Cancer - comments from BUPA

As forecasts predict an increase in the number of cancer cases -

and in the light of the launch of the Government's five-year cancer plan, which focuses on prevention and surgery rather than drugs - Fiona Harris, BUPA's head of personal markets, made the following comments: The role of PMI.

"Cancer is one of the nation's top health worries and people need to know that their health insurance will give them access to prompt tests, diagnosis and drugs and treatments, especially those which are not widely available on the NHS.

"We believe that health insurance should provide extensive cover for cancer patients and give them access to high quality cancer care.

Our policies have no benefit limits for out-patient cancer treatments and cover cancer patients throughout the duration of their treatment, irrespective of the outcome.

This means that we won't stop funding someone's cancer treatment." By undertaking rigorous evidence-based evaluation of new treatments, BUPA funds drugs for early stage breast, bowel and lung cancers, like Herceptin, even when such drugs are not available from the NHS.

Cancer-specific cover: BUPA developed the UK's first Heart and Cancer policy on the back of evidence suggesting these were people's two biggest healthcare worries.

BUPA Heartbeat Heart and Cancer offers cover for swift diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions and cancer only.

"In its report about private medical insurance cover for cancer, leading cancer information charity Cancerbackup highlighted the fact that BUPA is the only insurer to provide cover for patients at every stage of their cancer." Early treatment and extra support: "BUPA is also the only insurer to have accredited networks of specialist treatment centres for breast, bowel and gynaecological cancers.

This means that our members can receive treatment as early as possible at the right place and delivered by an expert specialist team.

All of this gives them the best possible chance of recovery.

"For reassurance and support, members are also able to talk to one of our specialist oncology nurses at any time during their treatment.

"BUPA covers all eligible hospital and consultant charges for chemotherapy, chemotherapy drugs, radiotherapy and surgery.

BUPA members can also, with the agreement of their consultant, receive certain cancer treatments in the comfort of their own home.".

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