Something I was not aware of is that if you have critical illness cover the insurance company may pay out. It was mentioned to me by a friend and I thought it was only linked to my mortgage. Upon checking we had a stand alone policy of which I put a claim in 4 weeks ago. Today I had a phone call to say they were going to be paying out in full. I am posting this as some of you may not be aware you can put a claim in For BC. Some policies do not pay out for DCIS unless there is a clause.
Funny you should say that Gilley, I have just filled out the form for a claim for a critical illness policy which is linked to my life assurance. Mine pays out a lower amount for dcis and the full amount (hopefully! ) for all others. I only found out on the off chance when I was looking for something else before I was diagnosed
Hi Luckycasper. No payout yet, my other half called last week to see if they had received our info, which they had, they said that there is a three week delay currently and mine is due to be looked at today. Hopefully it is then a case of waiting for the medical reports (i normally get copies of my consultants letters three weeks after seeing him so I am sure it won’t be quick! ). I did have a phone call from someone today who works with friends life today to seecif I wanted a second opinion (bit late I would suggest as I have had 3 ops!) or had any medical queries, so I must have made it to the top of the pile! I will keep you posted!
Hi
Still no news… I will keep you posted! Fingers crossed you hear soon too! I know what you mean, its just another bit of uncertainty!
I have a policy with aviva and I had split it so 25 per cent was critical illness and 75 per cent life cover I received a call yesterday after approx 3 weeks to say they are paying out on my critical illness. They did not contact my medical team as I had diagnosis letters to send invasive grade 2 double positive all it took was 1 phone call and posting a copy of letter x good luck anyone still waiting for a decision x
Hi all. I’m with Friends Life and I just got a critical illness payout through today - I applied early June. It just appeared in my account too - I’ve not received a letter yet!
Thanks ladies. It’s all useful to know.
I’ve spoke to Friends Life today as my GP sent the information 3 days ago but it hasn’t been received by Friends Life yet. I have confirmed I’ll call back for an update next week. Meanwhile I’ve arranged to receive a copy of my lab results and other letters my consultant sent to my GP. Having the additional evidence will hopefully speed things up if needed.
Apparently the turnaround time is approximately 1-2 weeks once Friends Life have received the information but hopefully things will move quicker. The money will certainly help financially!
Hi,
I had a critical illness policy that was due to expire in June this year and my initial diagnosis was in March. When I contacted Legal & General with a diagnosis of DCIS they told me it was the wrong type of cancer!!! When I had my mastectomy the letter advised it was DCIS with micro invasions. So because it gas spread I was covered. It did however take weeks and many phone calls to get my money. These companies take as long trying to reject your claim than they do helping you. And let’s be fair my own policy was 17 years old. 17 years ago cancer was just cancer it didn’t have all these variations.
My advise to my friends, family and complete strangers recently us not to take out these policies they are a rip off. However if you gave an existing plan you have to fight them 100% and look at every piece in f paper you’ve ever had.
Good luck!!!
It is definitely something that people can learn from by sharing our own experiences. I know from my own experience as a claimant and but also have a perspective from working in Financial Services. The guidelines are set by the ABI in terms of conditions covered. Seems harsh sometimes if you fall outwith the categories.
However, in respect of my claim the delay has been caused due to admin turnaround times at my GP Surgery and hosppital. Not their fault, just the way resources are stretched these days. I’m still glad I had the cover as I never thought I’d need it. Even though I have a small ppolicy any payment will be helpful. I like to think I’m keeping things moving by keeping in contact with all parties and doing what I can to speed up the process. I’ll let you know how things progress.
Hi Luckycasper, I kept dropping Friends Life an email asking for updates and called a few times too, maybe just once every 2 weeks. It does seem to take time to go through the various steps and they were happy to give me updates.
I have to say that I would never have thought to make a claim unless I had discovered this thread! I think I’m still in denial that I have something considered a critical illness!
I have still not heard anything from friends life, I checked my bank on the off chance but no sign! Fingers crossed I, and everyone else hears soon!
Fingers crossed for you Eggster. I think the main thing is that '“invasive” needs to be mentioned somewhere.
Hi all, I received a lovely call from Friends Life today to confirm my claim has been assessed and is successful. Payout will be received in a couple of days. I honestly didn’t expect it so quickly as they only received information from my GP in the last few days. Everything aside I am pleased albeit it’s bittersweet when I remember iit’s due to my illness I am receiving it,
The only advice I would give is keep in contact with all parties involved. I ensured I phoned all parties regularly to make sure I could be up to date with progress but also speak to GPs/admin etc to ensure they knew what I was trying too achieve (and why) and if I could do annything to help.
I hope everyone else recieves good news soon xx
That’s great news Luckycasper ? X
Hi. Still no news on my claim, phoned and had a winge today, apparently they are still waiting for the report, but only seem to chase it when we call. Its been going on for 4 months now, I am not impressed.
Hi Helena. The lady I spoje to today seemed helpful, and is going to chase the consultants tomorrow (she was asked to call back) and let me know, and was going to ‘escalate’ it. Thanks for the details, if I get no joy tomorrow I will give them a call.
I also spoke directly to my consultants secretary who gave me a fax number and her own email address. And then gave to insurers so they had no excuse.
We did that last month, which I reminded of them today
Finally, I have received my critical illness pay out. They were really quick after I found someone who actually chased for me! Obviously I would rather not have had to make a claim, but every cloud and all that
Hi Eggster. That’s great days on the payout. Not on the need. But as you say every cloud. Take care.