UK Insurance / Benefits help!

[shameless_stud]

Hi all,

I hope you are all doing ok. I need some help if possible, from UK sufferers of AN's that could help lend advice over who I could approach for income protection insurance.

I went to see my specialist today who has advised me if my 13.6mm left sided AN. It had grown from 12mm in 6 months so he said if it grows much more by June/July then they would need to operate. Really, really not looking forward to that day at all, I won't lie, I'm absolutely petrified. However, what would set my mind at ease is that if I could find an insurer that will cover my monthly wage so I can keep paying my mortgage, loan, phone contract and other living needs if I ever do need surgery.

My specialists says he will write to my insurer to say that it's not life threatening or not gonna instantly kill me but does anyone know of any UK insurers that will go anywhere near me?

Also, do anyone know what the UK benefits are for someone who isn't able to work for 6 months?

Any help at all will be truly appreciated.

Many thanks,
Mark

[Pooter]

Mark,

While I don't reside in the UK or have anything but a cursory knowledge of your insurance, something struck me as odd.  You said your AN was 13.6mm currently.  It's only grown, by your own admission, 1.3mm in 6 months which is about average.  Assuming it grows another 1.3mm (putting it at 14.9mm) in the next 6 months, why would your doctor recommend surgery?  At 1.5cm, you would still be within the range of possible radiation treatment..  Presumably, radiation would allow you to only miss work days instead of weeks or months with surgery. 

If a concern is how long you would be out of work, then given the size of your AN it seems to me that radiation would be called for as a viable alternative to surgery, which by it's nature would afford you to get back to work sooner. 

Keep in mind, I'm not a doctor nor am I familar with your particular case, but I would explore the possibility of radiation treatment given the size..

Just curious... 

Regards,
Brian

[Esperanza]

Hi,
I would have thought it'd pretty difficult to get cover on an existing condition - insurance companies being what they are - good luck with that but here is a link to statutory sick pay etc.  - hope this helps anyway.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_10018786

[ppearl214]

Mark,

While I don't reside in the UK or have anything but a cursory knowledge of your insurance, something struck me as odd.  You said your AN was 13.6mm currently.  It's only grown, by your own admission, 1.3mm in 6 months which is about average.  Assuming it grows another 1.3mm (putting it at 14.9mm) in the next 6 months, why would your doctor recommend surgery?  At 1.5cm, you would still be within the range of possible radiation treatment..  Presumably, radiation would allow you to only miss work days instead of weeks or months with surgery.  

Hi Mark and welcome. Please don't tell Brian I'm going to agree with him as its rare that I do!

Brian is correct. Please keep in mind that head MRI's have a margin of error of +/-2mm, thus, your MRI reads are certainly within the margin of error (from 12mm to 13.6mm is within the margin of error).  Please keep in mind that the reads done by the technician or dr may be different... the technology of the equipment (ie: "slices" of the views, etc) may be different, etc... thus, creating the margin of error. I have to *coff* agree with Brian but you certainly do seem to fall in line with it.

Brian notes an interesting thought.  GammaKnife and Cyberknife are both offered in the UK (not sure what area of the UK you are located... can you please share?). Although these 2 radiation treatment options are generally "private pay" in the UK, I have heard that later this year, Cyberknife (CK) will be available via NHS (this is great news!). Here is a link that talks about it:

http://www.cyberknife.com/Forum.aspx?g=posts&t=2540#jumptobottom

As for "income protection insurance"... I know of some folks based in the UK that have been on "disability" but am personally not aware of "income protection" (I am based in the States... my husband is recent arrival to the States from the UK... haven't heard him discuss it).  Hoping others that frequent this forum will be able to provide insight on this.

Please hang in there... and again, welcome. We're here to help as best as we can.

Cheers!
Phyl

[Jim Scott]

Mark ~

Like the majority of our members, I'm not readily conversant with the vagaries of the NHS or other UK-based insurance schemes.  However, I have to seriously doubt that any insurer will write you income protection coverage with your AN diagnosis. 

Here is a link to a U.K.-based insurance brokerage website that offers a synopsis of income protection plans, including some significent caveats.  http://www.rightquote-income-protection-insurance.co.uk/what_income_protection.html

I heartily endorse this kind of insurance coverage but I'm skeptical about your chances of obtaining such a policy considering your AN diagnosis.  However, it may be feasible for you.  I hope so.

Jim

[Pooter]

Please don't tell Brian I'm going to agree with him as its rare that I do!

Are you saying what I think you're saying that you "rarely" agree with me?  I am heartbroken...

Brian

[leapyrtwins]

Mark -

I agree with Brian (and for disclosure purposes, I'd like to say upfront that I often agree with him) 

Radiation should definitely be an option for you based on the current - and potential size - of your AN.  Although I chose surgery, it's not for everyone, and those who've picked radiation are extremely happy with their choice.

I'd ask your doc about it - and if your doc doesn't do radiation - I'd find another doc who does.

Just my opinion,

Jan

[shameless_stud]

Thanks for your replies all. Think I best clarify a few things for you so you can understand my position a little better.

I'm only 25 so my doctors strongly recommend I don't go down the radiotherapy route as they don't know what damage it can cause for my future (cancer etc). It's not always successful and if I do need an operation after radiation (due to it being unsuccessful), the scar tissue would make the operation far more risky and more difficult. This is what my consultant told me today, it may not what everyone else has been told!

Secondly the position of my AN is very close to my brain stem so naturally they don't want more of a growth for me to be affected by it.

Hope it helps with any further replies!
Cheers

[leapyrtwins]

The age thing and radiation is pretty much a lot of bunk.

No studies substantiating it to my knowledge.  But I'll leave that up to those who've had radiation to explain.

Jan

[shameless_stud]

The age thing and radiation is pretty much a lot of bunk.

No studies substantiating it to my knowledge.  But I'll leave that up to those who've had radiation to explain.

Jan

Interesting Jan, there's such mixed reactions to radiotherapy it's untrue. Deciding what is right is too hard. Surgery is extreme but has a 98% success rate apparently

[ppearl214]

Jan is right on this one (ok, will tell her to her face... she's also good peep )

I will share a post done by Dr Medbery from the CK Patient Support forum, who answered these exact questions recently for someone else:

http://www.cyberknife.com/Forum.aspx?g=posts&t=2528#jumptobottom

(scroll to the top of the thread to see it in its entirety, with the intial question of age, etc.  The original poster notes they are 28 yrs old, from the UK)

Dr. Medbery performs GammaKnife and Cyberknife and is very well versed and respected in the radio field. Dr Medbery (and other docs) volunteer their time to answer patient questions on the CK forums, so he gains nothing by answering these questions... except for our respect.

Hoping the link helps. Should help provide answers.
Phyl

The age thing and radiation is pretty much a lot of bunk.

No studies substantiating it to my knowledge.  But I'll leave that up to those who've had radiation to explain.

Jan

Interesting Jan, there's such mixed reactions to radiotherapy it's untrue. Deciding what is right is too hard. Surgery is extreme but has a 98% success rate apparently

[shameless_stud]

Thanks for your comments and link Phyl, it was great to read those posts. I'm still so undecided what to do, I really am. Hopefully you guys can give me the courage, strength and knowledge to help me decide!

Cheers,
Mark