In recent times, we’ve seen significant enhancements in cancer treatments, meaning that people are now living with cancer for longer and the survival rate for some cancers has improved1.
However, many of these advancements come with higher costs. This is particularly true for treatments such as adoptive cell therapies (for example, CAR-T cell therapy or Tumour-Infiltrating Lymphocyte therapy), ion beam therapy (for example, proton beam therapy), irreversible electroporation (IRE), such as nano-knife treatment, and stem cell and bone marrow transplants.
While clients want to offer the best possible support for employees during their treatment with cancer, some may not have the appetite (or budget) to take the additional risk these treatments could represent to their claims fund and future premiums. That’s why our large corporate cancer cover offers more choice and flexibility for your clients.
1 Cancer prevalence, Macmillan Cancer Support. Accessed October 2025.
Karin's story
When worrying symptoms led to an ovarian cancer diagnosis, Karin, one of our customers since 2021, saw first-hand how valuable Private Medical Insurance can be when life suddenly takes an unexpected turn. Watch her story:
Transcript for video Karin's story
I think people with cancer don’t like to say the word, and I’m not any different. It’s very loaded that word.
I really, really feel that I’m one of the lucky ones because of my health insurance.
My life before the diagnosis was quite a happy life. Before, I would’ve gone into London, I would’ve gone to a gallery, I would’ve gone to see a play or something.
Every morning I woke up feeling sick, and I said no… I cannot be pregnant. That can’t be it. So, I think it was my daughter in law who convinced me to go and see the doctor.
The doctor I saw, she said I have to have a stool test and I think they’re taking a blood test as well and see what it is.
The doctor I saw said to me ‘you have got cancer. It’s ovarian cancer’, and just this wall came down. I didn’t take it in.
I was there with my son who very kindly came with me. I’m glad he did. And my son asked a question and I [laughs] then we left and I said to my son: can we go into that pub, and you tell me what he [the doctor] said?
And he told me. I said ‘okay, I’ve got cancer. That’ll be alright. They know how to deal with it’.
I am an optimist. I always think things go right in the end.
So I then had to come back and had an 8-hour operation. And then I stayed in hospital for ten days.
When I came out of the operation, I was given a stoma and when I came home and I got used to my stoma, I called her Gladys. And Gladys and I are not friends. We tolerate each other. It stopped me doing things which I would’ve done before.
Life is so full of things and Gladys won’t hold me back much longer, I’m sure.
I felt the way Aviva supported me has been very pleasant. I think they’ve got an oncology department and that makes a difference.
With Aviva it was: you told them what you’ve been diagnosed with, you told them who you’re going to, how you got there.
They’re incredibly well trained. Or they’re just nice people. I think they’re just nice people.
I’m not one of those who wakes up and goes ‘Hallelujah I’m still alive’ but I do appreciate life more, and long may it last.
My father was 104 when he died, my mother was 78. So inbetween, I’ll probably live to about 100 [laughs]. That’s my logic.
Three levels of cancer benefit:
Clients on an Optimum or Optimum Referral scheme can choose from three levels of cancer cover. Some existing clients may still be on our older options (Core, Enhanced or downgrade levels). We suggest reviewing and mapping them to the most suitable option at their next renewal. Your Aviva account manager can support you with this.
Level 3
This option offers full treatment cover with no limits on targeted therapies or high‑cost treatments like CAR‑T cell therapy, plus practical support such as contributions towards prostheses, wigs and mastectomy bras.
For clients who want strong cover while managing costs, there’s also the flexibility to include targeted therapies but exclude high‑cost treatments if preferred.
Level 2
Offers comprehensive cover and everyday support, while helping control costs by removing cover for high-cost treatments. It also reduces cover for targeted therapies and other treatments and drugs used to maintain and control metastatic or non-curable disease plus bisphosphonates to either 24 or 36 months.
Level 1
Controls cost further by focusing cover on diagnosis, immediate surgery, chemotherapy, and treatment. This option doesn’t include benefit for high-cost treatment and therapies and limits post- surgical support. It also removes the ‘every day’ support such as money towards a wig.
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Cancer. It's personal.
So we take it personally, with cancer care shaped around each individual, not just their diagnosis. We're proud to provide support at every stage of the cancer journey. Because cancer doesn’t just affect health. It affects a person’s whole world, and support should reflect that.
Whichever option your client selects, they’ll also benefit from a wide range of cancer support services throughout their cancer journey and beyond.
Dedicated Cancer Claims Team
Our Cancer Care Guide*
Cancer Care with Get Active*
Cancer Care with Aviva Digital GP*
Talking Through Cancer
*These services are non-contractual benefits Aviva can amend or withdraw at any time.
Looking to support your clients and enhance how you explain our cancer proposition?
Explore our Cancer Pathway leaflet - a clear, step‑by‑step guide designed to help you walk clients through a cancer journey with confidence and clarity.
Need a resource to share with clients? Our Cancer Enhancements Sales Aid offers a simple overview of the additional support and benefits available.
Interested in our partnership with Macmillan? Discover valuable insights in our Guide to Cancer in Men, created to help deepen your understanding and support meaningful conversations.