---
title: Cancer Cover Compared | Morehealth Limited
description: According to Cancer Research UK, more than a third of people in the UK fear cancer more than any other life-threatening condition. Learn more.
---

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# Cancer Cover Compared

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## Why Many People Choose Private Health Insurance for Cancer Cover

According to Cancer Research UK, more than a third of people in the UK fear cancer more than any other life-threatening condition. This is understandable as the latest figures state that one in two people will develop cancer at some point in their lives.

Having access to private cancer treatment is one of the main reasons people choose to have private health insurance. There is no doubt that treatment for cancer on the NHS is excellent. However, a health insurance policy can give you access to treatment that is not covered on the NHS. You will have access to the latest cancer drugs and treatment, your choice of cancer specialist and treatment in a private hospital.

## Cancer Statistics

The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on NHS cancer care. The average waiting time for 4.2 million people on NHS waiting lists for cancer diagnosis went up to 37 weeks in 2021, nearly double the pre-pandemic figure of 22 weeks.

According to latest research by Macmillan Cancer Support in their report ‘The Forgotten C, the impact of COVID-19 on cancer care’ (October 2020) the estimates are:

- across the UK there are currently around 50,000 ‘missing diagnoses’, meaning that compared to a similar timeframe in 2019, 50,000 fewer people have been diagnosed with cancer.
- thousands fewer people in 2020 have started treatment after a cancer diagnosis than in 2019. In England alone, between March and August 2020, around 30,000

Being worried about a potential cancer symptom or having cancer diagnosed is devastating but when you are waiting a long time to be seen it can add to the stress, and in some cases change outcomes. A private [health insurance policy](https://www.more-health.co.uk/individual-health-insurance) gives you immediate access to cancer diagnostics and treatment.

Below we provide more information on how a health insurance policy can give you reassurance on cancer should it affect you.

[Free Health Insurance Check](https://cta-eu1.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIkiGv5e1ajjS8u2KDFlfCVKogA3Hy1FyPZnAlM%2FBGEpv6mWPzzQnmRtOU%2B5rGw5fJdT6jd9YaGJ1YcvXIj9p24t94540egmU7UbZnO%2BL8Q5n586Zj4WKp8BTMuXB7HWAL7CWTtr91Rf1%2BguPwuhmOZKa65QLDf7NyzZVFAC2R9uMBHMxBmR%2B6P%2FLhCrgveozwL5epl4SDgrsKvzFQIOktU&portalId=147592284)

## Prevention

According to Cancer Research UK, around four in ten UK cancer cases each year could be prevented, that is more than 135,000 preventable deaths every year.

Many leading UK insurers have increased their focus on the prevention of illnesses and promotion of good health and wellbeing, they encourage and reward you for living healthier lives. Health insurance policies offer heavily discounted gym membership and fitness equipment along with support for stopping smoking and choosing healthier foods.

Some insurers now pay for procedures to prevent a further cancer developing. For example, if you have had breast cancer before and have a strong family history of cancer or have taken a test for breast or ovarian cancer and the results put you at high risk, an elective mastectomy or oophorectomy (removal of your ovaries) may be covered.

![7](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/7.webp?width=1563&height=1094&name=7.webp)

## Diagnosis

Early detection is the single most important goal in beating cancer and reducing the number of avoidable deaths from cancer. Early diagnosis gives patients the best chance of a cure or long-term survival. Once a cancer has spread or grown too large treatment becomes more difficult.

If cancers such as breast, bowel and ovarian cancer are caught at the earliest stage, the survival rate (people living for five years or more) significantly increases.

Health insurance speeds up your access to diagnosis, and should it turn out to not be cancer, gives you quicker reassurance, and less time to worry. With the enhancements to insurers digital GP services, it is even possible to have an appointment by video or telephone within the hour. Should you be concerned about skin cancer both VitalityHealth and Bupa offer a ‘remote skin assessment’ by video consultation. VitalityHealth offer a ‘cancer direct access service’ where you can call and speak to a trained advisor about your symptoms without the need for a GP referral. They can refer you to a consultant right there and then should it be necessary.

Private health insurance provides prompt diagnosis with cover for MRI, PET and CT scans, blood tests, X-ray’s, and camera-based investigations. Consultations and diagnostic tests relating to cancer are usually covered under the core cover of your health insurance policy. Should the diagnosis turn out not to be cancer the diagnostics and consultations will be paid for out of your chosen out-patient limit. Most insurers cover MRI, PET and CT scans as part of the core cover regardless of the diagnosis.

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## We Compare Leading UK Providers

 We work with all major health insurance providers to find your perfect match 

![10 (1)](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/10%20(1).webp?width=120&height=75&name=10%20(1).webp)

![Vitality](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/9%20(1).webp?width=120&height=75&name=9%20(1).webp)

![Aviva](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/8%20(1).webp?width=120&height=75&name=8%20(1).webp)

![The Exeter](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/13.webp?width=120&height=75&name=13.webp)

![WPA](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/12%20(1).webp?width=120&height=75&name=12%20(1).webp)

![National Friendly](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/14.webp?width=120&height=75&name=14.webp)

![AXA](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/11%20(1).webp?width=120&height=75&name=11%20(1).webp)

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## Treatment

Once you have received a cancer diagnosis, getting treatment quicky will not only improve your chances of survival but also avoid any additional worry caused by delays.

The NHS target for starting cancer treatment from the point of diagnosis is 62 days. As of July 2019, this target has been missed for three and a half consecutive years. With the impact of COVID-19 it has made this target even harder to reach.

A health insurance policy will give you immediate access to private cancer treatment should you be diagnosed. It gives you access to specialist cancer centres and the ability to choose your own cancer specialist. Should you require it, chemotherapy can even be delivered in your own home.

Another benefit of health insurance is having access to breakthrough cancer drugs and treatments that are not available on the NHS. Some insurers will also pay for experimental treatment subject to proven effectiveness and on a case-by-case basis.

All [leading UK health insurers](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-providers) cover your cancer journey no matter what path it takes, including cover for palliative care.

[Free Health Insurance Check](https://cta-eu1.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIkiGv5e1ajjS8u2KDFlfCVKogA3Hy1FyPZnAlM%2FBGEpv6mWPzzQnmRtOU%2B5rGw5fJdT6jd9YaGJ1YcvXIj9p24t94540egmU7UbZnO%2BL8Q5n586Zj4WKp8BTMuXB7HWAL7CWTtr91Rf1%2BguPwuhmOZKa65QLDf7NyzZVFAC2R9uMBHMxBmR%2B6P%2FLhCrgveozwL5epl4SDgrsKvzFQIOktU&portalId=147592284)

## Comparing the providers

Most leading UK health insurers include comprehensive cancer cover as a core benefit in their policies. However, there are differences in the specific benefits each insurer offers and therefore it is important to compare the options available.

We have summarised the main cancer benefits included for each of the leading UK health insurance providers below.

|  | ![AXA logo](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/11%20(1).webp?width=68&height=61&name=11%20(1).webp) | ![Aviva logo](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/8%20(1).webp?width=115&height=69&name=8%20(1).webp) | ![Bupa logo](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/10%20(1).webp?width=119&height=50&name=10%20(1).webp) | ![Vitality logo](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/9%20(1).webp?width=103&height=57&name=9%20(1).webp) | ![The Exeter logo](https://www.more-health.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/13.webp?width=102&height=39&name=13.webp) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Diagnostics including surgery, MRI, PET and CT scans | In full | In full | In full | In full | In full |
| Hospital charges for surgery and admissions | In full | In full | In full | In full | In full |
| Out-patient consultations relating to cancer |  |  |  |  |  |
| Dedicated healthcare support throughout treatment | Nurse | Case manager | Oncology nurse | Personal case manager | Case manager |
| Chemotherapy and radiotherapy | In full | In full | In full | In full | In full |
| Licensed cancer drugs not available on the NHS |  |  |  |  | Only NICE approved |
| \*Experimental treatment and drugs | EMA approved and on a case-by-case basis | NICE approved and on a case-by-case basis | EMA approved and on a case-by-case basis | Decided case-by-case |  |
| Biological therapies such as Herceptin and Avastin |  |  |  |  | Only NICE approved |
| Home strengthening drugs, bisphosphonates |  |  |  |  |  |
| Proton beam therapy |  | Decided case-by-case |  |  |  |
| Molecular radiotherapy |  |  |  |  |  |
| Hospice donation | £100 per day | Up to £100/day | £200 per day | £75 per day | £250 one-off |
| NHS cancer cash benefit | £50 per day up to £2,000 | £100 per day | £100 per day | £100 per day Up to £10,000 | £150 per day up to 30 days |
| Chemotherapy drugs given at home |  |  |  |  |  |
| Stem cell and bone marrow transplants |  |  |  |  |  |
| External prosthesis | £5,000 | £5,000 | No overall limit | £5,000 | No overall limit |
| Wigs and head coverings | £100 | £100 | £100 | £100 | No overall limit |
| Palliative care |  |  |  |  |  |
| Preventative mastectomy following breast cancer | With a BRCA positive result |  |  |  |  |
| Ongoing check-ups relating to the cancer |  |  |  |  |  |

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## Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I still use the NHS for cancer treatment if I have private health cover?

Yes, you can have your treatment under the NHS if you prefer. Most insurers offer an NHS cancer cash back which re-imburses you if you have your treatment on the NHS instead of privately.

In addition, AXA Health and Bupa allow you to remove the cancer cover on the policy and will reduce your premium for doing so.

Will my treatment be different to the NHS treatment?

All cancer treatment pathways are specific to the type of cancer diagnosed. Private health insurance can give you access to drugs that are not available on the NHS and sometimes experimental drugs and treatments. These breakthrough drugs and treatments are given where clinical efficacy and safety is proven. Eligibility is on a case-by-case basis. 

Will I need to take out additional cover on my policy to include cancer treatment?

No, all leading UK health insurers include comprehensive cancer cover as a core benefit in their policies.

Consultations and diagnostic tests relating to cancer are usually covered under the core cover of your health insurance policy. Should the diagnosis turn out not to be cancer the diagnostics and consultations will be paid for out of your chosen out-patient limit.

Can I be covered for cancer if I have received treatment for cancer in the past?

Yes, in some cases. It depends on when you were last treated for cancer, and usually you would need to be signed off by your consultant and no longer having check-ups or medication. In this situation you would be better speaking to one of our advisors as all insurers have different criteria. 

Is cancer cover included in private health insurance?

With the leading UK insurers, cancer cover is usually included as part of core cover, so you don’t normally need to buy it as an add-on. The level of cover varies, though. Some policies cover cancer treatment in full, while others set limits, and some insurers let you reduce or remove cancer cover for a lower premium.

Cancer is also treated differently from most long-term illnesses. Generally, chronic conditions are not covered, but most insurers cover cancer through its different stages rather than applying the usual chronic condition exclusion. You can read more about how insurers treat[chronic conditions](https://www.more-health.co.uk/chronic-conditions-explained) in our guide.

Consultations and tests to investigate possible cancer symptoms are usually part of core cancer cover. If the diagnosis turns out not to be cancer, those costs are normally paid from your outpatient limit instead, so your outpatient cover still matters.

Removing cancer cover can reduce your premium, but it’s a significant trade-off. We’ll explain what you’d give up before you decide.

How does cancer cover differ between health insurance providers?

The main differences are whether treatment is covered in full or capped, which drugs are included, whether treatment can be given at home, and what happens after active treatment ends. Support services and cash benefits also vary. Two policies that both include cancer cover can look very different when you compare the detail.

When comparing health insurance cancer cover, these are the points worth checking:

- Whether Cover Is Full Or Capped At A Set Amount
- Which Drugs Are Covered, Including Any Limits To NICE-Approved Treatments
- How Experimental Or Unproven Treatments Are Assessed
- Whether Chemotherapy Can Be Given At Home
- Cover For Ongoing Check-Ups After Treatment
- Support Such As A Dedicated Nurse Or Case Manager
- Cash Benefits If You Choose NHS Treatment, And Allowances For Wigs Or Prostheses

As an illustrative example, a policy that limits drug cover to treatments approved for NHS use may cost less than one that also covers licensed drugs the NHS doesn’t routinely fund. For some people that difference won’t matter, and for others it could be important.

Benefits change regularly, so we always check each insurer’s current terms across the leading[UK health insurance providers](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-providers).

Can cancer health insurance give access to drugs not available on the NHS?

Some policies can. Depending on the insurer and level of cover, private cancer cover may pay for licensed drugs that the NHS doesn’t routinely fund. Others limit drug cover to treatments approved for NHS use. Experimental treatments are usually considered case by case, once there’s evidence they’re safe and effective.

In England, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) assesses whether new medicines should be used in the NHS. Under its[technology appraisal guidance](https://www.nice.org.uk/what-nice-does/our-guidance/about-technology-appraisal-guidance), the NHS is legally required to fund treatments that NICE recommends. A drug can be licensed for use in the UK but not yet recommended by NICE, which is where the wording of a private policy can make a real difference.

This is one of the areas where policies differ most, and it’s easy to miss in a summary of benefits. Some insurers cover only NICE-approved drugs, while others go further.

No policy can guarantee access to a particular treatment, because decisions depend on your diagnosis, your consultant’s recommendation and the insurer’s terms. We can show you how each insurer words its drug cover so you can compare like for like.

Can I still use the NHS for cancer treatment if I have health insurance?

Yes. Having private cover doesn’t stop you using the NHS, and you can choose NHS treatment if that’s the best route for your type of cancer. Most insurers pay a cash benefit if you’re treated on the NHS instead of claiming privately, although the amount and limits vary between insurers.

Treatment pathways depend on the type of cancer. For some cancers, NHS specialist centres may be the natural choice, while private cover can offer faster access to diagnosis, a choice of specialist and hospital, and access to some drugs not routinely funded by the NHS.

Many people value private cover most for the speed of diagnosis when symptoms first appear. Our guide to[NHS waiting times](https://www.more-health.co.uk/nhs-waiting-times) explains why this is a common concern.

Whichever route you take, contact your insurer as soon as you’re referred, so they can confirm what’s covered and explain any cash benefits that apply.

Can I get health insurance if I’ve had cancer before?

Sometimes. Cancer you’ve had in the past is a pre-existing condition, so whether it’s covered depends on your underwriting, how long ago you were treated, whether your consultant has signed you off and whether you still need check-ups or medication. Each insurer has its own criteria.

With moratorium underwriting, anything you’ve had symptoms, treatment or advice for in the 5 years before your policy starts is not covered for the first 2 years. After that, it may become eligible if you’ve had 2 continuous years free of symptoms, treatment and advice. Regular monitoring appointments would usually count as advice or treatment.

With full medical underwriting, you declare your history upfront and the insurer confirms whether an exclusion applies. Under the[Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2012/6/section/2), you must take reasonable care to answer the insurer’s questions accurately.

New, unrelated conditions can still be covered either way. Our guide to[health insurance underwriting](https://www.more-health.co.uk/health-insurance-underwriting) explains the options in more detail.

Can I get health insurance for cancer if I’ve just been diagnosed?

A new policy won’t cover cancer that’s already been diagnosed or is being investigated, because it’s a pre-existing condition. If you already have private health insurance, contact your insurer straight away. Don’t cancel or switch your existing policy without advice, as a new insurer would normally exclude the cancer.

If you’re covered, your insurer can confirm what treatment is eligible and explain the support available, such as access to a specialist nurse or case manager. Keep your policy documents to hand and check whether treatment needs to be authorised before it starts.

If you don’t have private cover, NHS cancer care remains available to you, and charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support offer information and practical help. Taking out a new policy at this stage could still cover other, unrelated acute conditions in future, but it wouldn’t help with the current diagnosis.

We know this is a difficult time. If you’re unsure what your current policy covers, we can help you understand it.

Does a family history of cancer affect health insurance?

Not usually on its own. Private medical insurance underwriting focuses on your own medical history, so a family history of cancer isn’t normally treated as a pre-existing condition. Insurers that have signed up to the government’s Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance also won’t ask for or use predictive genetic test results.

The[Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-on-genetic-testing-and-insurance) is an agreement between the government and the Association of British Insurers (ABI). Its only exception relates to Huntington’s disease for life insurance over £500,000, which doesn’t affect private medical insurance.

For people at higher risk, some insurers may cover preventive surgery in certain cases, such as after a positive BRCA gene test. This varies by insurer and policy, so it’s worth checking if it’s relevant to you.

Always answer any application questions as they’re asked. If you’re unsure whether something needs to be mentioned, ask us before you apply.

What happens to my cancer cover at renewal or if I switch?

Your cancer cover continues at renewal on the terms of your policy, although premiums may change, particularly after a claim. If you switch insurer, continued personal medical exclusions (CPME) may let you keep cover for conditions your current policy already covers, subject to the new insurer’s acceptance criteria.

Switching after a cancer diagnosis or during treatment needs particular care, because a new insurer could exclude the cancer or decline to accept the switch. Insurers typically look for no consultations in the last 12 months, no ongoing symptoms or treatment and nothing planned.

In many cases, staying with your current insurer and adjusting other parts of your policy, such as your excess or hospital list, is the safer way to manage costs. Where possible, we’ll try to negotiate a discount off your renewal premium, although this isn’t guaranteed.

We review your options at each renewal and explain what’s realistic before anything changes. Find out how we[review or switch an existing policy](https://www.more-health.co.uk/review-or-switch-existing-policy), or[request a health insurance quote](https://www.more-health.co.uk/get-a-quote) if you’re looking for new cover.

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- [Blog](https://www.more-health.co.uk/blog)
- [Glossary](https://www.more-health.co.uk/glossary)

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Morehealth Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority: 815733 and registered in England and Wales: 07613132

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      "text" : "All cancer treatment pathways are specific to the type of cancer diagnosed. Private health insurance can give you access to drugs that are not available on the NHS and sometimes experimental drugs and treatments. These breakthrough drugs and treatments are given where clinical efficacy and safety is proven. Eligibility is on a case-by-case basis."
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      "text" : "No, all leading UK health insurers include comprehensive cancer cover as a core benefit in their policies. Consultations and diagnostic tests relating to cancer are usually covered under the core cover of your health insurance policy. Should the diagnosis turn out not to be cancer the diagnostics and consultations will be paid for out of your chosen out-patient limit."
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      "text" : "Yes, in some cases. It depends on when you were last treated for cancer, and usually you would need to be signed off by your consultant and no longer having check-ups or medication. In this situation you would be better speaking to one of our advisors as all insurers have different criteria."
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