Hi I've been diagnosed with grade 2 high soft tissue cancer I've been off work after my operation but had to return to work after 2 weeks as I can't manage pay my mortgage and bills if I'm off, I've put a claim in with aviva but got wait 17 days for my answer and I don't know what the out come will be if I'm covered or not any help with this as I start radiotherapy next week and I will have to go back to work if I'm well or not ?
Hello Lfc
Thanks for getting in touch. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis and your concerns about managing financially when you are off work.
As you’ve discovered, critical illness claims can take a number of weeks for a claim to be looked at and during this time, the insurer will be assessing whether the cancer meets their criteria of a critical illness (for example, some less advanced cancers and ‘chronic’ or long-lasting conditions might not be covered). They will also look at the information given at the time the insurance policy was taken out to make sure it was all accurate.
It may also help to chase the medical team, as delays can sometimes be due to medical reports taking time to be returned.
If you’re concerned about making ends meet whilst the claim is assessed, have you spoken to a benefits adviser at all? We have advisers available on the Support Line 0808 808 0000, Option 1, then 2, then 2 again. They’re available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, or at the weekend between 9am and 5pm. They can also talk you about your utility bills.
It’s also worth speaking to your mortgage lender if you think you might struggle with your usual payment. Explain that you are dealing with a cancer diagnosis and you are making a claim on your insurance for critical illness. They may be able to offer you some flexibility temporarily until your Aviva claim is assessed.
And please feel free to speak to us on the phone or on webchat if you prefer, by clicking ‘Chat to Us’ at the bottom right of the screen.
Kind regards.
Julia
Financial Guide
Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.
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