A woman battling terminal cancer has had her insurance policies canceled due to a failure to disclose a common medical condition. Casey-Lee Peters, 39, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer in January. Her doctors and independent medical experts assert that her cancer is unrelated to her history of urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, her insurer claims that had she disclosed her medical history, they would not have provided coverage.

Peters's situation has raised concerns among medical professionals about potential discrimination in insurance practices, particularly affecting the millions of Australians who experience UTIs, a condition that impacts half of all women. Peters's cancer has not responded to treatment, and she was informed in June that she likely has only 12 months to live. "I have a two-year-old who's not going to remember me," Peters said. "I have an 11-year-old … who I might not even be at her wedding. It's life-changing."

Peters has dealt with UTIs throughout her life. In August 2024, shortly after returning to work from maternity leave, she experienced another UTI. Her general practitioner diagnosed her with the infection and ordered further tests to investigate the underlying issues. Around the same time, Peters sought a review of her insurance coverage. She had existing policies but switched to a new insurer, MetLife, for better premiums and increased coverage to protect her family and mortgage.

While applying for the new insurance, Peters did not fully complete the application form. She overlooked a question regarding her history of UTIs and failed to mention a previous diagnosis of ovarian endometriosis. The application was submitted just days after her doctor ordered tests for her UTI symptoms, but before the tests were conducted. Those tests later revealed a mass in her bladder, which was diagnosed as cancer months later.

When Peters attempted to claim her insurance, MetLife denied her coverage, citing her failure to disclose the initial GP visit and the tests ordered. This decision came despite a letter from her urological surgeon stating that her cancer was not linked to her history of UTIs. Medical experts, including Dr. James Lynam, chair of the Medical Oncology Group of Australia, confirmed that small-cell bladder cancers, like Peters's, are rare and not caused by UTIs.

MetLife's rejection letter stated, "A reasonable person would be able to recollect the history of seeing their doctor for recurrent UTIs and abdominal pain." The company emphasized that it does not decline coverage solely based on a history of UTIs or endometriosis but may do so if a customer has a complex medical history. A MetLife spokesperson noted that the company relies on comprehensive medical advice when assessing coverage.

Peters's husband, Luke, expressed his frustration with the insurance company's decision, stating, "I feel personally betrayed by how we've been dealt with." He highlighted the emotional weight of the situation, saying, "It's somebody's life at the end, it's not just car insurance."

Peters is now advocating for others to be diligent when filling out insurance applications. "Declare everything, no matter how small," she advised. "Read the fine print … because I'm sure we're all quite guilty of flicking through and yes, yes, no, no and answering the questions you need to, but there is always some sort of fine print that needs to be read in detail, and unfortunately we didn't."