Former cancer and hepatitis C patients in Monaco can now apply for bank loans without facing automatic insurance penalties, as the Principality’s ‘right to be forgotten’ law officially came into force on Tuesday 13th October.
The operational rollout, formalised through new Sovereign Ordinances, enforces practical protections under legislation first passed in July 2024. The rules allow individuals who have recovered from major health conditions to omit their medical history when applying for borrower insurance, removing a long-standing financial barrier for former patients seeking home mortgages and commercial loans.
Bridging the legal gap to practical protection
Under the main framework, anyone whose active treatment ended more than five years ago without relapse, and whose loan matures before the age of 71, is entitled to borrower insurance with no surcharge or exclusion.
The accompanying reference grid goes further, setting even shorter waiting periods for certain early-stage cancers, hepatitis C and well-controlled HIV, as reported by Monaco Life in June.
For anyone who falls outside these criteria, the new rules require insurers to carry out fair and transparent assessments, rather than refusing cover arbitrarily or charging excessive premiums.
Independent oversight and appeals
To protect loan applicants against unfair treatment, the Principality has established a dedicated Commission for the Right to be Forgotten and Mediation.
Operating under the Department of Budget and Treasury, the Commission’s committee is tasked with reviewing individual complaints, monitoring compliance across banks and insurers, and mediating out-of-court settlements. If an insurer unjustifiably denies cover, the panel holds authority to issue formal recommendations to resolve the dispute.
Applicants encountering issues with lenders or insurers can submit appeals directly through the government’s official online public service portals.
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Photo credit: Monaco Life