Cancer Patients Mistreated By Insurers

Cancer Patients Mistreated By Insurers

Thursday 24th May 2007

The charity Macmillan Cancer Support has released figures this week highlighting that patients who have recovered from cancer are charged higher rates for travel insurance with 6% of people quizzed refused insurance all together.

During a poll of over 1,000 travel insurers the charity found that 2 out of 5 people were quoted higher premiums than people with no history of cancer. Many also found that insurers also asked insensitive questions when discussing policies.

The insurance industry argues that the extra charges added to policies are as a direct result of the risk that cancer may return. A spokesman from the Association of British Insurers, states that "The cost of cover needs to reflect the risk, which insurers assess using the best available medical evidence.”

Ayesha Owusu-Barnaby, head of campaigns and public affairs at Macmillan, said: "Hundreds of people contact Macmillan about travel insurance every month” and as a result Macmillan has launched a campaign aimed at persuading the travel insurance companies to review their stance on the insurance risk posed by cancer in order to lower premiums and give people a fairer deal.