Cancer patients are being "priced out" of holidays due to "extremely unfair" travel insurance costs, a charity has warned. Maggie's cancer support charity said patients and those with a history of the disease were "frequently" being quoted premiums of thousands of pounds, while some were being refused cover altogether. Its chief executive, Dame Laura Lee, said: "We know how stressful a cancer diagnosis can be, and the last thing people should have to think about is inflated insurance costs." The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said the "significant costs" associated with emergency treatment abroad for pre-existing medical conditions were taken into account when offering cover. In a statement, Dame Lee emphasised the "emotional distress" caused by "barriers" to obtaining travel insurance for people with cancer. She said: "Travelling and taking holidays can be so important for someone's wellbeing and recovery, and it is extremely unfair that people with cancer are being priced out of the opportunity to visit family and friends abroad or simply explore the world." Maggie's has called on the Treasury, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and insurers to jointly develop recommendations to ensure cancer patients are "treated more fairly" by providers. Josh Cull, 28, told BBC Breakfast he went through "a year of hell" in 2021 after being treated for a brain tumour which affected his eyesight and ability to walk. "I then decided, you know what, I'm going to live some life now," he said. But while searching for insurance for a trip to South East Asia with his fiancée and brother, Mr Cull said the lowest quote he could find was £3,000, which he described as "completely unaffordable". "[That was] despite being two-and-a-half years clean, no recurring conditions. I was completely healthy," he said. Mr Cull said he decided to travel without insurance, having had most of his savings "wiped out" by his time off work for treatment. "I [didn't] want it to stop me living my life," he said, adding that he instead took other more "affordable" precautions ahead of the trip, such as getting "extra vaccines". A spokesperson for the ABI said in a statement that it "remained committed" to supporting customers who have or have had cancer. "As part of a signposting agreement introduced by the FCA, if an insurer is unable to offer you cover because of a pre-existing medical condition, they will point you to specialist providers who can help you find an appropriate policy." A 2018 report by the FCA warned thatcancer patients were struggling to find affordable travel insurance, even long after their treatment had ended. The BBC has approached the Treasury for comment.
Cancer patients 'priced out' of holidays, charity warns
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Charity Warns Cancer Patients Face High Costs for Travel Insurance"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Cancer patients are facing significant challenges in securing affordable travel insurance, according to a warning from Maggie's cancer support charity. The organization highlighted that individuals diagnosed with cancer or those with a history of the disease are frequently quoted exorbitant premiums, often amounting to thousands of pounds, or are outright denied coverage. Dame Laura Lee, the chief executive of Maggie's, expressed concern about the added stress that inflated insurance costs impose on patients already grappling with the emotional and physical turmoil of a cancer diagnosis. She emphasized that travel and holidays play a crucial role in the well-being and recovery of cancer patients, making it particularly unjust that financial barriers prevent them from enjoying such experiences with family and friends abroad or exploring new destinations. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) acknowledged the high costs associated with emergency medical treatment for pre-existing conditions when determining insurance coverage, but this has not alleviated the burden on patients seeking to travel.
The plight of cancer patients in securing travel insurance is exemplified by the experience of Josh Cull, a 28-year-old who underwent treatment for a brain tumor. After enduring extensive health challenges, he was eager to travel but was quoted a staggering £3,000 for insurance, which he deemed unaffordable despite being in good health two-and-a-half years post-treatment. Faced with this financial hurdle, Cull chose to forgo insurance altogether, opting instead to take other precautions, such as getting additional vaccinations. This scenario reflects a broader issue highlighted by previous reports, including a 2018 Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) study that revealed the struggles of cancer patients in finding fair and affordable travel insurance even after completing their treatments. In light of these challenges, Maggie's has urged the Treasury, the FCA, and insurance companies to collaborate in developing solutions that will ensure fairer treatment for cancer patients in the travel insurance market.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the significant challenges faced by cancer patients in obtaining affordable travel insurance, as emphasized by a charity's warning. The financial burdens associated with travel insurance for individuals with a history of cancer are portrayed as both unfair and distressing, raising awareness about the emotional impact of these barriers.
Financial Barriers and Emotional Impact
The report illustrates how exorbitant insurance premiums can prevent cancer patients from taking holidays, which are vital for their well-being and recovery. The charity, Maggie's, led by Dame Laura Lee, underscores the emotional distress caused by these financial obstacles, framing this issue as not just a financial one but one that impacts mental health and quality of life. The personal account of Josh Cull further exemplifies the issue, as he shares his struggles with obtaining reasonable insurance despite being cancer-free for years.
Call for Policy Change
The charity's appeal to the Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority for action suggests a push for systemic change in how insurance providers treat individuals with pre-existing conditions. This indicates a desire for a more equitable approach to insurance coverage, reflecting broader societal issues regarding healthcare and the financial implications of chronic illnesses.
Public Perception and Social Implications
This article aims to generate sympathy and support for cancer patients, fostering a public discourse around fairness in insurance practices. By highlighting personal stories, the piece seeks to resonate with a broader audience, potentially mobilizing public support for policy changes that protect vulnerable populations.
Market and Economic Considerations
While the article does not directly address market implications, it raises questions about the insurance industry’s practices and their potential regulatory scrutiny. The narrative could influence public sentiment towards insurers, possibly affecting their reputation and financial performance.
Community Support and Target Audience
This report primarily appeals to communities affected by cancer, healthcare advocates, and individuals interested in social justice. It aims to raise awareness among the general public and policymakers about the challenges faced by those with pre-existing conditions, promoting a conversation around equitable treatment in the insurance sector.
Global and Societal Context
Although the article focuses on a local issue in the UK, it reflects broader global healthcare concerns regarding access and fairness in insurance. The rising costs of healthcare and insurance are pertinent worldwide, connecting this story to ongoing discussions about healthcare reform across various nations.
The language and emotional framing used in the article could be seen as a form of manipulation, aiming to highlight the unfairness faced by cancer patients. By employing personal narratives and emotional appeals, the article seeks to galvanize public support for changes in insurance practices. The overall reliability of the article appears sound, as it is based on factual accounts and reputable sources, though it does aim to evoke a strong emotional response from its readers.