Cancer affects many people’s lives worldwide, regardless of where they are and what they do. But the good news is that the number of cancer survivors is on the rise, thanks to advances in treatment and screening programs. Those who have fought and won the battle against this dreadful disease deserve to be treated in a fair manner, including how they access important insurance coverage.

Protecting individuals and their families from unexpected financial losses due to illness, death, or disability, is at the heart of the life and health insurance industry’s purpose. With the aim of achieving greater insurance inclusivity, many European countries have implemented a Right to be Forgotten (RTBF) code or legislation for individuals with a history of cancer. This brings an element of inclusivity into insurance contracts as underwriters cannot charge an extra premium, refuse or postpone cover, or apply an exclusion when assessing applications from customers.

SCOR recognizes the importance of these initiatives and, in this paper written by our seasoned underwriting experts, reflects on the insurance industry’s ongoing efforts to provide the best possible opportunities to protect cancer survivors and their families. An appropriate RTBF mechanism is risk- and evidence-based, thus allowing our industry to manage risks prudently while treating all customers with the utmost fairness.

The article provides an overview of the Right to be Forgotten, its historical background, current legislation in European countries, advances in cancer treatment, and the potential future impact on insurers’ underwriting, pricing, and claims considerations.