Hi Sophie,

I can see that the failure to give a proper diagnosis is causing confusion and negating your ability to get life insurance. 

Because they aren't sure on the malignant potential, they are erring on the side of safety and treating you as if you have Stage 1b melanoma so that they can monitor you over the next 5 years. Stage 1b is classed as malignant (cancer) - even though there is the chance it was actually benign. The insurance companies are therefore treating you as having early stage cancer & you have to be 5 years clear from the date of diagnosis to be accepted for life insurance.

So, sadly, the caution being used by the consultant isn't helping you when it comes to life insurance. The only suggestion I have is to speak to an advisor at Macmillan and see if they can suggest a way around this or an insurance company that may be worth contacting. I'm sorry I can't help any further. Good luck,

Angie (melanoma patient)