Insurance is one of the few things people pay for while hoping they will never need to use it. Its value often remains unseen—quietly present and rarely felt until the moment it truly matters.

For Ella Orate, a single mother and FWD Set for Health policyholder, that moment came unexpectedly. Now on her journey toward becoming cancer-free, Ella’s story has been brought to life on film and is being shared by FWD this Women’s Month as a testament to the role protection can play when it is needed most. Her experience resonates with many Filipinos who have wondered whether their insurance would truly be there in times of crisis.

Single mothers hold a unique and vital role within Filipino families, often serving as both provider and protector with little room for uncertainty. When a serious illness arises, the impact extends far beyond the individual—it affects everyone who depends on them. This Women’s Month, as the Philippines celebrates Filipino women under the theme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, Ella’s story stands as a powerful reminder that taking care of oneself is also a way of taking care of others.

While insurance policies are often discussed in terms of coverage and premiums, what a successful claim makes possible is less frequently highlighted. For Ella, it meant having the financial support to focus fully on recovery without the added burden of medical expenses and financial strain during a deeply personal challenge.

“At FWD, our purpose goes beyond insurance. It is about being there for Filipinos in the moments that matter most. That is what protection is for,” said Gavin Lai, FWD Chief Marketing and Digital Commerce Officer.

FWD Set for Health is a critical illness insurance plan designed to provide financial protection during serious health conditions. It offers coverage for major critical illnesses, allowing policyholders to claim up to three times for unrelated conditions. In the event of a major diagnosis or total and permanent disability, future premiums are waived, enabling customers to focus on recovery. The plan also includes additional coverage for minor critical illnesses and returns 100 percent of premiums paid if no major claim is made by age 75, offering both protection and long-term value.

Through stories like Ella’s, FWD highlights the real-life impact of insurance—transforming it from an abstract concept into a tangible source of support when it matters most.