‘Benign’ tumour not covered by woman’s insurance
A woman suffering with a tumour in her brain has been told her condition is not covered by her critical illness policy.
Mary Ryan’s insurer informed her that the tumour, for which she may need treatment for the rest of her life, is the "wrong kind", reports the Observer.
According to the newspaper, Ms Ryan’s £100-a-month lifetime cover with Skandia was intended to pay for her mortgage in the event of a serious illness.
After being diagnosed with a benign growth-hormone-secreting pituitary tumour, she had it partially removed and then targeted with radiation, although she has been left with some residual tumour.
Insurance company Skandia rejected Ms Ryan’s subsequent claim on the grounds of a technicality that "cancers in the body must be malignant", with tumours in the pituitary gland or spine excluded.
"Skandia’s critical illness contract is designed to pay an accelerated benefit on the diagnosis of a critical life-changing event," a spokesperson for the firm told the Observer.
"If adequately treated, pituitary tumours are not considered to be life-threatening and should not result in any significant long-term disability," the representative continued.
Ms Ryan’s neurosurgeon, Michael Powell, pointed out to the paper that although her tumour was benign, the company’s restriction is "totally unreasonable".
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with medical conditions
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