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Critical Illness Insurance

neliethecat
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I have has critical illness insurance for several years.

I was recently diagnosed with vulval cancer which presents as a squamous cell carcinoma. I am due to have surgery next week where they will be taking away quite a bit down there then following it up with radiotherapy.

I have checked my policy and it says it doesn't cover squamous cell as it's a skin cancer, which I find shocking. Basically I am going to have a very feminine part of me removed, be in lots of pain, have my life and lifestyle affected and ability to do everyday things like sitting and walking for periods of time severely affected. Plus a chance of spread or reoccurrence or further surgery and yes you can die of it, but it doesn't count as critical.

Has anyone else had this issue?

 

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    Hi,

    Usually, with skin cancer, Insurance won't pay out if it's not invasive. They won't pay out for melanoma unless it's become invasive (Stage 1 or above). I suggest you contact your insurance company and explain that you have internal SCC and that you are going to undergo radical surgery. They will probably ask for either sight of your histology report (which you are eligible to ask for) or a letter from your consultant. So please ring them & hopefully, rare occurrences like yours, are accepted by your insurance provider. 

    Good luck and I hope your surgery goes well,

    Angie (melanoma patient)

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    Hi,

    I hope this message finds you well. I've just been diagnosed with vulval cancer too, and I am waiting on my MRI scan before a plan is formulated. I may well end up in a similar situation to you. I was wondering where you got with your insurance company, & if you did manage to get a payout, how you went about it. If you don't mind, of course. 
     

    Thanks so much,

  • Offline in reply to Lorn

    Hi

    Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, hope your treatment plan is successful.

    They did pay out. I phoned them and chatted through my diagnosis, the lady was very helpful. They sent me a form to fill out and I had to supply lots evidence of diagnosis such as consultants letters, proof of treatment etc.

    I di it following surgery so I had all the information. It took about 3 months but paid out the full amount.

    Fingers crossed for you

  • Offline in reply to neliethecat

    Thank you so much! That's such good news. And I'm so glad that you've made it through. Today is a good day--I'm in planning / researching mode, so I feel like there are things I can do / options I can explore. We're also on a family holiday in Llandudno, so filling our days with fun / quality / chill times :)

  • Offline in reply to Lorn

    That sounds fabulous. I spent my last day before isolation (surgery was during Covid) at the seaside, it was lovely.

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