A true story of preparation’s triumph over peril.
Every cyclist knows that preparation is a necessity. Every ride demands meticulous attention to detail, from ensuring your equipment is in peak condition to route planning and carrying essential gear. You train rigorously, knowing that being ready for anything the trail, track, or open road throws your way can make the difference between a successful ride and a potential setback.
This principle of readiness extends beyond cycling into everyday life. Just as every cyclist equips themselves before a ride, all of us, as responsible parents or spouses, need to put certain measures in place to counter life’s unexpected twists and turns. No example illustrates the importance of this preparedness as well as that of Rudi Joubert.
Rudi took up cycling after a harrowing accident that led to his leg being amputated. Today, he is a well-known member of the cycling community, serving as a shining example of grit and determination as he continues to conquer some of the country’s toughest trails with a prosthetic leg.
Rudi’s remarkable story actually began with a single conversation years before his accident. On that day, he received valuable advice and took it, and even though the possibility of a disability seemed far-fetched at the time, that decision changed the course of his life forever.
Rudi’s story
Rudi is a down-to-earth, typical South African husband and father who spent the last fourteen years of his working life at an engineering firm in Secunda.
On a typical day in 2016, Rudi went to work as usual. Operating in an industrial environment, Rudi always followed safety procedures in his workplace, but even so, disaster struck and changed Rudi’s life in the blink of an eye. As he was moving down a demarcated walkway, a ton of steel collapsed on him, crushing his foot on impact.
There was no choice but to amputate his leg. Suddenly, one of those “it could only happen to someone else” situations became Rudi’s reality. It was an extremely tough time for Rudi and his family. Not only was he confronted with the emotional trauma of losing his leg, but also the fact that he faced an extended recovery period, and as his family’s primary breadwinner, he would no longer be able to earn an income.
A silver lining
Waking up in the hospital the morning after his accident, the first face Rudi saw was that of his Old Mutual Financial Adviser, David Hall.
“David handed me a letter and assured me that they were on it,” he says. “And just like that, Old Mutual confirmed that they would pay me my full salary for the rest of my life.” The disability insurance he advised Rudi to add to his financial planning years earlier would now provide the lifeline he and his family desperately needed.
This goes to show the power of expert advice. Analysing Rudi’s risk factors, David knew that disability insurance should be integral to Rudi’s financial planning. Because of that advice, the Joubert family could survive and thrive despite this traumatic event.
Safe in the knowledge that Old Mutual kept its promise and his family was financially secure, Rudi could focus on healing and adapting to life without his leg. He soon picked up cycling as a sport and excelled despite his disability and now inspires every rider he comes across on the trails.
The actual cost of living with a disability
Rudi’s story highlights the fact that living with a disability entails expenses you would not necessarily consider beforehand. To illustrate, Rudi’s prosthetic leg, including the kern, socket, ankle, blade, rubber, and titanium pin, costs upwards of R150 000. Because of his cycling, these components wear and tear quicker and require sporadic replacement.
Just like Rudi, most people adapting to life with a disability will have to make room in the budget for additional expenses. This could include direct costs such as medical expenses not covered by your medical aid, assistive devices such as wheelchairs or prosthetics, rehabilitation, caregivers, and trauma counselling. Indirect costs could include loss of income, car and home modifications, upgrading of assistive devices, and long-term therapy or counselling, among many others.
Therefore, if you are suddenly unable to earn an income, it is not just about covering your existing bills, such as the bond, groceries, debt repayments, and school fees, but also a multitude of new expenses.
Disability insurance: a financial and emotional lifeline when needed most
Earning an income and providing for your family is your greatest asset. While unexpected disabilities can threaten your and your family’s financial security, having disability insurance provides the peace of mind that whatever uncertainties life might hold, you and your loved ones can maintain your lifestyle and pursue your long-term financial goals.
Besides the financial aspect, it is also important to consider the emotional impact of a disability on you and your family. It usually goes hand in hand with emotional trauma that needs to be processed. When that happens, the last thing you need is the added stress of worrying about finances. Knowing you are insulated against this life-changing financial impact, you can focus on healing and living your best life.
What if Rudi’s story was your story?
As humans, we shy away from confronting the possibility that something like a disability could happen to us. However, Rudi is a shining example that it can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of age, gender or lifestyle.
As a cyclist, you know the importance of preparation before each journey. Life’s journey is no different – ensure that you and your loved ones are geared to overcome the twists and turns life might hold.
Protect your income and your future. Speak to a financial adviser about our range of personalised disability insurance tailored to your needs and budget, or visit www.oldmutual.co.za/disability to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (SA) Limited is a licensed FSP and life insurer. This story was told by one of our customers, who received a monetary token of our appreciation for sharing his personal story. This does not influence the authenticity or accuracy or his account. The information shared in this article does not constitute financial advice and benefits and claims outcomes may vary depending on your specific circumstances. It is recommended that you consult with a licenced financial adviser to discuss your personal insurance needs and options. For more information and Ts & Cs, visit oldmutual.co.za/illness
