The NHS already provides extensive cancer treatment and support, and many of the treatments available privately are the same. Where private medical insurance can differ is in how care is accessed, with some policies offering faster routes to consultations and tests, greater choice over specialists and hospitals, and additional support throughout treatment and recovery.
NHS cancer support: why demand continues to grow
According to Cancer Research UK, one in two people will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime. As people live longer than was the case in the past, more people are being referred for investigations and treatment.
Awareness campaigns promoting NHS screening programmes such as breast, bowel and cervical screening – and genetic testing for cancer risk – have also led to an increase in referrals. These campaigns and screening programmes are encouraging people to seek medical advice earlier if they notice symptoms. That’s good news, as earlier diagnosis can often improve treatment outcomes and increase the range of treatment options available.
NHS England has a target for people to receive a diagnosis or have cancer ruled out within 28 days of an urgent referral. However, rising demand means services can come under pressure in some areas, particularly around diagnostic testing and specialist appointments.
How the NHS treats cancer
Cancer treatment through the NHS depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, how advanced it is and a person's overall health.
Treatment can include:
Diagnostic scans and tests.
Surgery.
Chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy.
Immunotherapy and targeted therapies.
Hormone treatments.
Specialist rehabilitation and ongoing support services.
Many people receive a combination of treatments rather than relying on a single approach.
The NHS also provides wider support beyond treatment itself. This can include specialist nurses, emotional support services, pain management, dietary advice and rehabilitation programmes.
Can private health insurance cover cancer care?
Most private health insurers include cancer cover as standard in their policies. This can provide access to consultations, investigations or treatment more quickly, should you ever experience cancer. Insurance can also bring greater control over when, how and where you are treated.
Of course, the NHS provides high-quality cancer care, and many treatments available privately are often the same as those used within NHS care. That includes access to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgical treatment and targeted cancer treatments, including biological therapies, depending on the policy.
Private cover is often chosen to reduce waiting times for tests and treatment. It may also provide access to cancer drugs and treatments that may be part of a clinical trial, or breakthrough treatments not yet available through the NHS.
Depending on the insurer and policy you choose, other benefits of health insurance when it comes to cancer care may include:
More choice over when, where and by whom you are treated, with a choice of consultants and hospitals within the insurer's hospital network.
Dedicated cancer nurses and specialist support teams.
Home nursing support during recovery or treatment.
Reconstructive surgery following cancer treatment.
Money towards wigs and prostheses following treatment.
Counselling and emotional support for you and your family after diagnosis.
Other support throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
One thing to keep in mind is that private health insurance does not usually cover a cancer diagnosis or treatment if you were already diagnosed before taking out the policy.
How UK insurers approach cancer cover
The leading UK health insurers all take slightly different approaches to cancer cover. Some include comprehensive cover as standard, while others offer some cover as standard with the option of additional benefits or more comprehensive treatment options.
What you actually receive can vary considerably between providers, so it's worth comparing options carefully to understand what is and isn't included. Some focus more heavily on diagnosis and treatment, while others include broader support and practical help throughout treatment and recovery.
We've made sure the information about insurers’ coverage is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of writing. However, because insurers can change their terms, pricing and cover at any time, the information here shouldn't take the place of reading their policy documents. That's the best way to check the cover genuinely meets your needs.
Bupa
Cancer treatment is included on every policy as standard, unless you choose to remove it. Their cover includes the full cost of eligible cancer treatment, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery and stem cell transplants.
Additional services include NHS cancer cash payments, which is where the insurer pays you a cash sum if you choose to have NHS treatment rather than private treatment:
£100 for each night of NHS inpatient treatment.
£100 for NHS outpatient, day-patient or home treatment.
£100 for each three-week period of oral chemotherapy or oral anti-hormone therapy not available from a GP.
Vitality
Includes comprehensive cancer cover from diagnosis through treatment and recovery, including risk assessments and discounted screenings.
AXA Health
Cancer care can be selected when building your policy. It includes private surgery and drug treatment for cancer, potentially including new cancer drugs and treatments that may not be routinely available through the NHS (outpatient drugs are not covered by this plan). It also includes the option of chemotherapy if recommended by your doctor.
Additional services include phone support from cancer nurses and a dedicated case manager throughout treatment.
Aviva
Cancer diagnosis and treatment are covered as standard, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies and bone-strengthening drugs, along with outpatient consultations and diagnostic tests.
Cover also includes stem cell and bone marrow transplants where needed, as well as reconstructive or preventative surgery such as a mastectomy where clinically appropriate.
Support continues into aftercare and palliative care, with ongoing monitoring for up to five years following treatment. Wigs and external prostheses are also included, along with contributions towards recovery support such as dietitian consultations.
Additional services include cancer care with Aviva’s Get Active programme, offering support and discounts for lifestyle changes during cancer treatment.
WPA
Add cancer care to core cover for comprehensive support from diagnosis through to palliative treatment with no financial caps on eligible tests and treatment.
Additional services include fast-track pathways for breast, prostate and skin cancer diagnosis (age restrictions apply), plus an NHS Hospital Cash Benefit of up to £6,000 per year if you choose NHS treatment instead of using your private cover, paying:
£200 per day or night for NHS inpatient or day-patient treatment.
£150 per day for NHS outpatient treatment.
Freedom Health Insurance
Freedom Elite includes approved active cancer treatment costs, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, while Freedom Worldwide includes cancer cover as standard.
Or if you select Freedom Essentials, you’ll get:
50% of the fixed cash benefit when receiving inpatient or day-patient treatment as part of active cancer treatment.
£150 cash benefit for each hospital visit for chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
National Friendly
Cancer support varies depending on the level selected:
Level 1: Diagnosis only, including scans and tests, with an annual limit of £2,000 or £5,000 depending on the policy selected.
Level 2: Diagnosis plus chemotherapy and radiotherapy up to the overall policy limit, excluding biological, stem cell and bone marrow treatments.
Level 3: Diagnosis plus inpatient treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and biological therapies up to £1 million per year.
Level 4: Diagnosis, inpatient treatment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapies, bone marrow and stem cell treatments with no financial limit.
The Exeter
Core cover includes comprehensive cancer treatment and consultations at every stage, including surgery and access to modern drugs and therapies, once cancer is diagnosed. Most outpatient tests, diagnostics and specialist appointments outside hospital treatment need an optional extra.
Other sources of support
If you need further support or information, several NHS services and cancer charities can help:
Your GP: Can discuss symptoms, screening, genetic testing, referrals and ongoing support.
NHS cancer services: Provide information about symptoms, screening, diagnosis and treatment options.
Macmillan Cancer Support: Offers practical, emotional and financial support, including a support line and online resources. Call 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm).
Cancer Research UK: Provides information about cancer types, symptoms, treatments and research developments. Call 0808 800 4040 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
Breast Cancer Now: Provides support and information for people affected by breast cancer. Call 0808 800 6000 (Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm, Wednesday 9am–7pm).
Prostate Cancer UK: Provides information, support and specialist guidance for people affected by prostate cancer, including treatment options. Call their specialist nurses on 0800 074 8383 or contact them via email.
Young Lives vs Cancer: Supports children and young people aged 0-25 and families affected by cancer. Call 0300 330 0803 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
FAQs
Can I get cancer cover if there is cancer in my family history?
Yes, you can still take out private medical insurance that includes cancer cover even if cancer runs in your family. Whilst some insurers may take into account your family history when pricing your plan, at least one leading insurer doesn’t ask about your family history of cancer at all during the application process.
Can you get private health insurance after having cancer?
If you have had cancer before or are currently living with it, you may still be able to get private medical insurance, but it will typically be treated as a pre-existing condition.
This means cover options may be more limited. Some insurers may exclude cancer-related treatment altogether, while others may apply conditions such as a required remission period before offering full cover. Either way, premiums may be higher to reflect the increased risk.
If you are struggling to find suitable cover, make sure you speak to a specialist health insurance adviser who can recommend insurers to approach and compare plans on your behalf.
How much does cancer cover cost with private health insurance?
The cost of private medical insurance that includes cancer cover can vary quite a lot depending on the policy you choose.
Health insurance premiums are influenced by several factors, including:
The level of cover you choose.
Your age.
Your postcode.
Your lifestyle (for example, smoking status).
The excess you choose (higher excess can reduce monthly premiums).
Because pricing varies between insurers, the best approach is usually to compare quotes and policy features to find cover that matches both your needs and your budget.
