WHY SHOULD I KNOW THIS....
WHAT IS LEUKAEMIA?
Leukaemia is a cancer in the body’ s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system( the body’ s sewerage system). There are different types of leukaemia, some more common in children and others more common in adults.
Leukaemia usually involves white blood cells, which are vigorous infection fighters. They typically grow and divide in an orderly way, as the body needs them. However, in people with leukaemia, the bone marrow produces excessive abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly.
Moreover, leukaemia is typically classified into two main types based on the affected white blood cell – either lymphoid or myeloid – and the speed at which the disease progresses. Acute leukaemia appears suddenly and grows quickly, while chronic leukaemia appears gradually and develops slowly over months to years.
WHAT IS PPS’ S VIEW ON LEUKAEMIA?
Underwriting Members with a history of leukaemia may be granted the PPS Professional Life Provider™. However, there will often be a loading due to the consequences of the disease and its treatment and risk of recurrence. The medical literature does indicate that even with successful treatment, the patient will have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Members with a history of leukaemia usually will not qualify for other products.
Claims PPS Critical Illness Cover Members can claim under the PPS Critical Illness Cover under the cancer section when diagnosed with leukaemia. The award will depend on the type and stage of the leukaemia. Leukaemia can occur in childhood and members can claim under the Child Critical Illness Cover in this situation.
Sickness benefit Leukaemia and its treatment can result in a member’ s inability to carry out their occupational duties and they may need to claim under the Sickness benefit.
Permanent Incapacity benefit and Occupational Disability Provider In some cases, the condition may result in a permanent inability to work.
Functional Disability Provider A member may claim for this benefit if they have stage 3( or equivalent) or higher stage of the disease, diagnosed at least six months ago, undergoing treatment and have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group( ECOG) score of two or more.
Please see the relevant sections of the PPS Provider™ Policy for the specific definitions of the PPS Critical Illness Cover and Functional Disability Provider.
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