Critical illness cover

[JoAlix]

I had a ‘well woman policy’ which was supposed to pay out if you were diagnosed with a ‘female’ cancer. I put in a claim after being diagnosed with DCIS in December last year but was told because it hadn’t spread I wasn’t covered. Absolutely shocking you can get diagnosed early and then be penalised for this. 

[gartnaval]

Hi, just read your post as I just joined and I too have the same cancer .. insured with aviva too . Surgery next week . Hope you are doing well .. did they pay out for you . I do hope so .  

Diana x

[3331melanie]

Hi - sorry for just replying and to hear what you are going through in terms of treatment. I made a claim in June 2019 and was paid in full in September 2019. The payment covered my remaining mortgage with some to spare.

I would def look into claiming if you haven’t already done so.

Hoping the rest of your treatment goes well.

Mel

[FiFi2020]

Hello,

I’m currently undergoing chemotherapy for triple negative/BRCA1 breast cancer. I finish chemo late March and will be having a double mastectomy (and also ovaries/Fallopian tubes removed).

I have critical illness cover with Royal London, do you know what kind of payout they would likely offer? 

[denzel]

I had my critical illness with Royal London. It stated on policy that cancer in situ was not covered. I chanced my arm with a claim having had grade 2 DCIS and next thing I know they paid out in full!!!! Definitely worth putting a claim in even if you don’t think your covered. 

[3331melanie]

Hi

my critical illness has just paid out 5 weeks after my claim. Feels surreal that I am now mortgage free.

I would urge anyone with critical illness to check there policy. I near,y didn’t put claim in as thought they wouldn’t pay!

Mel

[saz2345]

Hi

i have stage 2 breast cancer and legal and general have just confirmed that I am getting my claim paid out in full. 

Not got it it yet but with 7 - 10 days.

good luck xx

[irene1607]

Thank you Mel for your reply 

[3331melanie]

Hi Irene1607

i have stage 2 grade 3 invasive ductal cancer. I put a claim in for critical illness 5 weeks ago and still waiting for the outcome.A lot of posts I’ve read seem to say if the cancer is invasive it will pay out. M no expert though so if you have the cover it’s probably worth making a claim.

Mel

[irene1607]

Does anyone know if stage 2 breast cancer is classed as critical illness 

[Nickseli]

Hi I have invasive breast ductal cancer and had op end of June and radiotherapy starts in a couple of weeks for 20 sessions. Luckily don’t have to have Chemotherapy. I am with Aviva and they have confirmed last week they have received it and have requested report from my consult. Fingers crossed they pay out?! Am hoping the fact that the word ‘Invasive’ is mentioned is that it will be ok? Thanks Nikki

[rosietd]

I too have had my mortgage paid off thanks to critical illness cover - a huge weight off my shoulders, especially as I live alone and run my own business.

Set mine up when I move down house 4 years ago though, so well before my cancer diagnosis.

xxx

[SueW]

I believe it has to be in place before you first consult you doctor and they usually have a clause that you have to be paying in 3 months before any diagnosis x

[Nickyd1975]

Hi I am new to this, I have found a lump and puss like spot on nipple. I'm waiting on a hospital referral appointment. Does anyone know if I can buy critical illness cover now or is it too late? Thanks

[SueW]

I said to my hubby when kids were younger we always had more month than money and now we have more money than month xx

[Aine]

Delighted to read all these posts about critical illness cover.

I got my big mortgage paid off and am still amazed at my bank statements now without a mortgage deduction on them.

Every time I get down I just remember that the year off work was the highest earning year I have ever had and then I cheer up a lot.

We deserve this ladies - a few years down the line and we will be fit and healthy and we will be enjoying our hard-earned money....

Yes the key word they insurance companies are looking for is invasive.  Once I said mine was they just agreed with everything and paid out.

Spread the word!!! A lot of ladies do not realise their entitlements I am sure.

Aine xx

[CK]

Thanks Luckycasper
I kerp wondering why rheres more in my account and keep forgetting I dont nwed to pay my mortgage anymore👍👍

[luckycasper]

That's a great relief CK. Enjoy those holidays! Xx

[CK]

Glad to hear that you have gad successful claims!
I hadd a call yesterday sayng my mortgage will be paid off! Thats a big weight off my shoulder! Now to get mended and spend the extra cash on holidays:)x

[luckycasper]

That's great news for you both SueW and Eggster. The financial help enables you to focus on your recovery.

[SueW]

I too got a positive result today a lump sum in about 2 weeks and my policy also gives me a monthly pay out for 12 months with a back payment to June when I was first diagnosed it is all a big relief on the financial front. In addition I get a payment for my 2 hospital stays and another payment when I complete treatment. I must say I was so suprised at all this. I started my policy about 14 years ago when the benefits where much better than the newer ones and it was only £20 a month and was guaranteed the money back i paid in if i didn’t make a claim x

[tgregory]

Hi Eggster. That's great days on the payout. Not on the need. But as you say every cloud. Take care.

[Eggster]

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

[Eggster]

We did that last month, which I reminded of them today

[tgregory]

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.

[Eggster]

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. 

[ladybowler]

Eggster

Have you thought about contacting the financial ombudsman to make a complaint or seek their advise with regard to the delay, their number is 0800 023 4 567 and according to their website they are open until 8pm tonight.  Perhaps have a general chat with them to see what they say.

Helena xxx

[Eggster]

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. 

[KarenMc20]

That's great news Luckycasper 😊 X

[luckycasper]

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

[KarenMc20]

Fingers crossed for you Eggster. I think the main thing is that '"invasive" needs to be mentioned somewhere.

[Eggster]

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!

[KarenMc20]

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!

[luckycasper]

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.

[tgregory]

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!!!!!!

[luckycasper]

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!

[KarenMc20]

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!

[SueW]

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

[Aine]

Aviva did not bother to reply to my claim...I just saw the payment on my bank statement on new year's eve!!!

Contact them again and ask what is going on...I had to do that...they were very blase about it.. they just paid out and didn't even confirm it or email me or write to me....I got the shock of my life when it appeared in my account....good luck!

Aine x

[Eggster]

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! 

[luckycasper]

Thanks for getting back to me 

The timing sounds familiar. Friends Life received my claim form on  8th June and only wrote to my consultant on 23rd June. My consultants office also take around 3-4 weeks to respond so I am stll waiting. Friends Life also wrote to my GP in the last week so I expect I'lll not hear anything for a further 3-4 weeks at least.

I hope you recieve a decision soon. The worst bit is not knowing if the claim will be successful. I have no previous history linked to BC and my consultant said I have Invasive cancer so I would expect my claim to be upheld but don't want to get my hopes up. I look forward to hearing you have received a payout soon and will keep you posted x 

[Eggster]

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! 

[luckycasper]

Hi eggster, I have submitted a critical illness claim to Fiends Life a week ago. I have grade 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I was wondering if they paid out on your claim for IDC and how long the process took. Many thanks..

[Aine]

Hi ladies!

I realised that I had critical illness cover a few months ago with Aviva.  I phoned and explained that I had invasive ductal carcinoma blah blah blah!  They said that BC was their most common payout.  They said that if it was invasive that they would pay out.  I could not believe that only 3 simple phone calls and they paid off my mortgage in full!!  I am still in shock actually.  I told all my BC friends.  Surprisingly few of them had critical illness cover.  It is not automatically part of life insurance policies these days it seems but those of us who have it are certainly advised to investigate.  My good news made these past 9 months a lot more bearable I have to say!!!

Good luck!

[Eggster]

Hi! Mine is a stage one lobular 22mm (maybe, the ultrasound suggested 42mm!). I am having a lumpectomy on Monday, then radiotherapy and hormone treatment (assuming that I get clear margins). I am with friends life. Fingers crossed the claim is event free!

[Gillley]

Hi Eggster, 

i was diagnosed with invasive stage 2, approx 11mm. Lumpectomy and waiting for radiotherapy. I was with Legal and General. Good luck with your claim. 

[Eggster]

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

[Gillley]

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.