Stanley said the insurer turned down the claim because they had not declared Ruby's migraine headaches, which she had been having before they signed up to the policies in 2010.
She had been to a specialist neurologist to get help with the migraines but after changing her medication hadn't experienced anymore problems.
Stanley said the insurer also claimed the migraines were a precursor to MS, which he said his medical professionals disputed.
Stanley had to quit work on a project in Western Samoa and look after his wife for four months. Ruby was paralysed down her right side and had lost feeling in her leg, arm and hearing. Stanley said she had since got a lot better.
Initially the couple were forced to live off their savings but then they had to sell their rental in 2013 to pay back the credit card bills they had been forced to rack up to pay for living expenses.
"Without any other income you dig a big hole pretty quickly."
Then 18 months later the couple split and sold the family home.
"I don't own a home and probably won't own one again."
Stanley said he had a lot of insurance before the situation but had to cancel it due to the cost and he had lost faith in the industry.
Now he only had vehicle cover and cover for his jet ski.
"I have learned my lesson and it is a pretty hard one."
His advice to others was to think hard about what you are trying to protect.
"I thought I had a good safety net. When my wife got sick all of a sudden it wasn't there."
He complained to the insurance ombudsman but it found in favour of the insurer.
Stanley's story comes off the back of an insurance series being run by the Herald.
Insurance - are you covered?:
Monday: What you need and what you don't
Tuesday: House, contents and car insurance
Wednesday: Health insurance
Thursday: Life and income protection insurance
Friday: Travel insurance
Saturday: All your insurance questions answered plus the best tips and advice from the experts
