The move comes as organisations across the globe host fundraising events and seminars to mark today’s International Child Cancer Day.
Whilst the insurance industry has helped to ease the financial burden in paying out millions to adults diagnosed with cancer, historically there has been relatively little attention focused on how insurers can also minimise the financial impact for families with children with the disease.
The latest statistics (ONS) show that there were 1721 new incidents of cancer in young people up to 19 in 2007 with the most common forms being Leukaemia and brain tumours.
Phil Brown, underwriting and claims director, Zurich UK Life commented: “Since 2008, Zurich UK Life has paid out over £975,000 to over 60 families whose children have been affected by life threatening cancer – which is by far the most common cause of claims for young people. As a result, we have vast experience in helping families cope through what are always extremely distressing periods.
“By offering critical illness cover for children as a built in benefit for adults taking out critical illness plans with Zurich we can provide comprehensive cover for all the family. By raising awareness of this benefit we would hope that more advisers take the opportunity to talk to their clients and remind them of the added benefits and peace of mind that cover can bring.”
