Right to be Forgotten after Cancer: Access to financial services and products

There are now more than 200,000 cancer survivors in Ireland today. Thanks to advancements in treatment and screening, 6 in 10 people survive their cancer diagnosis. 

The Irish Cancer Society asked Core Research to look at the experiences of people affected by cancer when seeking access to financial products and services. We found that 3 in 5 people affected by cancer found it difficult to access financial products, like life insurance, and mortgage and income protection insurance. Refusal and unfair treatment were the most common reported difficulties. This leaves people feeling anxious, distressed, and demoralised due to uncertainties around underwriting decisions.

The Irish Cancer Society advocates on behalf of people affected by cancer. We provide secretarial support to the Oireachtas Cross-Party Group on Cancer and presented our findings to TDs and Senators in this forum. In October 2022, draft legislation was co-signed by Senators Catherine Ardagh, Jerry Buttimer and Paul Gavin. Unfortunately, the legislation did not progress.

In April 2023, Insurance Ireland, following discussions with the Irish Cancer Society, announced its intention to launch a Code of Practice. Under the Code, a cancer diagnosis will not be taken into consideration for mortgage protection insurance 7 years after active treatment has finished (5 years for a person diagnosed under age 18). Insurance Ireland members can sign up to the Code, which took effect on 6 December 2023.

The Society welcomes each of these developments and will continue to call for the government to legislate the Right to be Forgotten After Cancer.

Advocacy timeline for the Right to be Forgotten After Cancer: 

February 2022: The Right to be Forgotten After Cancer

February 2022: Mortgage & insurance harder to access after a cancer diagnosis

September 2022: Accessing financial products for young cancer survivors

October 2022: New Bill to ease access to mortgage and insurance for cancer survivors

November 2022: Irish Cancer Society disappointed at delay to cancer survivors Bill

June 2023: Insurance Ireland Code of Practice for Underwriting Mortgage Protection Insurance for Cancer Survivors welcomed by the Irish Cancer Society