Health insurance provider Chartis has launched two new cancer care products through its online voluntary benefits site.
The products have been launched in response to the financial limitations in the private medical insurance (PMI) market for individuals with cancer.
Although PMI schemes cover cancer treatment costs, the longer term financial impacts, such as the need for extra childcare and financial costs of extended leave from work, would not typically be covered.
The well woman and cancer care plans from Chartis are designed to provide a one-off cash payment upon diagnosis, with no restrictions on how the money can be spent.
Kim Gilbert, head of broker relationships, accident and health, Chartis, said: “As employers look to reduce and control benefits costs, there is an increasing trend towards PMI plans that no longer provide cancer cover.
“By making the well woman and cancer care products available through their voluntary benefits scheme, employers can help their employees to address the cancer care options available and signpost them to the cover available.
“When you consider that someone is diagnosed with cancer every two minutes in the UK, helping employees to find ways to limit the financial and emotional costs associated with such a life changing event is an invaluable service.”
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