Health Insurance for Cancer Patients

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, bringing a whirlwind of emotions and medical decisions. One of the biggest concerns can be the financial burden of treatment. Health insurance can be a critical lifeline here. In this guide, we'll explore how health insurance for cancer patients manages the costs of treatment, navigate different insurance options, and find the best plan to meet your specific needs.

Why Should You Buy Health Insurance for Cancer Patients?

Cancer is a major health concern in India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), an estimated 1.3 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in India in 2020 alone. The financial burden of cancer treatment can be devastating, pushing families into debt and hindering access to proper care. This is where health insurance specifically designed for cancer patients becomes crucial. Here's a breakdown of why health insurance is essential for cancer patients in India:

• Rising Treatment Costs: Cancer treatment can be expensive, involving hospitalisation, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, medications, and post-treatment care. These costs can easily deplete life savings and leave families struggling financially. A 2018 study by the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW) found that the average cost of cancer treatment in India can range from Rs. 3 lakhs to Rs. 20 lakhs, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
• Accessibility and Quality Care: Health insurance allows access to quality healthcare at reputed hospitals and medical facilities. Many plans offer cashless hospitalisation benefits, eliminating the upfront financial burden and allowing patients to focus on their recovery.
• Long-Term Care: Cancer treatment is often a long-term process, with follow-up consultations, medication needs, and potential complications. Insurance for cancer patients can help manage these ongoing costs and ensure continuity of care.
• Income Loss: Cancer treatment can significantly impact a patient's ability to work, leading to income loss. Health insurance can provide financial security during this challenging time, allowing patients to prioritise their health without worrying about financial strain.
• Peace of Mind: Cancer is a stressful experience, and financial worries can add to the burden. Health insurance offers peace of mind by providing a safety net and allowing patients to focus on their well-being and recovery.

By investing in health insurance specifically designed for cancer patients, you can ensure financial security and access to quality care during a critical time. Remember, early planning and awareness are key steps in fighting cancer.

What is Included and Excluded in Health Insurance for Cancer Patients?

Understanding what your health insurance plan covers and excludes is crucial when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Here's a breakdown of what you can typically expect:

Included:

• Hospitalisation Expenses: Most cancer-specific health insurance plans cover hospitalisation costs, including room rent, boarding charges, surgeon's fees, anaesthesia charges, and nursing care during hospitalisation for cancer treatment.
• Surgery Costs: Surgeries related to cancer diagnosis and treatment are typically covered under the plan limits.
• Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy: These are common cancer treatment methods, and most plans cover the costs associated with them, including drugs and equipment usage.
• Diagnostic Tests: Tests like biopsies, PET scans, and MRIs to diagnose and monitor cancer are often covered under the plan.
• Daycare Procedures: Certain cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, may be administered as an outpatient. Some plans cover these daycare procedures.
• Post-Treatment Care: Depending on the specific plan, follow-up consultations, medications, and rehabilitation therapies after cancer treatment might be covered.

Exclusions:

• Pre-Existing Conditions: If you have a pre-existing cancer diagnosis before purchasing the policy, it might be excluded from coverage. There may be a waiting period before coverage for pre-existing cancers applies.
• Outpatient Consultation Fees: Consultation fees with oncologists or other specialists outside hospitalisation might only be covered by some plans.
• Alternative Therapies: Some alternative cancer treatments may not be covered under traditional health insurance plans.
• Cosmetic Procedures: Reconstructive surgeries after cancer treatment may be covered, but purely cosmetic procedures might be excluded.
• Claim Limits and Sub-limits: Most plans have a maximum sum insured amount for cancer treatment. Additionally, there might be sub-limits on specific treatments like chemotherapy cycles.

Royal Sundaram Cancer Coverage (Critical Illness D.1.1)

Covered: Malignant tumours with confirmed histological evidence of invasion and destruction of normal tissues. This includes leukaemia, lymphoma, and sarcoma.

Excluded:

• Early-stage or non-invasive cancers (like carcinoma in situ)
• Most skin cancers (except invasive malignant melanoma)
• Prostate cancer, unless high-grade or advanced
• Thyroid papillary microcarcinoma under 1 cm
• Early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
• Bladder microcarcinoma
• Cancers diagnosed with HIV infection

How do you claim health insurance for cancer patients?

Cancer treatment can involve multiple hospital visits, procedures, and medications. Knowing how to claim health insurance benefits can streamline the process and alleviate some of the stress during this difficult time. Here's a general guideline for claiming health insurance for cancer treatment in India:

Before Hospitalisation:

• Intimation: Inform your insurance company about your planned hospitalisation for cancer treatment at least 48 hours beforehand.
• Document Collection: Gather necessary documents, such as your policy documents, doctor's referral letter mentioning cancer diagnosis, treatment plan, and estimated costs.

During Hospitalisation:

• Cashless vs. Reimbursement: You can choose between cashless hospitalisation (where the hospital settles the bill directly with the insurer) or reimbursement (where you pay upfront and claim the amount later). This option depends on your specific plan and network hospitals.
• Hospital Procedures: Ensure the hospital you choose is part of your insurance company's network for cashless hospitalisation benefits.
• Document Submission: Provide the hospital with your insurance documents for cashless claim processing.

After Hospitalisation:

• Claim Form Submission: Fill out and submit the claim form along with required documents (bills, discharge summary, etc.) to your insurance company within the stipulated time frame (typically 30 days from discharge).
• Claim Processing: The insurance company will review your claim and settle it as per the policy terms and conditions. This may involve medical verification or clarification requests.

Specific to Royal Sundaram:

Here's a closer look at Royal Sundaram's health insurance claim process:

1. Intimation: Inform Royal Sundaram about your planned hospitalisation at least 48 hours in advance by calling their customer service numbers (1860-258-0000 or 1860-425-0000) or emailing them at care@royalsundaram.in.
2. Claim Form: Download the claim form from their website url - https://www.royalsundaram.in/ or obtain it from a branch office. Fill out the form completely and attach the required documents:
   • Policy documents
   • Doctor's referral letter with cancer diagnosis
   • Treatment plan and cost estimates
   • Hospital bills, discharge summary, and other medical records

Why Choose Royal Sundaram for Health Insurance for Cancer Patients?

Choose Royal Sundaram for the best insurance for cancer patients because we offer comprehensive coverage for treatment, cashless hospitalisation options at network hospitals, and an efficientclaim process with dedicated support.