PMI policies offer varying levels of cancer care
Bupa and a cancer charity are advising the public to check the small print on their private medical insurance (PMI) policies. With 57% of Britons naming cancer as their major health worry, according to Bupa's Health of the Nation survey, the insurer has warned that not all policies fund treatment for every stage of cancer and people should check they are not let down when they come to claim.
Some policies stipulate time or preset monetary limits on funding for cancer drugs while others offer varying levels of cover. Hilary Whittaker, chief executive at charity Beating Bowel Cancer agreed with Bupa. She said: "It is important that people make sure they check their cancer cover so that if they come to claim, they are not let down at what will already be a difficult time."
However, Charlie MacEwan, head of communications at insurer WPA, pointed out checking should all be done pre-purchase. He said: "It all comes down to an issue of responsibility. There is a responsibility among insurers to treat customers fairly but there has been an erosion of the customer's responsibility as they drive for price over features. Advisers and clients should ask about quality before cost when buying PMI."
Dr. Rebecca Small, assistant clinical director at Bupa UK Health Insurance, said: "A policy should give people access to treatment at every stage of their cancer. It's about the right cancer treatment, at the right time, in the right place and is ultimately about giving patients the best possible chance."
