Family health insurance??

[JumpersforGoalposts]

I'd argue that this is by far the most cost-effective way to deal with this issue if you are concerned. You already contribute to, and have, health cover (the NHS) and if you get into complex treatments I've heard some horror stories regarding getting compensated from your schemes - and they almost inevitably put you back into the NHS at this stage anyway.

You can still access BUPA, etc. privately, even if not insured through them, and this can cut out quite a bit of the initial waiting times and stress. Once diagnosed they can then refer you back into the NHS via your own NHS doctor if you need more extensive treatment.

In the end you can spend a fortune insuring yourself against something that may not happen and that you can get treatment for anyway. This is why putting your £100/month away instead is probably the most sensible option, using the same risk-based approach the Insurers would use.

Indeed. Many insurance customers don't notice that "chronic" conditions are not covered, only "acute" conditions. This can be a very delicate problem when complicated conditions persist or become something more serious (especially if the "C" word comes into it).
Having cover "withdrawn" in these circumstances is normal practice although you would expect it to be handled with some sensitivity.

[goats]

Indeed. Many insurance customers don't notice that "chronic" conditions are not covered, only "acute" conditions. This can be a very delicate problem when complicated conditions persist or become something more serious (especially if the "C" word comes into it).
Having cover "withdrawn" in these circumstances is normal practice although you would expect it to be handled with some sensitivity.

Surely, comp cover is for such things such as cancer? It’s the main thing that kills people after all....that’s what the insurance is for as opposed to a broken arm. Surely no one would ever take out private cover if it’s proved worthless when actually needed?

[JumpersforGoalposts]

Surely, comp cover is for such things such as cancer? It’s the main thing that kills people after all....that’s what the insurance is for as opposed to a broken arm. Surely no one would ever take out private cover if it’s proved worthless when actually needed?

As I said private health insurance ONLY covers acute conditions, not chronic. It is always VERY clear in the T&Cs albeit that many people may not understand it.
Some cancers will be deemed acute, but can become chronic. These are the difficult cases where an insurance co will withdraw cover.