Critical illness and Chronic Leukemia

wirral

Hello forum users

I have been recently diagnosed with a condition called Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). I have a Critical Illness Plan with a major UK bank. This was taken out in 1996 when I obtained my first mortgage. I have been considering putting in a claim (which would, according to the last statement in 2012) would be for around £30,000 (the Critical Illness benefit to cover original mortgage amount).

My original plan conditions (1996) state: "Cancer...this includes leukemia...Hodgkins disease and lymphoma are also included". Without wishing to be too technical, the CLL I have is a type of leukemia and a lymphoma-subtype. The diagnosis has been done by a major nationally-recognised cancer centre in the North West.

I haven't yet applied for a claim form. My interpretation is that my condition will "count". However I have been alarmed to read that some insurers no longer count Chronic Leukemia as a critical illness. However, my contract from 1996 does not exclude it.

I know folks can't give definitive advice, but does anyone have any advice for me? I'm not needing chemotherapy (yet), and I am working still, but I think I have a claim.

Also - if my claim is rejected (even though I appear to meet the conditions of original 1996 contract), what are the consequences/options?

Plus - if I wanted to extend/move house in the future, would this diagnosis affect my ability to get/renew my mortgage (presuming I am still working and earning the same money).

Sorry if this is a bit convoluted, but I need some 'forum' advice before making 'official' disclosures, etc.

Any advice would help at this rather stressful time. I live alone and have nobody to talk this through with, so some general advice would help.

Kind regards

kingstreet

Cancer definitions have hardened over the years, but a plan taken out in 1996 should have the softer definitions, which mean your claim is settled without too much trouble.

Indeed, I'd be surprised if you had difficulty claiming for leukaemia on a new contract. The definition which has hardened most over the years is for prostate cancer, where a score of Gleason 6 or higher is now needed for a successful claim. Enzyme readings have also come into play, making it less "grey" on where the border between serious and non-serious may fall.

Your mortgage is unaffected by your illness. Nothing is declarable concerning your health, as long as your income/employment is unaffected your new mortgage arrangements won't either.

Is this decreasing cover? If it is, the sum assured will have fallen as the mortgage is repaid.

wirral

Dear Kingstreet

Thank you for the quick and helpful reply. I am glad to see your interpretation, and hope this is so. I'll write to them this week and ask for a claim form, and expect to give them medical details etc.

Kind regards

kingstreet

Yes. You keep the definitions from the time your plan was effected. You don't lose something unless you cancel the old plan and take out a new one.

wirral

Yes, this is still the original plan taken out in 1996. So, hopefully it will be processed without too many problems. Thank you for your advice.

cajef

Hi,

Just to inform you that there is a CLL Association, well worth joining as they give a lot of information about CLL plus reassurance and a contact base for information from other patients.

http://www.cllsupport.org.uk/

Errata

Before you talk to the insurance company, talk to the Macmillan service - they have a freephone number.

wirral

OK thanks Errata and Cajef, will check these out too. Kind regards.

weighty1_2

kingstreet wrote: »

Cancer definitions have hardened over the years, but a plan taken out in 1996 should have the softer definitions, which mean your claim is settled without too much trouble.

Indeed, I'd be surprised if you had difficulty claiming for leukaemia on a new contract. The definition which has hardened most over the years is for prostate cancer, where a score of Gleason 6 or higher is now needed for a successful claim. Enzyme readings have also come into play, making it less "grey" on where the border between serious and non-serious may fall.

I think many providers currently exclude Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia unless it's progressed to at least a Binet stage A.

A couple of years ago I arranged life cover with a mainstream provider for a client who had CLL as it doesn't always affected mortality that greatly and can often be dealt with on a watch and wait basis. He could only get a maximum 15-year term but he was still pretty glad of the cover.

OP, as Kingstreet confirmed, I'd expect you to be in a pretty strong position for claiming based on the more lenient definitions for cancer in the past. Ultimately, there's only 1 way to find out.

Best of luck

wirral

Great, thanks for this. I've taken a look at the Macmillan website this morning, and this pretty much confirms what folks have said so far. My original plan (from 1996) is quite loose in its definitions. So, I might call Macmillan later this week, but basically I think I just need to make an application. I have kept a record of medical consultations, and my consultant has given me copies of tests etc. as we have gone along. Fingers crossed.

Thanks all for your help, much appreciated.

Errata

Glad the Macmillan tip helped; there's nothing new under the sun to them. You won't be the first with this puzzle and you won't be the last.
Wishing you well.