Sun Life U.S. expanded its expert cancer review program to proactively offer those who file cancer claims under disability or critical illness coverage a second opinion, the insurer announced Monday.
This program is available through employers’ group plan stop-loss policy for members enrolled in Sun Life disability or supplemental benefits. Sun Life doesn’t offer group disability or critical illness policies in the U.S.
While cancer treatment can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in the U.S., the second opinion doesn’t guarantee access to cheaper options as its main function is to determine the appropriate treatment for the type and stage of cancer, Sun Life said in an email.
Cancer can be mistakenly diagnosed, and proactive outreach will inform members of their treatment options, Sun Life continued. The independent oncologists offering a second opinion are not directly compensated by the insurer. Sun Life has agreements with hospitals that arranges care for members.
For now, the expert cancer review program is only available in the U.S., but Sun Life did not exclude the possibility of introducing it to Canada.
“Sun Life’s medical directors and product teams continuously evaluate opportunities that exist across our enterprise organization,” it said.