Rejected claim because of occupational health, (just read malachy).

[pedders]

I had 2 minor strokes in May 2011 brought on by PV. I had a claim in through work for critical illness but my claim was rejected because the occupational health doctor said I was fit to work in Nov 2011. I returned to work in Jan 2013 to my old job because I had too, (the job can involve a lot of driving). The insurance company I was dealing with was Unum and it has a bad reputation for paying out. Does anybody think it’s worth trying again.

[Aime]

Hi Pedders, I had a successful critical illness claim (Legal and General) a few months ago and I am still working (or trying to some weeks) 35 hours a week. I think it is worth your while - I have had no strokes, etc and only treated by venesection and anti-histamines for itching so far. Legal and General were very quick, no hassle. There is an answer on this forum somewhere which quotes a web address for the Association of British Insurers (assuming you are in the UK? The ABI certainly instructs insurance companies to consider paying out for MPNs.

Hope you are successful. Regards Aime

[pedders in reply to Aime]

Im on hydrox and other tablets a have a venesection every 3 months at the mo, i live near manchester, thanks Aime

[ilc72]

What exactly did you base the claim on? Generally the two options are Cancer and Total and Permanent Disability.

Using the Cancer definition of PV is much easier due to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) guidance, I can provide this if you give me your email.

If you used the Total and Permanent Disability option then it is not unusual for these claims to be rejected as wording for the "test" differs between policies. For example my Standard Life claim (Policy from 2001) states unable to do chosen occupation whilst my newer Friends Life policy (annual policy through work) states any occupation.

You can of course appeal and if necessary take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. However before you can do that you must have exhausted the complaints procedure at UNUM and they need to issue a deadlock letter or have not responded to your complaint within a reasonable time.

By raising a complaint, they are under a statutory obligation to respond to your complaint in certain time frames.

As always in these matters complain in writing, keep a log of all correspondences and if you do speak on the phone take a note of who you spoke to and what they said.

UNUM:

unum.co.uk/about-us/treatin...

unum.co.uk/contact-us/#dork...

Financial Ombudsman Complaints information:

financial-ombudsman.org.uk/...

To give you more specific advice I'd need to see a copy of your Policy statement and letter detailing the grounds for rejecting the claim.

My email: [e-mail]

Note:

I am not a qualified lawyer, however have studied Finance Law and Banking Law as part of an MSc in Law of Financial Regulation.

[pedders]

ilc72

I based my claim on anxiety tireness and not being fit enough to return to my old job, i was surveying Anglian water sites at the time and doing a lot of travelling. My doctor gave me a pretty feeble letter to back this up. I never mentioned cancer in my claim, I know that! Ive got some of the UNUM information but have I will to get some of it from HR at work. I have the final knockback letter here. I will send it to you as soon as I can get it scanned. Im working in the Midlands for the next few days so it might take me a week or so but I will get back to you.

Thanks for your help

Peter

[pedders]

ilc72

ps

[e-mail]

kind regards

Peter

[malachy]

Hi Peter

I am really sorry for my tardy reply, I have only just seen your post!

The advice you have already been given is brilliant, especially from ilc72!

I am guessing (but I may be wrong) you put in your first claim before 2005 (when WHO reclassified MPN's as a cancer) as had it been after 2005 you would likely have claimed on the basis that you have a cancer?

If this is the case I would 're submit on the basis you have cancer. As ilc72 says it is more clearcut.

I am working too Peter and I submitted a claim on the basis of having a cancer, my claim was not rejected because of this but because my doctor put the wrong dates in his reply to my insurance company. He is rectifying this and I am now waiting on the result!

Whether you challenge the old claim or submit a new claim I wish you lots of luck!

Keep us informed!

Take care

Diana x

[pedders]

Diana

It was 2011 i made my claim, Im 59 now and I have noticed Im feeling more tired, wether thats my age, my pv or the tablets or maybe a bit of everything.

Thanks

Peter