Bupa adds NHS cancer top-up

Bupa has introduced an option to tailor cancer coverage around NHS diagnosis and treatment provision.

The NHS Cancer Cover Plus option is available on the Corporate Select health insurance scheme for larger companies.

It will provide employees with diagnostic tests and consultations until a diagnosis of cancer is confirmed.

If the recommended treatment can be provided by the NHS patients will continue their treatment there with additional telephone support from the Bupa oncology support team.

If a patient's consultant recommends treatment that is not available through the NHS, they can be treated privately.

Bupa said that the additional option means employers can now provide their workforce with private cancer care when treatment cannot be provided by the NHS, rather than choosing between comprehensive cover or removing cancer cover.

The insurer has recently published its Cancer Promise which includes access to an oncology support team to help navigate cancer treatment, the option to receive chemotherapy at home when clinically appropriate and making fast decisions about the funding of new drugs and treatments.