Income Protection Insurance

Hey, I'm just looking for a little bit of advice please. 
 

I have been absent from work for over 12 months due to breast cancer and going through chemo, radiation, surgery and targeted therapy.

 

I am lucky that my employer has an income protection policy and I qualified to be paid 67% of my salary whilst I have been off sick and the claim can continue for up to 5 year should this be needed, obviously dependant on illness etc 

 

I had my last targeted treatment at the end of February of which I was still suffering side affects from several weeks into March, I was due to have some further surgery in April which was unfortunately cancelled due to COVID. The plan was that once this surgery was done that I would look to start an 8 weeks phased return plan back to work towards the end of April, still covered under the income protection insurance. 
 

I had a follow up call with the insurance company just as the lock down started in March and they advised that from their point of view I was fit to return to work and still needed to return as originally discussed during our previous call at the end of April and so they would be allowing me an 8 week phased return period and from 17th June they would close my claim.

 

Are they within their rights to do this and force me to return to work?

 

Has anyone else had this issue ?

 

  • Hi Belle80. 

    I'm not certain I'm right but shouldn't your Dr or oncologist tell you when you are fit for work not an insurance company. 

    Don't know if you know but you are classed as disabled, anyone who has or had cancer. 

    If your not sure get in touch with macmillan they should help to get things sorted for you. 

    Good luck with your treatment and your future. 

    Billy 

  • Hi Billy,

     

    Yes this was what I thought and actually is what I have said to them, I have been given a fit note taking me up to beginning of September with a letter from my GP, I have also since sent them a letter from my Surgeon who has advised I should remain off until at least after my surgery.

     

    Im now only seeing my oncologist on a 6 monthly basis as I have finished active treatment but I'm sure if I was to request something he would also provide a letter.

     

    They have recently agreed to extend the claim for a further 6 weeks which will end in a couple of weeks time but they are joy supporting me now through a phased return plan as they are effectively saying I am fit to do phased return at this moment. 
     

    Thanks for your help x