A study shows that cancer patients seeking mortgages or insurance are still being ‘discriminated against’ years after their recovery.
Many of the 20 million survivors in Europe struggle to access financial services, particularly travel insurance.
This total includes a ‘conservative estimate’ of more than half a million in the UK, where customers are required to provide a previous diagnosis even if they are declared ‘cancer-free’.
This means they are cruelly denied services or forced to pay significantly higher premiums, often making holidays unaffordable.
Research leader, Professor Mark Lawler from Queen’s University Belfast, said: ‘Our evidence of financial toxicity for cancer patients is unequivocal.
Cancer patients seeking mortgages or insurance are still being ‘discriminated against’ years after they have recovered, a study finds (file image)
‘It is outrageous that a large number of people are still financially discriminated against.’
While the current cost of living crisis is tough for everyone, it is much worse for cancer patients.
“We need to protect our patients who have had cancer as quickly as possible.”
Professor Lawler argued in the medical journal The Lancet Oncology for legislation that would ensure that successfully treated cancer patients do not have to report their previous diagnosis, effectively ‘forgetting’ their disease.
In January 2016, France became the first country to introduce the “Right to be forgotten,” which means that cancer patients who have not had a relapse for five years do not have to share medical information with a financial institution.
Seven other European countries have taken similar measures, but not the UK.
Earlier this month, cancer charity Maggie’s wrote to Health Minister Wes Streeting and Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds to highlight the difficulties patients face.
New study finds cancer patients face financial discrimination (file image)
The research found that one cancer patient who travelled to France was charged a whopping £3,000 for travel insurance, while another couple was charged £1,200 for a trip to Spain.
A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers said: ‘We are in discussions with Maggie’s and other charities about their concerns.
‘Travel insurance is primarily there to cover those incredibly expensive medical emergencies that can occur abroad, so it’s important to disclose any pre-existing conditions you may have so you can be sure you have the right protection.’
