These are often confused, but the philosophy behind them is completely different.
Active surveillance means the cancer is curable, but treatment is not necessary at the moment. Treatment will be given when required.
Watch and wait (wait and watch) means the cancer is either not curable, or the treatment would probably do more harm than the cancer will. This is more likely to be the path for someone in their late 80s or with other severe medical conditions. Only palliative care will be given when required.
The fact that both of these mean no treatment is currently being given, causes confusion. Sadly explaining this to a clerk at an insurance company is probably impossible.
The premium for someone on watch and wait would likely be very high. The premium for some one on Active surveillance should be quite low as it is not currently a problem.
I've explained the situation I have no idea how you will get your problem solved.
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I would have thought that Insurance companies would know what Active Surveillance is but sometimes when in doubt refer you to their medical team who are better informed. I have carried my own risk with PCa. I have just told my Insurers that I have PCa but wish them to exclude it from cover. It is extremely unlikely that a man on AS will need urgent treatment for PCa. This could mean that your husband would not want a yearly policy because the situation could change over that time. However, if such a situation happened, your husband could always ask for additional cover.
The subject of Insurance for men with PCa has been discussed a number of times and you should be able to find the subject and Insurers men have used by searching the forum. Suggest you go to Topics Living with Prostate Cancer and then matters that include Travel and then you can read various threads relating to Insurance.
Edited by member 07 Apr 2025 at 03:49
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Barry |
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Thank you for your reply much appreciated
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Thank you, i was updating our annual insurance ahead of a much needed planned holiday the agent left me on hold whilst seeking advice but came back with the same answer . I did insist that they record our conversation. It just adds more stress to what has been a stressful few months , on the positive side my husband has also had a successful TURP and is now ready for a holiday. There must be so many men coming up against the same problem
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My husband had surgery May 24 and is subject to three to four monthly PSA checks followed by telephone consultation. This is through private medical care. We obtained travel insurance very cheaply through one of the comparison websites wire lots to choose from. I would have though AS would have been the same.
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Thank you it is frustrating none of the companies I have approached have the option to choose active surveillance only wait and watch .
User
Hi Cappie, have you tried insurancewith ? They specialise in medical insurance & have a full screening question & answer regarding prostate cancer. You should get a full quote on their website.
All the best Jeff.
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