People taking out an insurance policy to put their mind at rest should they be diagnosed with cancer must read the small print, warns Bupa.

To avoid disappointment when it comes to claim the health insurer says read through the policy carefully because not all private medical insurers fund treatment for every stage of cancer.It says some providers stipulate time or pre-set monetary limits on funding for cancer drugs, while others offer varying levels of cover.

Bupa UK Health Insurance assistant clinical director Dr Rebecca Small says: “We believe a policy should give people access to treatment at every stage of their cancer. It’s about the right cancer treatment, at the right time, in the right place and is ultimately about giving patients the best possible chance.”