OTTAWA, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- A Canadian woman struggling with breast cancer says she was denied long-term disability payments, despite having disability insurance through her employer.
"I didn't think I was going to have to fight cancer -- and then fight with this insurance company," Katie Evans said.
Evens, an administrator for several Shoppers Drug Mart stores in Ottawa, was diagnosed with breast cancer three months after her long-term disability policy through Blue Cross Medavie became effective in December, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported Monday.
"I didn't have to answer a [health] questionnaire," Evans said. "I filled in the form to confirm that I was covered for LTD and I signed it. Done."
However, in September she asked her doctor about a lump in her breast.
"She said the words 'you do not have cancer,'" said Evans.
Her employer's insurance company said that because of the consultation, the lump was a "pre-existing condition" and said the woman did not qualify for long-term disability coverage.
"I was in disbelief. Like, what do you mean?" said Evans. "I am 26 and I just found out I have cancer and it's a pre-existing condition? Nobody diagnosed me with cancer prior to March.
A Vancouver lawyer who works on cases against insurance companies told the CBC many employees pay into disability insurance plans and don't realize how limited the coverage it.
"There are a lot of really nasty exclusions in these policies," Scott Stanley said.
"People really need to be aware of what they are getting from their group plan. If they are not happy with it, they need to raise a stink, and talk to their administrators and their employers about it."
Shoppers Drug Mart has decided to donate money to Evans.
"Our intention is to ensure that employees get the health coverage and support they need," spokeswoman Tammy Smitham said.
