VitalityHealth has enhanced its cancer cover across the vast majority of its PMI plans. This higher level of cover will be available to members, at no additional premium cost.
The company has combined its standard and upgrade cancer cover into a single proposition which will now become the standard offering on all new and existing plans.
This ensures that after a diagnosis of cancer, VitalityHealth covers all eligible in-patient and out-patient costs in full: this includes radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biological, hormone, stem cell and bisphosphonate therapies, as well as all surgery and reconstructive surgery.
The only exception will be for members on corporate plans where the employer has chosen the lower benefit level, rather than standard cover.
In addition, Vitality is also introducing new discounted cancer screens and risk assessment for some of the most common forms of cancer – including breast cancer, cervical cancer and bowel cancer.
The company says these enhancements comes at a time when the number of people using national NHS screening services – such as those for cervical cancer – have fallen to a 19 year low. There has also been a drop in the number of women attending routine breast screens.
VitalityHealth deputy chief executive Dr Keith Klintworth says these enhancements help ensure an “end-to-end” service. “In addition to fully covering the cost of treatment, the additions also complement our existing cancer prevention and detection benefits – including Vitality Healthcheck and Vitality GP.
“Our goal is to ensure that all our members have access to best-in-class cancer cover while keeping our commitment to prevention, detection and early intervention.”
Regency Health principal Brian Walters says this was a welcome package of enhancement. The PMI broker adds: “Early detection is of course key for cancer survival and it makes sense that Vitality have added discounted screenings to what is fast becoming a complete integrated healthcare offering.
“It’s also noteworthy that Vitality members who have had cancer and were stuck on the lower tier of cancer cover will be automatically upgraded from renewal. This is a principled move from Vitality and one that should be commended.”
