AXA PPP Healthcare, one of the UK’s biggest health insurance providers, has joined Aviva in removing all limits on its cover for licensed cancer drugs on its standard policies for individuals and small and medium enterprise’s (SME’s), with immediate effect.
Previously, the insurer covered “prolonged cancer drug treatment” for up to one year or for the period of the drug license, whichever was shorter. Those who took out “Cover 1” had up to three years of cover.
These limits have now been dropped meaning patients will be covered for the duration of their treatment. The insurer will now also include cover for chemotherapy or other biological drugs given to prevent the return of the disease.
AXA PPP’s commercial director said, ““We want our members to be confident that, if they need treatment for cancer or a heart problem, we’re committed to supporting them – not just by settling their medical bills but also by…providing additional benefits that can help to make life a little easier when they need it most.”
The changes mimic those which Aviva made last year. Aviva, one of AXA PPP Healthcare’s largest competitors, removed limits on cancer cover last year and began funding all treatments recommended by medical specialists.
As part of the changes, AXA PPP Healthcare is also getting rid of monetary limits that apply to outpatient tests and consultations for cancer treatment.
SME customers will also benefit from the changes. The company announced that it has removed the 12 and 36-month time limits on cancer drug treatment and will now provide cover for treatment with licensed cancer drugs without time or monetary limits, and for as long as the patient needs them.
The Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries (AMII) gave its approval to the moves, calling the broader cancer coverage ‘positive’.
“We are delighted to see that insurers are working hard to improve the cover for our clients,” said Andrew Chipp, chairman of AMMI.
Other changes to policies include a donation of £100 per night for care provided in a registered hospice or for hospice care provided at home (compared to £70 per day from Aviva UK Health up to a maximum of £10,000), without a time or monetary limit.
They will also pay up to £150 for wigs and up to £5,000 for external prosthesis, depending on the level of care customers have chosen.
