Many Britons have private medical insurance

CancerBACUP surveyed eight private medical insurers. It found that just one, BUPA, provided cover for cancer patients throughout their illness.

The charity also telephoned sales staff. It said some had given incorrect information on when policies paid out.

CancerBACUP called for a review of the methods insurers use when selling private medical cover to patients.

The eight insurers surveyed included all of the UK's largest medical insurers. Together, they cover two-thirds of the market.

The charity found that most insurers appeared to be unsure about if and when cover would be withdrawn.

We have already started working with CancerBACUP to identify practical ways forward Chris Kenny, Association of British Insurers

It said many used the phrase "active treatment" to explain the extent of their cancer coverage. However, they did not explain what this meant.

'Vague about cover'

"At present, most insurers are able to be vague about the level of cover they provide and can decide whether or not to fund cancer treatments on a case by case basis," said Joanne Rule, chief executive of CancerBACUP.

"This cannot be allowed to continue. The patients we speak to are shocked and distressed to discover that their private insurance company is refusing to pay for cancer treatment at a time when they are most vulnerable.

"We believe that insurance companies should fund cancer treatments which are given to slow progression of the cancer, when a cure is not possible.

"At the very least, they should make it crystal clear what they cover and what they do not so people can make an informed decision when purchasing private medical insurance."

The charity said the Financial Services Authority should review the way private medical insurance is sold.

The Association of British Insurers acknowledged that the current situation could be improved.

"This survey has helped to identify some important challenges for the insurance industry," said Chris Kenny, its head of life and pensions.

"We have already started working with CancerBACUP to identify practical ways forward.

"It is obviously right that companies should communicate clearly to their customers what is, and is not, covered by their insurance.

"So we welcome the suggestion that there should be fuller descriptions for customers of what their policy covers."

Stephen Richards of Macmillan Cancer Relief described the findings as very worrying.