Amanda, a keep fit enthusiast, is more than relieved that she had arranged critical illness insurance as well as income protection.

She said ' After the trauma of a difficult divorce, I realised just how important it was to ensure that my two children would not suffer financially with me as their sole provider.
I was advised to contribute to both income and critical illness cover which has given me a great feeling of security and peace of mind . Hopefully I won't claim on either policy but this protection is in place should I need it.'

On recommendation from Female Finance, Amanda took out protection policies including £100,000 critical illness cover. Unfortunately Amanda has since been diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing treatment.  She received a lump sum just 2 months after the diagnosis after submitting her claim, she hopes to eventually return to work but her income protection policy is taking care of family expenses in the meantime.