As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, stories of resilience and hope remind us of the critical importance of health vigilance. For Fay Cuadra, InLife University Senior Assistant Vice President and Business Development Head, a routine medical appointment completely changed her perspective—turning her from a long-time insurance professional into a patient navigating the true cost of healing.
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| Fay Cuadra - InLife University Sr. Asst. Vice President and Business Development Head |
From Routine Check-Up to a Life-Changing Diagnosis
Despite experiencing zero pain or noticeable symptoms, an Executive Check-Up flagged a breast abnormality that required a biopsy.
"When you hear those words, it feels like time has suddenly stopped. You can spend years advising people about protection and preparing for the unexpected, but when you become the patient, everything feels different," Fay recalls.
Following her cancer diagnosis, Fay underwent neoadjuvant therapy, a mastectomy with breast reconstruction, and radiation therapy. Today, she proudly marks a major milestone: one year with No Evidence of Disease (NED), meaning current examinations and tests show no detectable cancer.
Understanding the True Cost of Care
While overcoming the disease is a monumental triumph, the financial reality of medical treatment is a crucial conversation. Fay’s initial diagnostic procedures quickly exhausted her inpatient Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) limits. The financial breakdown included:
- Breast Surgery: Approximately ₱800,000
- Radiation Therapy: ₱585,000
- Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAHBSO): An additional ₱700,000 six months later
Even with PhilHealth benefits, PWD discounts, corporate leave benefits, and personal insurance payouts, the overall financial load remained heavy.
"Your HMO, group hospitalization coverage, and individual insurance policies may have different benefits, limits, and conditions. It is important to understand how these work together and identify any gaps in your protection," Cuadra explains.
Furthermore, she emphasizes that healthcare extends far beyond the hospital walls: "Cancer treatment does not end when you leave the hospital or complete your surgery. Follow-up consultations, blood tests, monitoring scans, medications, and ongoing medical care became important parts of my recovery. You have to consider the entire healthcare journey, not just the initial hospital bill."
Bridging the Protection Gap with InLife Global Care
To help Filipino families address these hidden gaps and secure comprehensive protection, InLife offers InLife Global Care—a robust health insurance solution featuring up to ₱125 million in annual coverage.
- Access to accredited hospitals, clinics, and specialists in the Philippines and abroad.
- Coverage extending beyond hospitalization to eligible outpatient consultations, diagnostic scans, and monitoring therapies.
- Cashless service options through supported providers.
- Guaranteed annual renewability up to age 99.
- Worldwide emergency coverage of up to ₱12.5 million outside the selected coverage area (subject to policy terms).
"Healthcare confidence is knowing that when a serious medical situation happens, you have choices, resources, and someone you can rely on to help you move forward. InLife Global Care aims to provide all these and more so Filipinos can have access to quality healthcare without compromising everything they worked hard for," states InLife Chief Product and Innovation Officer Jose Eduardo O. Ang.
A Milestone of Gratitude and Action
Throughout her recovery, Fay credits her support system—including her husband, family, and InLife colleagues, such as InLife President Raoul Littaua, who personally encouraged her to prioritize her healing.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month wraps up, Fay leaves a vital message: Do not delay preventive check-ups or wait for physical symptoms to appear before seeking medical advice.
"Early detection can make a difference in identifying cancer and understanding your treatment options. Do not postpone the check-up that could change your life," she urges.
Through initiatives like InLife Global Care and continuous advocacy for preventive health, InLife encourages Filipinos to take two essential steps: prioritize their well-being and prepare financially for the care they may need.
About InLife: Established over 115 years ago, InLife is the first and largest Filipino life insurance company in the country, committed to helping policyholders make confident financial decisions and providing A Lifetime for Good. For more information, visit www.inlife.com.ph.
