Every year, in Australia, according to the Cancer Council :
1. skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers
2. the majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun
3. the incidence of skin cancer is one of the highest in the world, two to three times the rates in Canada, the US and the UK.
Some life insurance policy types, like Trauma Insurance or Income Protection Insurance, may pay a claim arising from skin cancers of certain severity. This will be noted in the Product Disclosure Statement issued by the insurer which should be read before purchasing insurance. If you have previously had a skin cancer and apply for life insurance then you will need to disclose that to the insurer before applying for cover so they can consider this further and how, if at all, if will affect the terms of cover offered.
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged, for example, by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
There are three main types of skin cancer:
1. basal cell carcinoma
2. squamous cell carcinoma
3. melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are known as non-melanoma skin cancer or keratinocyte cancers. Keratinocyte cancer is more common in men, with almost double the incidence compared to women. Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australians (excluding keratinocyte cancers as data on incidence is not routinely collected). Visit the Cancer Council’s website for more information and guidance on how to prevent skin cancer.
You may already have cover and want a review, or you may be interested in obtaining cover. If so, contact us to get personal advice that takes into account your own needs, goals and circumstances.
This is general information. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement issued by an insurer before considering buying insurance. Life insurance and Financial Advice services are provided by Experien Insurance Services Pty Ltd (EIS) ABN 99 128 678 937 and Experien Financial Services Pty Ltd (EFS) ABN 32 631 346 757. EIS and EFS are a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 320626 and No. 1274354) of Affinia Financial Advisers Limited ABN 13 085 335 397 AFSL No. 237857. See our website for our Financial Services Guide.
