Trauma Insurance
A serious illness diagnosis changes everything. Trauma insurance provides a lump sum payment when you need it most — covering treatment costs, replacing lost income, and giving you the financial freedom to focus on recovery.
Trauma insurance
Financial security when a serious illness changes your life
Most people focus on the medical side of a serious illness. The financial side is often just as devastating. Trauma insurance puts a lump sum in your hands so you can focus on getting better without worrying about money.
Cancer, heart attack, and stroke are the three most common trauma claims in New Zealand. But trauma insurance can also cover a wide range of other serious conditions — from organ failure to major surgery. The right policy covers the conditions that are most relevant to your situation.
Trauma cover pays out regardless of whether you are able to work. This makes it fundamentally different from income protection — it is designed to cover the significant costs associated with diagnosis and recovery that your income replacement cover and health insurance may not fully address.
What's Included
The lump sum from a trauma policy can be used for anything — private treatment not covered by health insurance, modifications to your home, paying off your mortgage, funding time off work for a partner who needs to care for you, or simply giving you financial breathing room during a difficult period.
We assess your situation, review your existing cover, and recommend a trauma policy that provides appropriate cover for the conditions most relevant to your age, health, and circumstances.
Covered conditions assessment
Trauma policies vary significantly in how many and which conditions they cover. We compare policies to make sure you are covered for the conditions that are most statistically likely and most financially significant for someone in your situation.
Sum insured calculation
We help you work out the right lump sum amount — taking into account your income, your debts, your living expenses, and how long you might need financial support during a recovery period.
Integration with your existing cover
Trauma insurance works alongside your health insurance and income protection. We make sure your total insurance package provides comprehensive protection without unnecessary duplication.
Policy structure and ownership
How your trauma cover is structured can affect tax treatment and claims outcomes. We make sure your policy is set up correctly from the outset.
What people say about Collaborative Consulting
“I got to know John whilst working with him in developing his company’s brand principles to strengthen the emotional connectedness with his clients. During this period, I gained a deep understanding of John’s ethics and strong desire to help people both through the good times and the bad times.
His strongest desire is to make a tangible difference for his clients and future generations of their family. John has a strong sense of family, he believes strongly in wanting to contribute back to the community.
I can honestly say I have not met a financial adviser where money is not the financial driver for him, it’s much more personal, it’s about making a difference. I’d recommend anyone who wants certainty in their financial investments talk to John.”
Michael Major BA (Hons) MDM
Property Development Consultant, Future Proofing Strategist
“John is the consummate professional in the Financial Planning and Investment sector. He has walked the talk, having successfully grown and lead businesses to achieve dramatic results. Through it all, he has helped people reach their personal and professional goals and engages with them comprehensively to ensure they achieve what they need to.
There’s no nonsense with John – if you want to succeed, he will help you do it and in doing so, you will meet and be assisted by one of the nicest and most professional people I know, who also lives by a set of principles steeped in integrity. A hard thing to find these days!
I strongly recommend you contact John and get to know him. You won’t regret it.”
Warren Cummins
Managing Director, Dale Carnegie Auckland and BRS Management
“Choosing someone to look after your money is an important decision especially if you are like me and have no idea about investments.
When I left my marriage I had money from the sale of the house. As I was now on my own financially I understood that I needed to ensure that not only was my money going to be safe but would also be working for my future.
I met with a few financial advisers but none of them really instilled me with confidence. I was feeling a bit lost and frightened about making the wrong decision.
Pam Martin
Arbonne Independent Consultant
“We are all specialists in our own area of business. We love referring our clients to an equally dedicated specialist, John Milner of Collaborative Consulting Ltd.
John has been able to help our clients leverage and re-invest their hard-won gains, made both personally, and in business. John has been working in his area of Investment Expertise for a long- time, so has ridden all of those waves in the marketplace. He is committed to helping clients mitigate their investment risk, and in these days and times, his level-head and thorough but relatable approach to Investment are exactly what we all need.
He makes investing simple, effective and takes the worry away.”
James Kelso
CPA, Director, Kelso Marsh Consulting Ltd
“I have known for some time now as part of my business networking group. From the start I have been impressed by John’s professionalism and his knowledge base. John takes what he does seriously and is quite clearly very dedicated to serving his clients well.
I have no trouble recommending him to anyone in need of sound financial advice.”
Rory Laubscher
Corporate Photography Specialist Firefly Photography
Our Process
When you work with us, we use our proven 3-step system. By understanding your situation and the goals you want to achieve, we work out a unique plan to help you get there smoothly.
Trauma cover that gives you financial freedom when you need it most
Years of experience helping New Zealanders protect their financial position against the impact of serious illness.
A trauma insurance policy does not prevent serious illness — but it does mean that when it happens, your financial situation is not a source of additional stress. You can focus entirely on your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about trauma insurance? Get in touch — we are happy to help.
What conditions does trauma insurance cover?
Trauma policies vary by insurer but typically cover cancer, heart attack, stroke, coronary artery bypass surgery, organ transplants, and major neurological conditions. Some policies cover 30 or more conditions. We compare policies to make sure you have cover for the conditions most relevant to your situation.
How much trauma cover do I need?
A common starting point is one to two years of your gross income, but the right amount depends on your mortgage, your living expenses, your other cover, and how long you might need financial support during recovery. We work through this with you in detail.
Is trauma insurance the same as critical illness cover?
Yes — trauma insurance and critical illness cover refer to the same type of product. Both pay a lump sum on diagnosis of a specified serious illness.
Can I claim on trauma cover and still keep working?
Yes. Trauma insurance pays out on diagnosis, regardless of whether you are able to continue working. This is one of the key differences from income protection, which only pays when you are unable to work.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
Some pre-existing conditions may be excluded from a trauma policy. We help you understand the implications of any exclusions and identify the policy that provides the best available cover given your health history.
Does trauma insurance pay out if I survive?
Yes. Trauma insurance is specifically designed to pay out when you survive a serious illness. It is not a life insurance policy — it pays on diagnosis, not on death.
Do you work with clients across New Zealand?
Yes. We advise clients throughout New Zealand on trauma insurance via video call and phone.
Related insurance and financial protection services
With Collaborative Consulting by your side, we can help across a broad range of protection and financial planning needs.
Cover the cost of private medical treatment — complementing your trauma cover by addressing treatment bills rather than income replacement.
Replace your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury — working alongside trauma cover to provide comprehensive protection.
Ensure your family is financially protected if you die — covering debts, replacing income, and providing long-term security.