Caribbean: 68% of women’s critical illness claims cancer-related

‘EQUITY IN CARE’: President of Guardian Life of the Caribbean Ltd Samanta Saugh.

NEARLY seven in ten critical illness claims filed by women at Guardian Life of the Caribbean Ltd are cancer-related, with breast and ovarian cancers being the most common, the company has revealed.

In response to what it describes as a steady increase in cancer-related claims over the past five years, particularly among women, Guardian Life says it is stepping up efforts to make insurance coverage more inclusive and healthcare more accessible across the region.

According to Guardian Life’s data, cancer accounts for 47% of all critical illness claims across its portfolio. Women file 53% of all claims, and of those, 68% are related to cancer. “Guardian Life of The Caribbean Ltd has reaffirmed its commitment to improving cancer care and financial access for women across the region, with a focus on prevention, early detection, and inclusive insurance solutions,” the company said in a statement.

Guardian Life president Samanta Saugh formally announced the company’s new approach at the Caribbean Association for Oncology and Hematology (CAOH) Conference, held last Friday at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad.

“As the largest indigenous financial services group in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, Guardian Life understands the vital role we play in supporting the well-being of our communities,” Saugh said.

“We are working to ensure that equity in care includes not only medical treatment but also financial protection and peace of mind,” she said.

Among the steps being taken by Guardian Life are:

• Tailored insurance products: Developing inclusive policies with coverage specific to gynaecological cancers and more accessible options for lower-income women.
• Support beyond the payout: Bundling financial protection with wellness, care navigation, and mental health support throughout the treatment journey.
• Digital claims innovation: Streamlining the claims process through user-friendly technology for faster, more transparent service.
• Healthcare partnerships: For example, launching a breast cancer screening drive in collaboration with Bayview Urgent Care Facility in Barbados, making preventative care more accessible for policyholders.

Guardian Life said these initiatives form part of a broader strategy to strengthen the regional ecosystem of care.

It said it continues to engage with healthcare professionals, NGOs, and policymakers to ensure that insurance solutions are not only responsive but deeply human-centred.

“At Guardian Life, we see the people behind the policies. We’re here to protect futures—and that means listening, innovating, and acting with compassion, Saugh said.