Insurance companies have been heavily criticised by breast cancer sufferers for not protecting them against the consequences of this particular disease. Critical illness cover is designed to protect policy holders in the event of critical illness but many policies explicitly state that one particular type of breast cancer found in women, 'ductal carcinoma in situ' is not covered . Some women have been shocked and appalled to find out that their large policies will not pay out in this eventuality.
Life insurance is taken out under the legal terminology 'utmost good faith'. This is said to mean that the insurance company and the person taking out the policy are acting in good faith and that the policy delivers what is advertised without the potential policy holder having to read through the small print. Critics have suggested that by refusing to pay out in these cases of cancer insurers are contravening this mandate. They have been particularly critical of sales men and women that fail to point out the pitfalls of the policies they sell.
Insurance companies have claimed that 'ductal carcinoma in situ' which is diagnosed in over 3000 women every year is not technically a critical illness as the cells in the tissue outside the ducts have not yet shown signs of cancer. The condition is known as a pre-cancer which is why the term 'in situ' is used. However although the cancer is not fully developed people that suffer often have to go through major surgery to prevent the cancer progressing. Mastectomies are not uncommon with this diagnosis and groups are keen to lobby against the fact that insurance companies will not pay out.
In one case a woman had a 70,000 pound policy and was diagnosed with this pre-cancer. She was given a mastectomy and was forced out of work for over two years. He insurance company refused to pay out as the brochure that had given her when she signed up for the policy clearly stated that it would not be covered. The real difficulty arises because had she not had the preventative treatment the cancer would have developed fully and she would have become ill enough to receive the payout. Understandably she could not risk her life to wait for the payout and she opted to have the surgery as quickly as possible.
The main criticism is that if the illness is not considered critical then why do sufferers have to go through such radical and invasive treatments? Some companies do make a point of paying out in the event of this illness but it is important to all people that are looking for life insurance that you carefully scrutinise the policy you take out and be aware that 'ductal carcinoma in situ' may not be included in your critical illness cover.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Non payment of citizens insurance claim
By: danajrealtor | 19-08-2008
Citizens insurance refused to pay for a hurricane damaged house (wilma) where the roof had blown off and the house was a total loss. They told me that they had mailed me a cancellation notice (which I never received) over an extra $205.00 they wanted to charge me. I ask you if you had already paid all the money for the premium would you just ignore a letter from them saying your policy would be cancelled if you didn't pay $205 of course not. I have had to employ an attorney, I think it has been about 2 years. Anyone else fighting citizens for payment or non receipt of cancellation notice?
My mother was diagnosed on May 21, 2008 and ...
By: Lisa | 19-08-2008
My mother was diagnosed on May 21, 2008 and started chemo on July 8. They have just reduced her chemo(August 13) due to her not being able to with stand the doses she was getting. This weekend she was experiencing pain in the area of her liver. Could this mean that the cancer is progresing.
What is the process for reinstating a master of ...
By: critty | 18-08-2008
What is the process for reinstating a master of cosmetology license in georgia that has been lapsed for approx. 15 years?
Help me
By: francisca | 18-08-2008
iam 10 days late for period im scared i could be pregnant i got like a sharp pains in my oviers but i dont have sore boobs swollen i cant really tell if there swollen or not am i pregnant...
How does one differentiate between a policy and ...
By: duchesne1 | 18-08-2008
How does one differentiate between a policy and procedure to guide a course of action, and an operating rule. When is the rule applicable and when is the p&p appropriate.
Thank You
How to become an insurance brokere in arizona and ...
By: baumdavid | 18-08-2008
how to become an insurance brokere in arizona and to beable to sell auto comercial health life accident and dissability
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Insurance Articles
How an Auto Insurance Agent Can Help?
By: John Elton | 07/10/2008
Is it possible to find out cheap auto insurance premium? How can an insurance agent help in getting a discounted deal for auto insurance?
Stop Eating Meat to Save on Life Insurance
By: barryloughran | 07/10/2008
If you take the meat out of your diet, not only will you reduce the chance of having heart disease or cancer, you can now have your life insurance premiums reduced by up to 6%. Scientific tests have proven that non meat eaters can look forward to a 40% less chance of getting some cancers and nearly 40% for heart disease.
Disability Insurance 09 - Understand Residual Disability
By: Kyle J. Norton | 07/10/2008
Residual Disability benefits are based on the insured's loss of earnings.The insurance companies use two methods to determine an insured's eligibility for residual benefits:
Disability Insurance 08 - Understand Grace, Elimination and Benefit Period and Partial Disability
By: Kyle J. Norton | 07/10/2008
As we mentioned in the other articles, the main purpose of disability insurance is to to replace an individual's income should they be unable to work, helps to balance between personal earnings and expenses suddenly is upset, and the threat of financial disaster can quickly become a reality as a result of either an accident or a sickness. In this article, we will discuss Grace Period, Elimination Period ,Benefit Period and Partial Disability of disability insurance policy.
Home Insurance – Opt for Quality not Price
By: Gill Critchley | 07/10/2008
Those people who choose a cheap home insurance policy rather than a quality one could find that they do not have adequate cover.
Saving on Worker’s Compensation, a Big Task
By: Kevin J Smith | 07/10/2008
Worker’s compensation also known as workman’s compensation is regarded as one of the most complex and confusing elements of an insurance budget. What add more to the chaos are your regular audits, experience modification factors, classification codes, reserve reviews, state regulations and statutes. Even if you are being overcharged for all this, the question is not easy to answer. Such errors and overcharging problems occur in more than 50% policies.
A Preface to Life Indemnity Quotation Marks
By: Alien | 07/10/2008
The majority of persons formulate life conclusions with a great number of concern & sensible preparation. Receiving life indemnity is an important judgment that leaves no extent for innocence & carelessness. If the foremost plan of life insurance is to safeguard the potential of cherished ones, subsequently it has to be carried out with loads of dependability.
Web Life Insurance Quotations Tips
By: Alien | 07/10/2008
You would be fond of nothing enhanced than to place your bottom up ahead of the small screen & slow down by means of a chilled beer in hand. However, you keep in mind that your vehicle indemnity plan is as regards to terminate & you desire to discover a new corporation to wrap your vehicle.
Finance 
| Posted: 26-11-2007 | Comments: 
