Medibank says it has expanded its Health Concierge cancer support service and it will now assist all customers diagnosed with cancer.
One-in-six of the insurer's customers living with cancer have more than one type of therapy within 12 months of diagnosis.
Medibank said the expansion of Health Concierge means the number of customers who will receive this support will double.
Member Health senior executive Dr Catherine Keating said the insurer appreciates a cancer diagnosis is an emotional time for our customers.
“On top of the shock, you may be forced to make many quick decisions, for example – how to get to doctors’ appointments, where to find support networks, not to mention considerations around work and family – and finding trusted information and help can be overwhelming,” said Dr Keating.
“By offering the concierge service to all customers with appropriate hospital cover, Medibank will support an additional 4,000 customers each year through the service, meaning more than 8,000 customers living with cancer will receive concierge support each year.
“The Health Concierge cancer service provides reliable information on trusted support networks, gives practical support, and your concierge will check in to see how you are.
“Our concierge team are sometimes the first person our customers speak to following treatment, and so we know how valuable this service is to them when they need support the most.”
Medibank launched the service in 2017 to assist customers diagnosed with breast and prostate cancer - 4,000 customers accessing it in its first year.
"There was a 43% increase in the number of customers we supported following the concierge service’s expansion in November 2018 to include lymphoma, lung, bladder and bowel cancers," said the insurer.
“We are proud that Medibank’s Health Concierge cancer support service can now be accessed by all Medibank customers whatever their cancer diagnosis,” added Dr Keating.