Cancer Coverage: Key Facts
What's Covered:
- ✓ All invasive (malignant) cancers
- ✓ Blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma)
- ✓ Brain and spinal cord tumors
- ✓ Carcinoma in situ (selected policies)
Typical Exclusions:
- ✗ Non-melanoma skin cancers
- ✗ Pre-existing cancers
- ✗ Very early stage tumors (some policies)
- ✗ Certain low-grade cancers
Coverage by Cancer Type
Breast Cancer
Most common cancer in NZ women
Coverage: 100% of policies cover invasive breast cancer
Survival Period: None - immediate payout on diagnosis
Average Payout: $250,000 - $500,000
Prostate Cancer
Most common cancer in NZ men
Coverage: All invasive forms covered
Note: Very low-grade tumors may be excluded
Average Payout: $200,000 - $400,000
Lung Cancer
High mortality, comprehensive coverage
Coverage: All forms including small cell and non-small cell
Treatment Costs: Often exceed $150,000
Average Payout: $300,000 - $600,000
Blood Cancers
Leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma
Coverage: Comprehensive coverage for all blood cancers
Special Note: Often requires intensive treatment
Average Payout: $400,000 - $750,000
Cancer Coverage by Insurance Provider
| Provider | Cancer Types Covered | Survival Period | Carcinoma in Situ | Claim Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIA | 45+ cancer types | None | 20% coverage | 96% |
| Southern Cross | 38 cancer types | None | Limited | 94% |
| Fidelity Life | 32 cancer types | None | Excluded | 92% |
| Partners Life | 40+ cancer types | None | 25% coverage | 95% |
| Chubb | 35 cancer types | None | Case by case | 93% |
*Claim success rates based on 2023-2024 industry data
Real Cancer Claim Examples
Case Study 1: Breast Cancer
Sarah, 42, Marketing Manager
- • Diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma
- • $400,000 trauma insurance policy
- • Claim submitted with oncology report
- • Full payment within 21 days
How she used the money:
- • $120,000 private treatment costs
- • $180,000 income replacement (2 years)
- • $50,000 home modifications and support
- • $50,000 emergency fund
Case Study 2: Prostate Cancer
Mike, 58, Construction Manager
- • Diagnosed with high-grade prostate cancer
- • $300,000 trauma insurance policy
- • Required additional medical evidence
- • Claim approved after 35 days
Financial impact:
- • $80,000 robotic surgery and treatment
- • $150,000 lost income during recovery
- • $40,000 ongoing medical costs
- • $30,000 rehabilitation and support
Case Study 3: Leukemia
Emma, 35, Teacher
- • Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- • $500,000 trauma insurance policy
- • Immediate claim approval
- • Full payment within 14 days
Treatment costs covered:
- • $200,000 chemotherapy and hospital stays
- • $100,000 bone marrow transplant
- • $120,000 lost teaching income
- • $80,000 ongoing care and medications
New Zealand Cancer Statistics
New cancer diagnoses annually in NZ
New Zealanders will develop cancer
5-year survival rate (improving)
Most Common Cancers in New Zealand:
Women
- 1. Breast cancer (29%)
- 2. Colorectal cancer (11%)
- 3. Lung cancer (10%)
- 4. Melanoma (8%)
Men
- 1. Prostate cancer (28%)
- 2. Colorectal cancer (13%)
- 3. Lung cancer (12%)
- 4. Melanoma (10%)
Protect Yourself Against Cancer Costs
Get comprehensive cancer coverage through trauma insurance. Compare quotes from all major NZ providers.
Get Cancer Coverage Quotes