Does health insurance cover cancer?
If you’re looking for health insurance, you might be thinking about making sure you’re covered if you’re diagnosed with cancer. While we don’t offer cancer-specific cover, our health insurance takes care of you through treatment and beyond.
Our cancer pledge means you get extensive cancer care as standard. From diagnostic tests to chemotherapy, aftercare, and even money towards a wig after treatment, we’re there for you for the big steps and the small changes along the way.
You’re guaranteed access to a registered specialist and a hospital from your chosen list to support you through your cancer journey. We’ll cover the eligible treatment and palliative care you need, as recommended by your specialist.
What are the benefits of our cancer cover?
While our health insurance may not be cancer-specific, the benefits of our cancer cover are extensive.
Extensive cancer care
Extensive cancer care We partner with Macmillan Cancer Support to make sure you’re supported every step of the way, from diagnosis to treatment and recovery.
Shorter wait times for appointments
Shorter wait times for appointments You could get treatment quicker with private healthcare, helping you avoid the stress of waiting for an appointment and get answers sooner.
Support for your wellbeing
Support for your wellbeing You’ll get access to a range of wellbeing services at no extra cost, including the Aviva Digital GP^ app and a Stress Counselling helpline.
^ Non-contractual benefit which can be changed or withdrawn at any time.
Getting a cancer diagnosis with health insurance
Aviva Digital GP^ 
It comes with access to the Aviva Digital GP app, which helps you get an appointment with a GP in as little as 30 minutes from the comfort of your home or on the go. In your video consultation, your GP will ask about what you’re experiencing and refer you for further investigation or treatment if they think it’s needed.
Diagnostics, covered 
Once you have a referral, either from our Digital GP or your GP, our claims team will guide you through the claims process. They’ll confirm if your claim is eligible and help you get your next appointment booked in as soon as possible. And we’ll settle every eligible bill with your approved healthcare provider.
Partnership with Macmillan 
Our claims team partner with Macmillan on how to handle conversations with people affected by cancer. They understand the impact cancer has, and will talk you through what happens next sensitively, guiding you to further support with Macmillan if you need it.
^ Non-contractual benefit which can be changed or withdrawn at any time.
Getting treatment
With our health insurance, you get extensive cover for cancer treatment – with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy covered in full. And if you decide to use the NHS instead of private healthcare, you can claim up to £100 for each day or night of treatment, with no overall limit.
Once you have a cancer diagnosis, our claims team will be there to help you through getting your treatment started as soon as possible.
What’s covered?
Outpatient consultations and treatment 
Comprehensive outpatient cover, including diagnostic tests, consultations, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
Drugs to strengthen bones 
We pay for bone strengthening drugs, like bisphosphonates.
Preventative cancer treatment
For example, we'll pay for a mastectomy to a healthy breast if you've been diagnosed with cancer in the other breast, and you've already had cancer treatment that we've paid for.
Wigs and external prostheses 
We'll contribute towards the cost of a wig after treatment and the first external prosthesis following cancer surgery.
Stem cell and bone marrow transplants 
Includes collection, storage and implantation.
This is just a summary of our cover. For full details, take a look at the policy terms and conditions.
Supporting you through diagnosis, treatment, and beyond
Stress Counselling helpline 
It’s normal to struggle with your mental health when you’re going through cancer diagnosis and treatment. With the Stress Counselling helpline, you can talk to a trained counsellor in minutes. You’ll be able to talk to them about whatever’s on your mind in complete confidence, 24/7, every day of the year, with no limit on the number of calls you can make.
Cancer Care with Get Active ^ 
Get access to discounts and services that can help make a difference when you or someone close to you is living with cancer. Designed to support you or your loved one adjust to life with a cancer diagnosis and treatment, you’ll get savings on both health and wellbeing products and services, as well as experiences that help you spend quality time with family and friends.
Macmillan Cancer Support 
Get tailored and trusted support to help with the physical, emotional and financial effects of cancer. From weekly calls with trained volunteers to a confidential support line and more, they’re there to help you through diagnosis and beyond.
Mental health treatment 
Our core cover comes with up to £2,000 each year for policyholders to get out-patient treatment on GP referral to a psychiatric therapist or specialist. You can also enhance your core cover (at an additional cost) to get 28 days inpatient or day patient treatment for mental health.
^Non-contractual benefit which can be changed or withdrawn at any time.
What’s not covered?
Our cancer pledge means we’ll cover the cancer treatment and palliative care you need, as well as aftercare, including consultations with a dietitian, as well as money towards prostheses and a wig. But it’s important to understand its limits so you can plan ahead.
Some limits include:
Why choose us?
Here are some of the reasons we’re a leading provider of health insurance:
“I feel as though I’ve sort of been given a second chance.”
Pictured is Georgia, one of over 10,000 people supported by our Cancer Pledge in 2025.
Get more from your cover with our wellbeing services, including health and fitness discounts.^
Our cover has a Defaqto 5 Star Rating. That’s quality you can rely on.
When it comes to cancer care, we’ve got you covered. We’ll support you through your diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
^ Non-contractual benefit which can be changed or withdrawn at any time.
“The way Aviva supported me during my diagnosis and ongoing treatment is worth an awful lot."
Karin was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023. We sat down with her to learn more about her story.
Ready to get a quote?
Learn about health insurance
From the bumps and scrapes you may see coming to those that aren’t expected, health insurance helps you access the medical treatment you need, when you need it.
-
Cancer
5 ways to support someone with cancer
Thoughtful ways to help someone who’s living with cancer
-
Conditions
How to support your mental health after a cancer diagnosis
Find the support you need and tackle any negative feelings about cancer.
-
Cancer
Getting a cancer diagnosis
Cancer diagnosis is important, but it can also be scary and affect your physical and mental health.
Alcohol units calculator
Work out how many units you’re consuming.
BMI calculator
Find out if you're a healthy weight.
BMR calculator
How many calories does your body need?