Skin Cancer: Am I Covered By My Trauma Insurance Policy?

Skin cancer is unfortunately something us as Australians need to conscientiously think about.  As our hours spent outdoors in our summer climate can leave us susceptible to skin cancer.

According to the Skin Cancer Council, in Australia, every year:

• Skin cancers account for 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers.
• Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70.
• GPs in Australia have over 1 million patient consultations per year for skin cancer.

So where does that leave us in terms of trauma insurance cover? If we are unfortunate enough to develop skin cancer, will we be covered?

One of the senior claims assessor at AIA, Jeffery Chan has some answers:

‘Skin cancer’ – where diagnosed by an appropriate specialist Medical Practitioner acceptable to us, we will pay:

• 100% of the Sum Insured for any melanoma where the tumour is with ulceration or is diagnosed as 1.5mm or greater in Breslow’s depth of invasion or Clark Level 3 or greater in depth of invasion;
• The greater of 15% of the Sum Insured and $10,000 for any melanoma without ulceration and measuring less than 1.5mm in Breslow’s depth of invasion and less than Clark Level 3 in depth of invasion. The amount of the payment cannot exceed the Sum Insured;
• 100% of the Sum Insured for cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas where the tumour is diagnosed as greater than T3N0M0 or any stage T where N1, 2 or 3 or metastases are present;
• 10% of the Sum Insured for cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas where the tumour is diagnosed as stage T3N0M0 under the TNM Classification system.

For someone who has never suffered skin cancer, these technical terms can be confusing.  In short AIA states that some skin cancers are covered, while others may not be.

When it comes to skin cancer, some people are lucky enough to visit the doctor and have it cut out on the day. Due to reasons like this, the guidelines for skin cancer are tricky when it comes to trauma insurance.

Speak to Lifebroker today to find out more about the specific guidelines on trauma insurance.