Fidelity Life’s cancer support programme, Cancer companion, has been launched and is now available to its customers.

Cancer companion was first unveiled in late July at Fidelity Life’s Engage 2022 adviser conference. It is delivered by digital oncology specialist CancerAid and global telehealth firm Teladoc Health. This is the first time their combined services will be deployed in New Zealand, following successful collaborations with insurers in Australia, Fidelity Life said.

The programme is designed to complement existing treatment plans and has three main components: Cancer Coach, a personalised care programme including an app to help track, manage and improve symptoms; second medical opinion via access to a network of cancer specialists; and mental health support in the form of one-on-one therapy sessions.

All components of Cancer companion are optional and available to certain eligible Fidelity Life trauma cover customers with a cancer diagnosis. There is no additional cost to customers to participate in Cancer companion, Fidelity Life said.

According to Fidelity Life, around 25,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer each year. A cancer diagnosis is an emotional and complex ordeal – patients and their families must navigate the healthcare system, understand treatment plans, and learn medical terms while dealing with the physical, mental, and emotional toll of the disease.