Restrictions
Adoption
People who have cancer and who are recovering well from it are able to adopt children. The health of people seeking to become adoptive parents is nevertheless closely checked. A person who has cancer will generally need to have a statement from a specialist concerning his or her current state of health.
Application for adoption is made in writing to the adoption board, which grants an adoption permit. In situations of international adoption the adoption authorities in the child’s country of birth decide the matter.
At work
Cancer patients are responsible for notifying their employers and occupational healthcare professionals of their condition.
Insurance
Having cancer or another serious illness makes it difficult to take out a life insurance policy. There may be limits to the insurance, premiums may increase and some forms of insurance may be denied altogether. The possibilities of a person with cancer to be re-insured can vary with different insurance companies. The granting of insurance or restrictions on it can be affected by the type of cancer and check ups and visits to the doctor. Decisions concerning the granting or rejection of insurance applications are made by the specialist physicians of the insurance company.
When applying for insurance it is good to remember:
- The possibilities to get new insurance policies if you have cancer or are recovering from it vary with different insurance companies.
- Be prepared to have to pay adjusted premiums or to be without insurance due to having cancer.
- Complete the health declaration form required by the insurance company truthfully.
- Do not forget travel insurance, which usually covers both expenses incurred by sudden illness and sudden incapacity due to prolonged illness when traveling.
- The Consumers’ Insurance Bureau gives free advice and assistance concerning insurance.
Blood donors
People with cancer may not donate blood. The exceptions are people who have had topical treatment for cervical cancer and basal cell carcinoma, once two years have elapsed since treatment ended.
Updated 10.7.2009
