By Liz Hunter, Commercial Director at MoneyExpert
Introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, this would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to control the timing of their death. At the moment, one Brit per week travels to Dignitas in Switzerland for a legally assisted death and this can cost from £10,000, according to SCOR. For those making that decision, it often means they’re ending their lives much earlier than they’d prefer because they need to be physically well enough to travel.
While there is no guarantee it will pass the Lords, many supporters believe there is a majority and we will see it become law. If the bill were to pass the House of Lords and become a law in the UK, what would happen? Here’s everything you need to know about the Assisted Dying Bill. Plus, how it may impact your life and private health insurance policy if it becomes law:
What is the Assisted Dying Bill?
The Assisted Dying Bill aims to provide a lawful framework for voluntary assisted dying for those who are terminally ill in England and Wales. However, this would be subject to strict safeguards and protections, such as eligibility criteria, medical assessments, and legal approval. For example, the person must have the capacity to make the decision, be at least 18 years old, be terminally ill, a UK resident and be confirmed by two doctors. A similar bill is currently at stage two in the Scottish Parliament to decide whether it should become an Act.
There have been calls for an Assisted Dying Bill for a long time to give autonomy, relief from suffering and peace of mind for families. However, those who oppose the bill have raised legitimate concerns about risks to vulnerable people, pressure on patients, medical ethics and the sanctity of life. The House of Lords will need to take all this into account as they review the bill before passing it.
What does it mean for life and private health insurance policies?
The Assisted Dying Bill is unlikely to impact most life and private health insurance policies drastically. The industry will most likely treat assisted deaths in the same way they treat natural deaths due to terminal illness, rather than suicide. However, many policies and contracts may need to be updated to reflect any changes and the new legal framework if the bill were to become law.
Although it could potentially make the claims process longer and delay the time it takes insurance providers to pay out in the event of an assisted death. This is because insurers will need to increase due diligence on claims to rule out coercion or foul play before paying out.
If it were to become law, and you have any questions or concerns about your insurance policy, it’s important to contact your insurer directly to find out more about your specific policy and whether the law has any direct impact on it. It could provide a good opportunity to review your life insurance policy and ensure that it still provides adequate cover.
Could insurers refuse to pay out?
The crucial factor will be how assisted death is legally defined. In many countries that currently permit some form of assisted dying, these deaths are classed as natural deaths due to terminal illness. This means that it depends on whether you have terminal illness cover as part of your policy. If your policy does not explicitly cover assisted death or the death doesn’t meet the legal criteria for assisted dying, then the insurer may have grounds to deny the claim. They may also deny the claim if they suspect coercion or foul play.
A policy can also be voided if you failed to disclose relevant health or lifestyle information linked to your death. Plus, any incorrect information, missing information or attempts to defraud the insurance company to save money can lead to a denied claim. As with any life or health insurance, providing accurate and up-to-date information is essential. Major life changes such as moving house, getting married, or having a child should always be reported to your insurer.
What happens next?
At the moment, the bill is currently being reviewed by the House of Lords, which may have further amendments. If the bill is approved by the House of Lords, then the government and the NHS will have around four years to implement its provisions before it becomes law.
In the meantime, if you’re unsure how the bill will affect your policy or have any questions on your insurance, the best step is to contact your insurer directly for clarity.
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