What if I get Cancer Without Insurance?

Affordable Cancer Treatment: Govt Schemes & NGO Support

Cancer treatment can involve several aspects like medication, chemotherapy, surgery, etc., which tend to drive up costs. In India, treatment costs for cancer range between approximately ₹5 Lakh to ₹27.5 Lakh and can vary based on the type, stage and other aspects. 

Now, if you get diagnosed with cancer without having any health insurance, you can still find financial assistance that will provide cover for your treatment. Keep reading to learn more. 

How to Get Insurance or Financial Assistance After a Cancer Diagnosis 

Several government schemes, non-profit organizations, and crowdfunding platforms provide financial coverage to cancer patients. Here are a few of them: 

●  Government Schemes

There are several government schemes that provide coverage for major critical illnesses like cancer at Government/PMNRF-impaneled hospitals. They include:

●  Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (PMJAY)
●  Health Minister's Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) 
●  Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)

In addition, many state health schemes and the Chief minister’s relief fund are available, under which state residents can receive financial aid for critical illnesses like cancer. 

●   Non-profit Organizations 

Several NGOs provide financial support to underprivileged people suffering from cancer. Here are a few of them: 
 

1. The YouWeCan Cancer Treatment Fund provides financial help to underprivileged pediatric patients (below 16 years of age) up to ₹3,00,000.00 per patient. 
2. Can Kids provides medical assistance and comprehensive support to children (aged 0 to 21 years) from neglected backgrounds fighting cancer. 
3. The Indian Cancer Society (ICS), established in 1951, provides financial aid for treating underprivileged cancer patients. It also works to raise awareness, detect cancer, cure it, and help survivors. 
4. The Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) is a 50-year-old non-profit organization that focuses on the needs of cancer patients who cannot afford treatment. It engages in activities encompassing awareness, early detection, support for treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation. 
5. Tata Trusts provides direct individual medical grants to underprivileged cancer patients in Mumbai and those from other locations through linked hospitals. 

●   Crowdfunding Platforms 

Crowdfunding platforms work towards funding a project or social cause by raising money from many individuals for a common goal. They offer global crowdfunding solutions to NGOs, social enterprises, and individuals. Additionally, they support various critical medical conditions like cancer treatment, heart transplants, accidents, and injuries. 

You can use crowdfunding platforms for yourself and your loved ones to treat critical diseases like cancer and receive donations from over 100 countries with multiple payment methods. Some of the popular crowdfunding platforms are: 

1. GiveIndia
2. Impact Guru
3. Ketto
4. Milaap

Reasons to Buy a Cancer Insurance Policy 

Here are a few reasons to consider buying cancer insurance: 

●  Family History

If cancer runs in your family history, then you are at an increased risk of getting affected by it. In such circumstances, opting for a cancer insurance policy can save you from financial distress. 

●  Inadequate Funds

 
If you don’t have a proper financial backup, investing in a safety net is a wise option. The premiums for cancer health insurance plans are very cost-effective compared to the expensive medical treatments one needs to opt for if diagnosed with the disease.  

●  Comprehensive Coverage 

A comprehensive cancer insurance plan covers almost all types of cancer and offers financial coverage for medical and non-medical expenses related to the disease.

●  Increasing Treatment Costs

Due to the development of advanced treatment methods, targeted therapies and new drugs, cancer treatment costs are on the rise. Having a dedicated insurance plan for cancer can save you from out-of-pocket expenses and financial turmoil while dealing with this critical illness.  

Thus, if cancer runs in your family history or if you feel you have an increased risk of getting affected, then investing in cancer health insurance is a must.

Also Read:

→ What is Cancer Insurance

→ Which Health Insurance is Best for Cancer Patients

→ Does Health Insurance Cover Cancer