Intro: Insurance not willing to cover claim. What can we do?

Hi all, this is the first time I have ever used a chat forum as I am desperate for some advice:

My husband was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkins Lymphoma in January 2021 and started treatment in March at a London Hospital, privately as he was insured with Vitality. We took out the insurance in good faith in September 2020, but Vitality are not covering the claim as they believe it was a pre-existing condition. We have instructed lawyers to refute this and all doctors involved with his care have confirmed this....but they will not pay.  So far we have paid in excess of £20k for treatment and we cannot keep funding this. Today he went for a PET scan after 4 Chemo treatments and the hospital has been hounding us for large sums of money. The pressure this has put on him is causing suicidal thoughts and I am at my wit's end. My question is this...how can we continue his treatment on the NHS? The hospital keeps stating that this is not allowed but surely this is not the first time this has happened? Any advice gratefully received....

  • Welcome to the forum Mogleblom although I'm very sorry to read what has happened and for the impact this is having on you both.

    If your husband is having suicidal thoughts do try and encourage him to speak to someone about this. His GP would be a good starting point for getting support but the charity Mind have some useful advice just here and the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123 to help anyone going through a difficult time. Do be sure to seek support for yourself as well.

    I'm not sure if you've got in touch with these organisations already but if not, Citizen's Advice and the Financial Ombudsman will be able to offer support and advice on the issues you're having with Vitality.

    Macmillan have a team of experts that you can discuss money matters with so do get in touch with them to see what help and support they can offer.

    In regards to your husband continuing his treatment on the NHS it would be best to get in touch with his GP as they will be able to refer him to a new specialist at a NHS hospital. 

    I know there's a lot of information to take on board but I hope it proves to be useful and helps you find a way through.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator