Cancer survivors in Mexico could gain broader access to insurance under a legislative proposal introduced by Senator Luis Donaldo Colosio Riojas, who is seeking to establish a legal right known as the “right to forget” for cancer patients.
The proposal would prevent insurance companies and surety companies from denying coverage, increasing premiums or imposing limitations because of a person’s cancer history once five years have passed without a relapse following the end of treatment.
Colosio Riojas, who represents Nuevo León in Mexico’s Senate and belongs to the Citizens’ Movement party (Movimiento Ciudadano), announced the initiative through his social media accounts during October’s cancer awareness month.
Coverage Would Extend Beyond Health Insurance
The proposal is intended to apply to more than medical expense insurance. It would also cover life insurance and insurance requirements associated with obtaining a home loan.
Under the initiative, applicants who meet the five-year condition would no longer have to disclose their previous cancer diagnosis when completing insurance application questionnaires.
The measure aims to prevent a past diagnosis from continuing to restrict survivors’ access to financial products after the specified period without relapse.
A Right Recognized in Other Countries
Colosio Riojas said countries including France, Spain, Chile and Colombia already recognize the right to be forgotten for cancer survivors, while Mexico has yet to establish the same protection.
The initiative has been submitted to Mexico’s Senate. Its introduction does not mean the proposed protections are already in force; the measure would need to advance through the legislative process before becoming law.
Colosio Riojas encouraged the public to share information about the proposal, arguing that a history of cancer should not prevent survivors from accessing insurance.
“Surviving cancer should not close doors,” the senator said in his social media post.
