Q: I am 36 years old and had stage III breast cancer, so underwent radical mastectomy last year. As there is a risk of recurrence, can I get insurance coverage from an insurance company?

A:Having been diagnosed with a particular ailment, it is very difficult to obtain insurance cover. The only possibility you may have is to become a member of group health insurance policy, which covers pre-existing diseases. This policy typically is available to large groups (like employees in an organisation) or any other specific group that has been created for a defined purpose other than to avail group health insurance benefits. Here in too, for taking the benefits of pre-existing disease cover, the premium paid is higher than the regular amount (generally 25% loading). Other than this, pre existing disease cover may be difficult to obtain for you.