Security News > 2024 > February > Dutch insurers demand nudes from breast cancer patients despite ban

Dutch health insurers are reportedly forcing breast cancer patients to submit photos of their breasts prior to reconstructive surgery despite a government ban on precisely that.

Some insurers don't use secure websites and/or other means of electronic communications to transfer these very sensitive photos, according to the Netherlands public broadcaster NOS. Patients reported that their insurance companies have lost their photos, and denied their requests for reconstructive surgeries following a breast-cancer diagnosis.

While the initial reconstruction is reimbursed by health insurers, if the patients require a follow-up surgery insurers generally require photos to determine whether they will cover it.

Health insurance orgs aren't necessarily following this rule, and are still asking patients directly for photos.

When asked about the patients' claims, a CZ spokesperson told The Register: "Dutch health insurer CZ does not ask breast cancer patients to submit photos."

The insurer told NOS that it does request photos from the patients "If the plastic surgeon doesn't want to send photos," and described the lost pic as "Very annoying."

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2024/02/12/dutch_insurers_breast_cancer/