Individual Products
- Life Insurance
Coping with the Unexpected
"When you're 28 years old, you don't think of things like this. I purchased the insurance 'just in case,' but never imagined I'd use it."
In early 2003, Eric Tamez and his wife, Michelle, were making plans for the future. Eric was working in sales for an auto parts business and Michelle at a manufacturing plant for an area grocery store chain. Both had the same goal in mind - providing for their young daughter, Abigail.
At Eric's parents' urging, they met with a Mutual of Omaha representative. Although they were just starting out and didn't have much extra money, Eric and Michelle realized the importance of insurance for their future. With their agent's help, they each purchased Mutual of Omaha critical illness and life insurance from United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, a Mutual of Omaha Company. "Fortunately we did, because no one saw what was coming," Eric said.
That November, Michelle was diagnosed with leukemia. The disease was in an early stage and Michelle's doctors suggested aggressive chemotherapy at a Houston hospital three hours away. Her weakened immune system required Michelle to remain in a protected environment there for weeks at a time.
The bills started accumulating - deductibles, coinsurance, meals in the cafeteria for Eric, parking and hotels. They were down to their last credit card when the critical illness benefit arrived. "We were able to pay off those expenses," Eric said.
Mutual of Omaha's critical illness insurance pays a lump sum upon the diagnosis of several conditions, including cancer.
Although Michelle's initial prognosis was good, after a series of treatments she suffered setbacks caused by infections and illnesses. Michelle passed away in June 2004. "When you're 28 years old, you don't think of things like this," Eric said. "I purchased the insurance 'just in case,' but never imagined I'd use it."
When Eric and Michelle first met with their agent, they had specific goals, which included buying a house. "Michelle wanted Abby to have a house with a backyard to play in," Eric said. "With the life insurance money, I was able to continue with that plan."
Eric recognizes the special role his agent played before, during and after Michelle's illness. "Without him I'd have been lost," Eric said. "He made all the calls and did the running around. His constant communication made things a little easier."
As Eric makes new plans for the future, he realizes the importance of preparing for the unexpected. "I have to know Abigail will be taken care of if something happens to me."