Why Private Health Insurance Could Help Protect Cancer Sufferers

There have been many articles in recent months concerning the provision of cancer drugs and treatments available on the NHS. It seems that the Government is caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to protecting the health of the nation and funding the associated costs of the best treatment.

Numerous publications and interviews depict the plight of individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer and report that the Primary Care Trust"s (PCT) involved are denying them access to the latest cancer drug on the basis of costs. Now, it appears the specialists that treat these individuals are also worried about the impact of new drugs becoming available, along with associated funding. In response to a BBC survey 180 specialists reported they were worried about the situation, and it looks as though things can only get worse with the anticipated release of new, highly effective cancer drugs expected to receive licenses in the coming years.

Currently, those diagnosed with cancer in England are unable to pay for drugs themselves that are not available on the NHS, unless they are willing to pay for their entire treatment process from their own pockets. With new drugs possibly costing in the region of 50,000 there have been calls for the guidelines to be relaxed. The guidelines should be more realistic, allowing individuals to pay for the costs of drugs involved in treatment, without the need to fund the entire treatment process.

It is truly unacceptable that people who have invested in the health service for all of their lives are denied the necessary treatment due to expense. And unless they are willing to pay for the entire treatment process themselves, some may find they become embroiled in a desperate fight with the NHS. Considering the additional stress this may cause through such an important time in their lives, is this strict adherence to these guidelines fair?

Whilst the "state versus private funding" war rages, it is essential to question which options there are those who wish to ensure this situation does not become their fate.

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