GlobalSurance Conducts Survey of Major Insurers on Breast Cancer Testing Policies
(PRWEB) August 28, 2013 -- In recent months, the media has turned its attention to Angelina Jolie's recent double mastectomy, which she famously underwent after a genetic test revealed that there was an 87% chance she would develop breast cancer. Many women around the world are now looking to take the same BRCA test, which typically runs at $4000 US, but there is significant confusion surrounding the issue of cover. GlobalSurance recently conducted a survey of four major insurance providers – Bupa International, Cigna, Now Health International, and Interglobal – to see what their policies are on BRCA testing.
The survey began by asking if clients who had taken a BRCA genetic test were required to reveal the results to the insurer when applying for medical insurance. Cigna, InterGlobal, and Bupa all stated that any knowledge the client may have of a genetic cancer risk should be revealed before starting the plan. However, Now Health International does not require their clients to inform them about BRCA test results.
All four insurers were then asked if they cover the costs of a BRCA test for clients who have been advised by their doctors to receive the screening. Now Health International and Cigna reported that preventative care services would not cover BRCA assessments. Bupa expressed that a customer would be covered, as long as they had a plan offering diagnostic procedures. InterGlobal's Wellness benefit covers the BRCA test up to the benefit limit, in addition to routine mammograms
GlobalSurance also asked the insurers about outpatient, inpatient and oncology services. Both Bupa and Cigna expressed that a patient would not be eligible for cancer benefits before being diagnosed with the disease. InterGlobal expressed that cancer testing might be covered; not as an oncology service, but rather under the listed benefits for preventative treatment, meaning that those with an inpatient only plan would not be covered.
As awareness for BRCA testing continues to grow in the media, so too will the demand for the test itself. GlobalSurance experts will continue to keep an eye on insurers' policies for the screening.
For more results from the survey, visit http://www.globalsurance.com/blog/insurers-reveal-policies-on-genetic-testing-for-breast-cancer-675920.html#more-6759.
Neil Raymond, Pacific Prime, 31131331, [email protected]
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