Health Insurance for Breast Cancer

What Does Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India?

Breast cancer treatment is expensive in India. Starting from diagnostic tests, it may involve multiple cycles of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and may still require an onco-surgery. Take a look at the various components of breast treatment cost in India below:

Note: The above-mentioned costs may vary depending on the city, medical facility and the severity of breast cancer.

Cancer insurance plans can take care of these medical bills so that you can avail cashless treatment without burdening your finances.

Does Health Insurance Cover Every Stage of Breast Cancer?

Yes. Several cancer insurance plans provide coverage for all stages of breast cancer, i.e. early, major and advanced. This allows you to claim the treatment cost of breast cancer from your insurer. However, if you have a critical illness insurance policy, you can file a claim only for major or advanced stages of breast cancer, as it does not cover the early stage.

Benefits of Buying Health Insurance for Breast Cancer

Take a look at the key benefits of buying health insurance for breast cancer:

1. Pays for Expensive Cancer Treatments

   Breast cancer treatment is costly. The total cost of chemotherapy can range anywhere between ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh, depending on the number of cycles and your city. Besides, breast cancer usually involves a combination of treatments, further inflating the bill. Cancer insurance plans pay for the expensive treatment of breast cancer so that you can focus only on getting better.

2. Lump Sum Payout

   Unlike standard health plans, you can receive a lump sum payout on the first diagnosis of breast cancer with critical illness insurance plans. In fact, most cancer insurance plans come with the option of a lump sum payout. This allows you to use the money not only to pay for the treatment cost but also for associated expenses during the treatment.

3. Coverage for Diagnostic Tests

   Health insurance not only covers the treatment and hospitalisation costs of breast cancer but also pays for its diagnosis. Diagnostic tests for breast cancer, such as mammograms, ultrasound, etc., are expensive and can substantially add to the total bill. With breast cancer cover, you do not have to worry about the cost of these tests, ensuring timely diagnosis.

4. Cancer Relapse Cover

   Some cancer insurance plans provide coverage for recurrence of cancer or a relapse. Thus, you are financially protected against the first diagnosis of breast cancer as well as the return of cancer in future.

5. Substitute Income for Loss of Job

   A lot of women leave their regular jobs to manage the demanding treatment and care for breast cancer. The lump sum payout from a critical illness insurance policy helps to replace lost income resulting from leaving the job for treatment.

Why Should You Buy Health Insurance for Breast Cancer Before Diagnosis?

Here are some of the reasons why buying health insurance before breast cancer diagnosis is important:

1. Waiting Period

   All health insurance plans cover pre-existing breast cancer after a waiting period of 1 to 3 years. Even if you are diagnosed with breast cancer immediately after buying the policy, you will still have to serve the initial waiting period. But buying cancer insurance or critical illness insurance before breast cancer diagnosis can help you claim treatment costs after the survival period, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

2. No Coverage for PED Breast Cancer

   Most health insurance companies do not offer coverage to women already diagnosed with breast cancer. Purchasing a critical illness insurance policy before breast cancer diagnosis can help you secure medical coverage and avoid spending your hard-earned money on medical bills.

3. Higher Premium

   Buying a mediclaim policy before breast cancer diagnosis will keep your premiums low. This is because insurers will consider you a risky applicant and will charge you a higher premium in case you are diagnosed with breast cancer.

4. No Rejection of Claims

   If you buy a critical illness insurance or cancer insurance policy before getting diagnosed with breast cancer, insurers cannot reject your claims. Thus, you can ensure financial protection and rightfully claim your cancer treatment bills from your insurer.

Which Type of Health Insurance is Best for Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is covered by standard health plans, critical illness insurance and cancer insurance plans. The best health insurance for breast cancer depends on your health needs and coverage requirements. Check out the table below to determine the best type of health insurance for breast cancer:

Note: The above details may vary from one breast cancer insurance plan to another.

What is Covered by Health Insurance for Breast Cancer?

Health Insurance for breast cancer includes the following:

• Cancer treatments, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy
• Onco-surgeries
• Diagnostic tests, including mammograms and ultrasounds
• Hospitalization expenses
• ICU charges
• Day care procedures
• Second opinion from oncologist and surgeons
• Palliative cancer care
• Teleconsultations
• Preventive screening and assessment
• Hospital cash cover
• Convalescence benefit
• Pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses
• Emergency ambulance
• Post-surgery rehabilitation

Note:The exact coverage may vary from one health insurance plan for breast cancer to another.

What is Not Covered by Health Insurance for Breast Cancer?

The following expenses are not covered by health insurance for breast cancer:

• Carcinoma in situ of the breast (under critical illness insurance plans)
• Tumours in the presence of HIV infection
• Pre-malignant lesions
• Breast cancer arising in connection with a pre-existing disease
• Cancer arising out of a congenital anomaly of the insured

Note: The exact list of exclusions may vary from one breast cancer insurance plan to another.

Can You Buy Health Insurance After Being Diagnosed with Breast Cancer?

Yes, but it is extremely difficult. Most health insurance companies will not offer you medical coverage if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This is because most insurers will consider you a risky applicant, as you are more likely to raise claims. Thus, the underwriting team of the insurer will reject your policy proposal.

Even if an insurer offers you medical insurance, you may have to serve a longer waiting period or pay a higher premium. Very few cancer insurance plans offer coverage to people who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer in the past.

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance for Breast Cancer?

Take a look at the following checklist to choose the best health insurance for breast cancer:

1. High Sum Insured

   Opt for a higher sum insured that helps you manage the rising treatment cost of breast cancer, thereby reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

2. Coverage for All Stages of Cancer

   Choose a mediclaim policy that covers all stages of cancer to ensure comprehensive coverage.

3. Lump Sum Payout

   Try to select a critical illness insurance policy that pays a lump sum benefit on the diagnosis of breast cancer.

4. Wider Scope of Coverage

   Pick a cancer insurance plan that covers everything from diagnostic tests and cancer treatments to onco-surgery and hospitalisation expenses.

5. Shorter Waiting Period

   Make sure to choose a health plan for breast cancer that comes with a shorter waiting period.

6. Minimal Survival Period

   Prefer to select a plan that comes with a minimal or no survival period.

7. Policy Renewal

   Choose a cancer insurance policy that can be renewed after a breast cancer claim.

8. Cashless Hospital Network

   Opt for a health policy that comes with a large network of cashless hospitals, especially near your residence.