Olaparib & private healthcare

[Emsymits]

Hi.

Has anyone managed to get their private healthcare provider to fund Olaparib the PARP inhibitor? (Or any others?)

We’ve always had BUPA cover through hubby’s work but his new job doesn’t give it. We’re assessing whether to fund it ourselves but the only real purpose would be to cover any PARP inhibitors if I couldn’t get it on the NHS for whatever reason.

Just wondering if anyone has had it through BUPA and if there’s any time limit on how long they’ll fund it?

Did you have any other cancer treatment through it?

Many thanks for any info.

Em x

[Mysticmeg123]

Hi. My cancer treatment has been fully covered by my private health care cover with The Exeter. They cover my Olaparib too. They covered it because I tested positive for HRD and my oncologist wrote to them to confirm why I needed it. I know it is very very expensive. I was told it’s around £7,000! I feel incredibly lucky to have the cover. I cannot fault the support they have given me. I hope you will also get the cover with your policy. Good luck

[Emsymits in reply to Mysticmeg123]

Hi Thanks for that info. It’s great they cover it! Could I ask were you after first OC treatment or after a recurrence when they started you on Olaparib? (I’ve heard the cost is tens of thousands per annum! 😱)

I’m fact finding as I like to know my options! Xx

[Mysticmeg123 in reply to Emsymits]

Hi. I had my surgery, then chemo and CA125 was 4. I thought that was the end of it. Then they tested for Brca and that was negative. When I finished the chemo my onc said I had tested positive for HRD and she put me on 3 weekly avast in and olaparib. This is all part of my treatment plan for my first diagnosis. I am grateful she has thrown everything at it. I had my bloods yesterday and CA125 was 3 so I am hopeful that everything is working🙏🏾 My healthcare provider told me £7000 is for every 3 week dose of Olaparib! As I understand it, if you are BRCA or HRD positive health care providers will cover it. I hope you get the cover you need. It’s a minefield to navigate but I have just trusted my onc to do what is necessary x

[Emsymits]

I’m glad they’re giving your body everything they can. It certainly sounds like it’s working and long may it continue to do so! It would be nice to have all options open to me if I need them so I’m leaning towards paying for private medical as an insurance policy. I can’t fault the treatment/service I’ve had from the NHS but the other thing is that if I get treated privately it gives the nhs more funds to treat someone else too. 🤞

[Saffery1]

I hate to write anything negative, but private medical insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions ..... Good luck with your search and treatments x