Just diagnosed with lymphoma. Obviously a bit rubbish, but all very treatable.
Haven't had the energy to dig into insurance details, but is it something you'd normally have to inform life insurance about, even if you're not putting in a claim?
I have income protection insurance and a life/critical illness policy. Hopefully won't need to use either as work should pay me for as long as I'm off anyway.
Assume, even if not claiming, telling insurance means premium may rocket, but also assume that you're supposed to disclose any major illness.
Obviously, will look into policy details, but not for the strength for that just at the moment, so interested to know general experiences. Thanks
Can't definitively answer your insurance question, but I can confirm that lymphoma is very, very treatable. And that was 30 years ago for me (stage 4 Hodgkins), so things should be even better now.
Hope you are doing OK, all things considered.
Do you have mortgage insurance? I would have thought that this diagnosis might pay out for any remaining mortgage that you owe? Speedy recovery.
insurance means premium may rocket,
If it's "life insurance" you have such as mortgage protection, then the premium is usually set up front for the term of your mortgage. So "stuff" happening doesn't change the policy or premium.
Because of that, there's no requirement to disclose anything during the term.
You need to look carefully at this though, and if you have any annual policies then they will work differently.
I'd be looking to see if it was covered and wanting to claim if it was me.
All the best.
Speak to the claims department of your Critical Illness insurer. Lymphoma might be covered (subject to meeting certain criteria/definition e.g. stage and seriousness). There’s no downside to asking the question and it’s possible they could pay out.
yeah, there's a clause for "dread disease" or something like that in some policies. Payout on diagnosis I believe
That news sucks, sorry to hear it. Hope treatment goes smoothly.
You should definitely inform your insurers.
You don’t say what kind of lymphoma. DLBCL?
This may be a covered disease and result in a payout.
Also, while usually treatable with good outcomes there’s the inconvenience and potential effects on absence from work and time for recovery. And then later life risks from treatment effects that insurers will want to factor in.
As others have said, certainly possible that this will give you a valid claim on the Critical Illness element of the policy (and if you have long term absence from work, may meet the threshold to claim on the Income Protection policy, depending on your deferred period).
Definitely give the insurer or your Broker a call - despite their (imo often unjustified) reputation, they are there to help in these situations.
Sending best wishes.
Hi Jim, I have just passed the magic 5 year remission window after being diagnosed with Burkitt/ DLBCL stage 4b in 2017. I found all of my policies with my employer were all encompassing so even when I did inform them they said it made no difference as it was a corporate wide policy.
Happy to have a chat if you like mate.
John
Thanks everyone. Yes, it's DLBCL right through the abdomen, wrapped around liver, kidney, bowel etc. Seemingly very very rapid growth - it's pretty sobering to see my body shape changing in front of my eyes.
Treatment plan due this week, desperate to get started, as can barely function currently.
Sounds like a chat with all insurance companies is definitely the way to go. Will tackle that as soon as I have the strength.
Cheers
