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25/08/2004
Private medical insurance is 'failing' cancer patients
Cancer patients are being failed by private medical insurance (PMI) companies who are not funding treatment throughout the duration of their illness, according to a leading charity.
A CancerBACUP report published today found that a lack of funding from PMI companies could often result in a "sudden withdrawal of treatment at a critical stage".
Research by the charity found that BUPA was the only company which supports the cancer patient financially throughout the course of their illness.
In a separate survey, CancerBACUP also claimed that sales staff were found to be giving out false information about policies to callers to half of the PMI companies contacted.
Joanne Rule, Chief Executive for CancerBACUP, said that a lack of funding had left patients "shocked and distressed" at a time when they were "most vulnerable".
She added: "We believe that insurance companies should fund cancer treatments which are given to slow progression of the cancer, when a cure is not possible.
"At the very least, they should make it crystal clear what they cover and what they do not so people can make an informed decision when purchasing private medical insurance."
From 2005 the Financial Services Authority will be responsible for the regulation of private medical insurance and CancerBACUP has already urged them to review the current policy.
(mcgl)
A CancerBACUP report published today found that a lack of funding from PMI companies could often result in a "sudden withdrawal of treatment at a critical stage".
Research by the charity found that BUPA was the only company which supports the cancer patient financially throughout the course of their illness.
In a separate survey, CancerBACUP also claimed that sales staff were found to be giving out false information about policies to callers to half of the PMI companies contacted.
Joanne Rule, Chief Executive for CancerBACUP, said that a lack of funding had left patients "shocked and distressed" at a time when they were "most vulnerable".
She added: "We believe that insurance companies should fund cancer treatments which are given to slow progression of the cancer, when a cure is not possible.
"At the very least, they should make it crystal clear what they cover and what they do not so people can make an informed decision when purchasing private medical insurance."
From 2005 the Financial Services Authority will be responsible for the regulation of private medical insurance and CancerBACUP has already urged them to review the current policy.
(mcgl)
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