News of Fidelity Life’s decision to boost support for its trauma cover clients living with cancer is this week’s most popular story among readers of RiskinfoNZ…

Fidelity Life has entered into an exclusive agreement with digital oncology and telehealth firms CancerAid and Teladoc Health to bring their cancer support programme to New Zealand.

Launching in October 2022, Cancer companion will initially be available to Fidelity Life Trauma cover customers* who have lodged a cancer claim, regardless of whether their claim has been approved.

The insurer’s Chief Customer Officer Peter Doherty says a cancer diagnosis can be a devastating and life-changing moment “…but with Cancer companion, we can connect our customers to resources and specialised support so they feel empowered and can focus on what’s important – getting well”.

Cancer companion will consist of three main components:

Fidelity Life Chief Customer Officer Peter Doherty
Fidelity Life Chief Customer Officer Peter Doherty.
  1. Cancer Coach: One-on-one virtual support programme from a qualified CancerAid coach, who’s there to listen, help track and manage symptoms
  2. Second Medical Opinion: Access to Teladoc Health’s world-leading oncologists for a specialised expert opinion, including retesting of any pathology, and providing confidence and clarity on treatment pathways
  3. Mental Health Support: Fast, confidential, virtual at-home access to therapy through Teladoc Health’s network of New Zealand-registered mental health professionals

“People who’ve completed Cancer Coach in Australia recorded a marked improvement in pain, emotional issues, and fatigue, and were 73% more likely to return to work, on average, four months faster,” says Doherty.

“Similarly, Teladoc Health’s global Second Medical Opinion service has resulted in 27% of treatments and 10% of diagnoses being modified on cancer specific conditions.”

Full details of Cancer companion will be available when it launches in October 2022.

*T&Cs apply. Not available on Group Trauma covers, Fidelity Insurance (previously Westpac Life) Trauma covers, any other cover types (e.g., Life cover, Income protection, Key person cover etc.)