18 Month Terminal Illness Clause has prevented us from being able to claim on my husband's life insurance policy. What can we do?

Hi, 

my husband has been given less than 12 months to live…. The only thing that was making him feel better was the fact he could claim on our life insurance policy. Unfortunately this had not been the case for us as we have less than 18 months left on the policy so the terminal illness benefit has lapsed. There is about 6 months left before the policy ends and my husband is devastated & wants to refuse any treatment that may slow things down slightly. I rang the company when he was first diagnosed but because he probably had more than 12 months to live they wouldn’t pay out & said we needed to call back if he had less than 12months which we have but have now been told this … nothing was mentioned when we originally called. I feel what time my husband has felt has been very stressful due to this situation. We still have kids at home and money is very tight so really do need this money. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and can offer any advice Tia 

  • Hello Foxy22

    I'm sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis and the situation you find yourself in. It's undoubtedly a difficult time, and naturally, things have been made more stressful by the issues you've described with the insurance company. 

    It may be worth contacting the Financial Ombudsman for their take on the insurance policy and what, if any, advice they may be able to offer. 

    You can also contact Macmillan, who will be able to offer advice about the benefits you might be able to access as a family now that your husband has been given this prognosis.. 

    I'm really sorry that I can't offer any further advice, but I do hope that you can find the help and support you need as you navigate this difficult time. 

    Sending you our best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator