Macmillan Cancer Support responds to the Financial Conduct Authority’s feedback
Originally published: 25 June 2018
Responding to the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Call for Input response, Macmillan Cancer Support’s Executive Director of Policy and Impact Fran Woodard said:
“We welcome commitments today from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to work with providers to make it easier for people with cancer to find suitable travel insurance, but we are disappointed that these proposals do not go even further. Improved signposting will only benefit people with cancer if, at the end of it, there is fair and affordable cover available.
“As holidaymakers look forward to a summer break, thousands who have ever had cancer — even ten years ago — continue to be penalised by ‘one-size-fits-all’ policies. People with cancer deserve the same chance to enjoy a relaxing, restorative time away without worrying about extortionate premiums or travelling without cover. Yet, our support line has already had nearly 900 calls about travel insurance since January.
“No two cancer experiences are the same and if travel insurers want to meet the need for people with cancer, they must update their oversimplified medical screening to reflect this. We are concerned that, despite these proposals, many will still be faced with limited choice and disproportionately high premiums.
“We look forward to working with the FCA and the insurance industry to ensure that these proposals are as effective as they can be for people with cancer. But insurance policies should be clear and fairly priced for everyone, and we will continue all our efforts to achieve this.”
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Notes to editors
- Macmillan’s free support line has had nearly 900 calls about travel insurance since January.
- As holidaymakers look forward to a summer break, thousands who have ever had cancer — even ten years ago — continue to be penalised by ‘one-size-fits-all’ policies.
- No two cancer experiences are the same and if travel insurers want to meet the need for people with cancer, they must update their oversimplified medical screening to reflect this.
- Macmillan looks forward to working with the FCA and the insurance industry to ensure that these proposals are as effective as they can be for people with cancer. But insurance policies should be clear and fairly priced for everyone, and we will continue all our efforts to achieve this.
- High travel insurance costs could leave people who have had cancer struggling financially, prevent them from having a much-needed break or mean they travel abroad without appropriate medical cover.
- Going on holiday without insurance or a policy that excludes their cancer, could put people at risk of eye-wateringly high medical bills if they fall ill when abroad.
- Macmillan acknowledges that those who have had cancer may have more medical needs and represent a higher risk for insurers than those without the illness, but current prices and policies reflect an outdated view of cancer as being something that only affects the minority or that those who have cancer are facing a ‘death sentence’.
- Anyone needing help and support, can call 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday 9am-8pm) or visit www.macmillan.org.uk.
Statistics
Our survey of more than 2,000 people who have had cancer, which was conducted by YouGov last year, revealed:
- An estimated 8,500 British holidaymakers (2%) who applied for travel insurance following a cancer diagnosis were unable to get a policy despite the fact that they were diagnosed with cancer a decade ago.
- An estimated 7,500 Brits (1%) who have ever had cancer and took out single trip or annual travel insurance paid £1000 or more for their policy.
- On average people with cancer paid £133 for their policies — nearly four times the average cost of an annual travel policy for the general public — just £37.
- Macmillan’s research also revealed that almost 1 in 5 (18%) of people who had cancer and took out travel insurance paid £200 or more for cover.

