Right to be Forgotten after Cancer

The Irish Cancer Society asked Core Research to look at the experiences of people affected by cancer when seeking access to financial products and services. We found that 3 in 5 people affected by cancer found it difficult to access financial products, like life insurance, and mortgage and income protection insurance. Refusal and unfair treatment were the most common reported difficulties. This leaves people feeling anxious, distressed, and demoralised due to uncertainties around underwriting decisions. 

The Irish Cancer Society is calling for legislation to be progressed so that cancer survivors have the so-called “Right to be Forgotten after Cancer” 5 years after finishing active treatment. This means they will not have to declare a diagnosis after this time when applying for insurance. 

In December 2023, Insurance Ireland launched a voluntary a Code of Practice, to which its members can choose to sign-up. Under the Code, a cancer diagnosis will not be taken into consideration for mortgage protection insurance 7 years after active treatment has finished (5 years for a person diagnosed under age 18). 

The Society welcomes each of these developments and will continue to call for the government to legislate on the Right to be Forgotten After Cancer.