Ductal Carcinoma in Situ - Critical Care Insurance

vonvonvon

I have been diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ - 'cancer cells' in my breast 'contained' in a capsule that needs removing by surgery before they 'develop' into full blown breast cancer.

I have a Co-oparative Critical Illness policy but am a little dismayed to read that it excludes cancers 'in situ' so I think will not pay out.

Is this right? I think so but just wondered what others think.

Thanks,
Y

dunstonh

That is a normal exclusion on most plans. It is not considered a critical illness as it is an early form of cancer and it is treatable.

You cannot assume "cancer" is all inclusive. There are exclusions which are shown in the policy terms and conditions.

vonvonvon

Thanks Dunston, you have confirmed what I thought.

Incidentally, I thank my lucky stars (and my guardian angel) for this diagnosis - I would much prefer to have this than any amount of money the policy may have paid out.

With kind regards,
Y

vonvonvon

Dunston (or others), maybe you could advise about taking out some life insurance. I understand I would need to disclose the DCIS for which I will be having surgery to remove it next week. The surgeon has told me that for 9 out of 10 people, there will be no further problems so I am hoping that the histology will be favourable for me in this respect when I go back on 29th to discuss this.

My question is this: Providing it appears that this "pre-cancer" has been treated and 'removed' will I be able to get any insurance that would cover me for a recurrence of 'breast cancer' or would I be covered for just about everything else but would have no cover for ANYTHING related to breast cancer in any form at all.

Excuse my ignorance, hope someone can shed some light/advise me.

Many thanks,

dunstonh

It is highly unlikely you would get cover in the short term. However, as time goes by the insurers will be more willing to consider. The timescale will vary with different insurers and short of phoning round the underwriting departments of each one with your details, there is no way to tell.

Your existing insurance will not exclude you. Although this particular event wasn't covered as it is not a claimable event, should a claimable event occur, you will be fine. Some providers offer a guaranteed insurability option on the plans and if that exists on yours, then you could always exercise that option.

vonvonvon

Dunston, just to let you know that the histology was not as favourable as anticipated, it is not 'in situ' but Stage 1 partially invasive (may yet be Stage 2).

Bitter sweet as far as the policy!

Regards,
Y

shelly

vonvonvon wrote: »

Dunston, just to let you know that the histology was not as favourable as anticipated, it is not 'in situ' but Stage 1 partially invasive (may yet be Stage 2).

Bitter sweet as far as the policy!

Regards,
Y

Sorry to read this von. Wanted to send you my best wishes and say to stay positive and look after yourself.

dunstonh

Sorry to hear that. I echo shellys comments and wish you well.

vonvonvon

Hello again,

Just to update you; good prognosis (they cut it out, margins were clear and lymph nodes also clear), undergoing radiotherapy currently.

Critical Illness insurance have paid up the £10K; I will use 2K to go on holiday and clear debts but want to put the remaining £8K away for holidays for the next few years plus I want to set myself up in business in about 6months time for which I was thinking of using about £2K.

My first thoughts were to open an isa with £3K before April then pay in another £3K later in April, then perhaps put £2K in my son's account (age 12)but moneysaving expert email received today has confused me. It has led me to 'icesave' information on 'Fixed Rate Savings' and I am now tempted to put the £8K away in this for either 6 months or a year.

I'm rubbish at savings and would appreciate advice on what is best to do.

Here's the link to icesave.

http://www.icesave.co.uk/fixed-rate-savings-how-we-compare.html

Any advice gratefully received,
thanks,
Y

p.s. Although I am off sick at the moment, I usually work full-time and pay tax etc.

shelly

Hi vonvonvon.

Can't offer any advice about the savings but just wanted to say how pleased I am you have a good prognosis :T

Stay positive, look after yourself and take care

vonvonvon

Thanks for your kind words Shelly,
Y