Chemotherapy In Health Insurance: An Introduction
According to the latest data published by the World Health Organization in 2022, India had more than 14.1 lakh new cancer cases. Additionally, over 9.1 lakh deaths due to cancer were reported. Breast cancer was among the top contributors.
The findings of the survey conducted by WHO including 15 countries globally reflected on how the majority of the countries do not finance cancer care as part of universal health coverage.
Undergoing chemotherapy can be emotionally and financially taxing. If you are under the impression of availing coverage for chemotherapy with your base health insurance, you may want to re-read your policy wording. Not all health insurance plans cover chemotherapy while some offer cancer coverage as a rider (available with a minimal premium fee).
In this article, we answer the question 'If health insurance cover chemotherapy?' Let us find out more about it.
What Is Chemotherapy?
Before we understand if health insurance covers chemotherapy, let us understand what chemotherapy is. Why is it so expensive and why is it so commonly recommended by doctors?
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs designed specifically to stop the growth and multiplication of cancer cells in your body. Cancer cells can be stubborn and multiply quickly in your body. To prevent the aggressive multiplication of cancer cells in your body, doctors recommend chemotherapy at all stages of cancer.
Chemotherapy can be induced in cancer patients orally, through injections or intravenously. The type of chemotherapy recommended by your doctor can vary according to the stage of cancer. Chemotherapy is an expensive treatment as each session cost may vary between INR 3,000 to 50,000 in India.
Additionally, the cost of chemotherapy may depend on factors like
- Admission fee
- Oncologist fees
- Stage of cancer
- Organs that are affected by cancer
- Network/non-network hospital
- City in which chemotherapy is availed, etc.
Best Health Insurance Plans For Chemotherapy
We have rounded up the best health insurance plans covering chemotherapy which will help you make a smart purchase decision.
| Health Insurance For Chemotherapy |
Sum Insured
|
Chemotherapy Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Care Cancer Mediclaim | 10 L to 2 Crores | Available |
| Niva Bupa Criticare Plan | 3 L to 2 Crores | Available |
| Star Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Policy | 5 to 10 L | Available |
| ManipalCigna Lifestyle Protection Critical Care | 1 L to 25 Crores | Available |
| Aditya Birla Activ Secure Cancer Health Insurance Plan | 5 L to 1 Crore | Available |
Is Chemotherapy Covered By Health Insurance?
Yes, health insurance plans do cover chemotherapy. However, it is important to note that not all health plans will cover the same. We all know the importance of protecting your family with adequate health insurance is a necessity in today's day and age.
Chemotherapy is a treatment specifically recommended for cancer patients. This means only a cancer health insurance plan will cover chemotherapy. You can also avail of chemotherapy in health insurance by adding a cancer care rider to your base health insurance at a nominal premium fee.
Benefits Of Chemotherapy In Health Insurance
If you are someone with a family history of cancer, health insurance that covers chemotherapy can be a useful tool for you
- Undergoing chemotherapy is expensive, but having health insurance that covers you adequately for the same can save your finances and help you focus on recovery.
- Avail of tax benefits under section 80D of the prevailing insurance tax laws in India.
- Access to the best cancer healthcare including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc.
- Save your hard-earned savings by investing in health insurance that covers chemotherapy
- Avail adequate sum insured for tackling critical ailments like cancer.
The Final Verdict
Cancer treatments can take a toll physically on patients who undergo treatments like chemotherapy. Moreover, it can take a financial and emotional toll on the family members. One must harness health insurance that covers chemotherapy to provide access to quality healthcare facilities.
You can get in touch with our insurance experts to know more about the best health insurance plans covering chemotherapy.
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