Does your critical illness policy cover breast cancer?

Every year many women in the UK take out critical illness insurance cover, and most think that this will cover them if they are diagnosed with critical illnesses such as breast cancer, which could result in them being unable to work or earn an income.

However, recent research has revealed that critical illness policies do not provide cover or protection if the policyholder is diagnosed with a specific – and common – form of breast cancer known as ‘ductal carcinoma in situ’.

According to insurance providers, this is a form of breast cancer that is usually caught in its early stages and can therefore be treated, hence cannot really be construed as critical. Insurance companies also claim that the diagnosis of this form of breast cancer is so common that it would simply cost them too much to cover this particular form of cancer. However, for those with critical illness policies, who are then diagnosed with this cancer and unable to work, this is of no help at all.

One woman explained that she was diagnosed with the cancer, which is normally treated through major surgery or a mastectomy, and ended up having to sell her home and downsize in order to pay off her debts after being unable to work and earn money. She stated that when she tried to claim on her policy she was told that this form of breast cancer was not covered, but stated that she was never told this when policy was sold to her by NatWest.

An official from NatWest stated: ‘ Unfortunately, this policyholder’s illness is not covered by her policy. The brochures which she admits she received when she first took out the policy clearly state that there are exclusions to the type of cover the policy provides. They also emphasise the importance of checking the accompanying guide to serious illness cover for more detailed definitions of the cover.’

Tom Smith
28th September 2007

Tags: natwest, critical, serious, breast, illness, policy, cancer