Example 1:

Beverley has been with Cigna for five years when she is diagnosed with breast cancer. Following discussion with her specialist, she decides to have the breast removed followed by breast reconstruction. Her specialist also recommends a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In addition she is to have hormone therapy tablets for several years. Will her insurance cover this treatment plan and are there any limits to the cover?

Cigna’s response: Evidenced based treatments and procedures would be covered except for the hormone therapy. Hormone treatment is out-patient medication and is not covered under the plan. Cigna would also provide cover for monitoring for 5 years.

Example 2:

Sharon would like to be admitted to a hospice for care aimed solely at relieving symptoms. Will her insurance cover this and are there any limits to the cover.

Cigna’s response: This would not be covered by Cigna.

Example 3:

Cara has previously had a breast cancer which was previously treated by lumpectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy under her existing policy. She now has a recurrence in her other breast and has decided to have a mastectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Will her insurance cover this and are there any limits to the cover?

Cigna’s response: A first recurrence of the primary cancer would be covered, including monitoring for five years, as above.

Example 4:

Monica, who was previously treated for breast cancer under her existing policy, has a recurrence which has unfortunately spread to other parts of the body. Her specialist has recommended the following treatment plan:

• A course of six cycles of chemotherapy aimed at destroying cancer cells to be given over the next six months.
• Monthly infusions of a drug to help protect the bones against pain and fracture. This infusion is to be given for as long as it is working (hopefully years).
• Weekly infusions of a drug to suppress the growth of the cancer. These infusions are to be given for as long as they are working (hopefully years).

Will her insurance cover this treatment plan and are there any limits to the cover?

Cigna’s response: Cigna provides cover for the first course of active and evidence based treatment for metastatic spread. Specifically:

• The full 6 cycles of chemotherapy would be covered.
• Monthly infusions of the bone building drug would be covered for as long as the 6 cycles of chemotherapy lasts as this is preventative.
• Weekly infusions of a drug to suppress the growth of the cancer would be covered until disease progression.
• No further cover would be available following this treatment plan and Cigna would facilitate a smooth transfer to the NHS if further treatment was necessary.