Lisa’s story
Lisa became absent from work following a diagnosis of tongue cancer. Her employer notified Aviva within four weeks of the absence to begin the claims journey.
A dedicated Aviva case manager completed an initial needs assessment call with Lisa to gather information on her situation. She confirmed she had begun chemotherapy and radiotherapy, reporting side effects including difficulty eating, drinking, and sometimes talking due to the location of her cancer.
Her case manager offered a referral to the Cancer Work Support Service, run by Aviva’s rehabilitation partners, Working To Wellbeing, to provide support and guidance during such a difficult time. Lisa welcomed the support, especially as she was aiming to return to work in the coming months.
A mutually convenient appointment was completed within the weeks that followed the referral. Lisa talked with the Working To Wellbeing Health Coach, who agreed they would be able to help with her fatigue, physical activity and mood, and support with her return to the workplace.
Lisa’s claim was due to begin in December 2020 following the completion of the 26-week deferred period. As return to work conversations had already begun with the team at Working To Wellbeing, her case manager was able to use this information to make a decision on the claim. Lisa’s claim was successful, and the decision was confirmed before the end of the deferred period to help alleviate any additional anxieties regarding her finances.
Lisa successfully started an eight-week phased return to work plan in January 2021, six months after the notification of her claim, and due to such positive results, was then discharged from the team at Working To Wellbeing.
“I got an excellent service from Aviva. There was always someone on the end of the phone if I needed to speak with anybody. You dealt with my claim really quickly, which was very important to me as it took the worry away during such a stressful time. I felt extremely supported by you. The Working to Wellbeing team were brilliant…I found that really useful.”
Lisa Lynch, Financial Services employee, age 53.