| ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, is a | | | | not ever convince a doctor, who knows all too |
| recognised illness. However, some of the big | | | | well what effect ME has on peoples lives, but |
| health insurers see it quite differently, as the case | | | | Swiss Life has used the evidence as proof of her |
| of Miss A demonstrates. | | | | being active and mobile. They also have other |
| Miss A has been living with ME for eight years, an | | | | criticisms of Miss A which has enabled them to |
| aggressive form which has kept her wracked | | | | successfully deny her claim; for example, they |
| with pain and completely unable to work and | | | | say they have seen no long-term evidence of her |
| support herself. Living on benefits totalling 180 a | | | | inability to work. They also say that she resisted |
| week, she depends on her boyfriend and family | | | | rehabilitative treatment back in 2002, when in |
| to look after her. | | | | actual fact Miss A was unable to complete the |
| It could have been very different, because Miss A | | | | course because she suffered a relapse. |
| had permanent health insurance through her | | | | Even a Harley Street doctor and ME specialist has |
| employer. The insurer is Swiss Life, and although | | | | examined Miss A and can verify that she is |
| they did pay out on her claim at first, they | | | | suffering from ME and is deserving of her health |
| decided to stop paying out five years ago. On the | | | | insurance payments. To no avail with Swiss Life. |
| terms of the insurance policy, she was receiving a | | | | The only way that Miss A can win her case is to |
| regular income amounting to 75% of her salary | | | | take it to the Financial Ombudsman, and they |
| then it stopped, and since then, she has received | | | | have already said that any compensation will be |
| nothing. She estimates that she is already been | | | | limited to a maximum of 100,000. Miss A is not |
| denied access to 40,000. | | | | willing to take the risk, and is distrustful of the |
| So what has Swiss Life got to say on the | | | | Ombudsman. Who can blame her, when she has |
| matter? Its not so much what they said, but | | | | been treated so badly so far? |
| what they DID, that is the real eye opener. | | | | Resolution, the owners of Swiss Life, says that |
| Showing a distinct lack of respect for the | | | | they wouldnt stand in her way if she wanted to |
| debilitating illness, they used covert video | | | | progress the case with the Ombudsman. |
| surveillance to track her movements and gather | | | | The problem that Miss A is having is being |
| evidence to prove that she was not worthy to | | | | experienced by many people with what insurers |
| make the claim. They have used footage of Miss | | | | deem to be designer diseases. The insurers think |
| A leaving the house to attend a medical | | | | that people are trying to take them for a ride. |
| appointment, and then going to visit her Mum, to | | | | The reality is that people are suffering, and they |
| suggest that she would be perfectly capable of | | | | are not receiving the payout they are due. Those |
| doing a days work. This is a view that medical | | | | looking to buy a health insurance policy should be |
| experts have soundly rubbished, especially as ME | | | | absolutely sure that the company has a good |
| can vary from day to day, leaving sufferers able | | | | attitude towards diseases like ME, so if the worst |
| to perform small tasks one day, and then | | | | does happen, you will be covered. Try the |
| consigned to bed the next. | | | | Internet for the cheapest prices, and for an |
| Video evidence showing Miss A on her feet would | | | | extensive range of tips and advice. |