Health insurance provider ...

Aviva enhances cancer cover

Health insurance provider Aviva has extended cancer cover on its policies in a "cancer pledge" to fund drugs and treatments recommended by specialists in full.

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapies such as Herceptin and Avastin, as well as unlicensed drugs not readily available on the NHS, will all be covered.

Bisphosphonates (drugs to keep bones strong during cancer treatment), bone scans and stem cell and bone marrow transplants used in the treatment of cancer will all also be fully covered.

In an effort to provide one of the extensive cancer covers on the market, Aviva policies now also feature aftercare benefits including consultations with dieticians and help with the costs of wigs and external prostheses.

Where end of life care is required, the insurer says it will donate up to £10,000 to the hospice or charity and provide care at home if needed.

Aviva's changes follow calls for health insurers to clear up grey areas on cancer cover. The new cover is applicable from 1 January 2012 to both group and individual private medical insurance customers.

Dr Doug Wright, head of clinical development at Aviva UK Health, says: "Our customers told us that they want the peace of mind that we'll pay for their cancer treatment in full for as long as their specialist says they need it."

"In addition to extensive cover, we recognise that people want to know that they can access the support they need, whenever they need it. That’s why we have a dedicated oncology team to provide our customers - and in many cases their loved ones - with personalised and expert support throughout their claim."