Those providing private medical insurance, according to consultants Watson Wyatt, replicate the concerns of cancer specialists about the cost to the NHS of new cancer drugs.
Watson Wyatt suggests that private medical insurers are taking differing stances on recent advances in cancer-related therapies, creating inconsistency and uncertainty for individuals, employers and members of PMI schemes.
This week the BBC conducted a survey that found that over 180 specialist cancer doctors are worried about whether the NHS will be able to afford the new generation of cancer drugs.
David Cross, head of Healthcare and Risk Consulting at Watson Wyatt, says: "The BBC’s survey highlights the acute cost implications for private medical insurers due to the licensing and use of new high cost drugs to treat specific types of cancer."
The licensing and use of monoclonal antibody drugs, including high profile treatments such as Herceptin, are increasing, with the availability of such drugs already resulting in a debate about their potential cost to the NHS. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is under increasing pressure, particularly from patients and their supporters, when considering the "cost benefit" position on the adoption and utilisation of such drugs.
Private medical insurance: News update: May 2007
