Aviva has launched a top-up health insurance product focused on supporting people with cancer.
Cancer Essentials is the first in a range of low-cost insurances that Aviva will be launching this year to provide medical, financial and emotional support on diagnosis of specific conditions.
The products are designed to complement treatment customers receive through NHS health services.
The Essentials range will sit alongside Aviva's Private Medical Insurance Cancer Essentials cover includes:
• Up to £100,000 towards the cost of non-NHS funded cancer drugs, on request from the customer's NHS specialist.
• A £5,000 cash sum payable on the diagnosis of cancer, to help with immediate everyday costs.
• 24/7 access to a GP Helpline.
• Access to online and phone based support from a team of personal nurse advisers.
The insurance is priced according to the age of the individual and whether or not they smoke.
A 50 year old would typically pay between £5 and £8 per month.
Dr Doug Wright, medical director for Aviva Health said: "The NHS does a brilliant job of offering an extensive range of cancer services but financial pressures mean it simply cannot fund every cancer drug that is available.
That's where Aviva is stepping in. For a low monthly cost, customers have the peace of mind of knowing that if diagnosed with cancer, they will benefit from being able to access up to £100,000 worth of additional cancer drugs and treatments, should these by requested by the customer's NHS specialist.
"Cancer Essentials is the first in a number of innovative new top-up health insurance products Aviva has planned over 2016 and beyond, targeting customers' specific health needs."
