Cancer Cover

Cancer cover 'highest priority' for PMI policyholders

Cancer is the most important disease to be covered by private medical insurance (PMI), a survey of policyholders has found.

Research of 690 UK-based PMI policyholders by the charity Beating Bowel Cancer found that the vast majority (91%) rated cover against the disease as important, with over two-thirds willing to take action if their policy did not adequately cover them for cancer treatments available outside of the NHS.

Policyholders listed changing policies, paying an extra premium and even encouraging their employer to change policies if their PMI did not include access to some of the latest cancer drugs.

"We are in a two-tier healthcare system for cancer treatment, and although more private healthcare providers are offering cancer cover, many policies cap the provision, cutting this lifeline to patients at a potentially critical time," said Hilary Whittaker, chief executive of Beating Bowel Cancer.

However, the survey also highlighted that more than half of all PMI policyholders (51%) had never read their policy document and may be unaware of the cover provided.

"If policyholders do not know the details of their healthcare package, they are likely to be shocked when they try to claim for treatment," added Whittaker.

Dr Paula Franklin, deputy medical director for BUPA Health Insurance, which was rated the most trusted provider, said she was "not surprised" by the results.

"Cancer is one of people's biggest health worries and they need to know they can trust their health insurance policy to cover their cancer care," said Dr Franklin.

The Health Insurance magazine: November 2007