developed in the early 1980s by Marius Barnard, brother of the acclaimed cardiac surgeon, Dr Christiaan Barnard.
Christiaan's job was to make sure that people survived heart disease; Marius' job was to make sure they could afford to survive.
This resulted in the creation of a policy that paid a lump sum if the life insured contracted any one of a number of defined 'critical' conditions.
With diseases such as cancer and heart disease now touching almost everyone in some way, this new approach to 'risk protection' has steadily grown in popularity.
Trauma and Critical Illness Insurance Today Since the 80?s the number or trauma insurance policies on offer has risen.
The policies are also known as critical illness insurance.
Today, insurance companies offer a range of trauma insurance policies covering a wide range of specified medical conditions.
It's important to choose the cover that best suits your needs.
Frequently people get different trauma insurance quotes and get too confused by the different policies and find it difficult to make a comparison.
There are a range of things to consider with trauma insurance:

• The amount of cover you or your spouse may need
• Who should own the cover?
• The policy conditions - what conditions are covered and what are excluded?
• The track record of the insurance company - do they pay genuine claims?
• What underwriting requirements are necessary to get the policy in force?

Critical illness insurance is an important part of any financial plan, providing money when you need it most.
We suggest you seek professional advice to make sure you get a policy that meets your needs.