Aviva has overhauled its cancer coverage for both individual and group private medical insurance (PMI) schemes.
Its new regime includes the removal of previous benefit limits for some cancer drugs, bone related treatments and scans and rehabilitation.
The provider has also pledged to cover cancer treatments recommended by medical specialists in full, while following cancer treatment, aftercare benefits including consultations with dieticians and help with the costs of wigs and external prostheses are included.
Treatment cover now includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapies such as Herceptin and Avastin, as well as cover for unlicensed drugs not readily available from the NHS.
Aviva will now also fund bisphosphonates (drugs to keep bones strong during cancer treatment) and bone scans in full along with stem cell and bone marrow transplants used in the treatment of cancer.
New benefits include:
• cover for specialist nursing care and rehabilitation support,
• cover for anti-sickness drugs and drugs to help combat the side effects of cancer treatments,
• up to £100 towards the cost of a wig,
• benefit towards internal and external prostheses,
• routine check-ups for up to 10 years following cancer treatment,
• where end of life care is required, Aviva will donate up to £10,000 to the hospice or charity and provide care at home if needed.
The provider claimed it now had one of the most extensive levels of PMI cancer cover available.
Dr Doug Wright, head of clinical development at Aviva UK Health said: "Our customers told us that they want the peace of mind that we'll pay for their cancer treatment in full for as long as their specialist says they need it - so that's what we're giving them through our cancer pledge.
"In addition to extensive cover, we recognise that people want to know that they can access the support they need, whenever they need it - that's why we have a dedicated oncology team.
"We've also extended our cover to include support towards the cost of items such as wigs," he added.
The new cancer cover is applicable to customers taking out a new private medical insurance policy or renewing from 1 January 2012.
Customers taking out a company scheme covering 250 or more employees have the option to decrease the cover available on their policy if they choose.
