Cancer cover in Health Insurance

Health Insurance Plans starting at Rs.15/day*

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in your body. Cells become Cancerous due to the accumulation of defects or mutations in the DNA. The Cancerous cells grow out of control, invade other tissues and spread to other organs. The most prevalent Cancers are breast, lung, colon, rectum and prostate Cancers.

Causes and interpretations

Cancer is mainly caused due to genetic, environmental or specific constitutional characteristics of an individual. Other causes include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, high Body Mass Index (BMI), less intake of fruits and vegetables and lack of physical activity.

According to the National Institute of Cancer Protection and Research (NICPR), 2.25 million people in India are currently living with Cancer, and every year, about 1.15 million new cases are added to the list. The lives of Cancer patients can be improved significantly by detecting the disease early and avoiding delays in treatment. Cancer care is quite expensive, whether it is the diagnosis, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery.

Things you need to Know in Cancer Health Insurance cover

The availability of high-quality healthcare facilities has increased the survival rate in Cancer patients. Most often, Cancer can end up financially draining out the patient and their family members. The rising medical inflation creates a demand for staying well-prepared financially in order to get the treatment done on time.

Hence, opting for the right Health Insurance plan can ensure the Cancer patient’s journey toward recovery and revert to normal life routines. Let’s know about the different Cancer covers available in the market.

1. Critical Illness cover for Cancer patients

If you are looking for a financial shield against life-threatening diseases like Cancer or other Critical Illnesses, a Critical Illness Cover can aid you here.

Features of Critical Illness cover

Some highlighting benefits of Critical Illness cover include:

  • Critical Illness cover pays a lump-sum amount after the insured is diagnosed with a specified Critical illness , which can be utilised for treatment or other related expenses. For Cancer, the cover offers a lump sum after the first diagnosis.
  • Critical Illness plan is much more affordable than other regular plans as they cover only those specified Critical Illnesses. Critical Illness covers can be purchased as individual policies or as riders with the existing Health Insurance plan.

When it comes to Cancer, some of the downsides of the Critical Illness plans are listed below:

  • Cancer being a Pre-existing disease (PED), is covered under the Critical Illness plans after a certain waiting period.
  • Most of the Critical Illness plans do not cover the complications due to Cancer.
  • The Critical Illness plan covers the early stage of Cancer.
  • If the insured shows cancer symptoms within the first 90 days, the plan ceases to exist.
  • Moreover, a regular Critical Illness plan provides only a lump-sum benefit and does not waive future Premiums payable by the insured. Such factors can be taken care of by a specialised Cancer care Health Insurance plan.

Therefore, opting for a dedicated Cancer care Health Insurance plan can be more beneficial.

2. Cancer care Health Insurance plan

A Cancer care Health Insurance plan is an indemnity-based policy that covers all three cancer stages, that is, early, major and advanced. It is a unique Health Insurance policy designed specifically to cover hospitalisation and treatment expenses for Cancer.

Top benefits of Cancer care Health Insurance plan

Before considering a Cancer care Health Insurance plan, you need to understand the benefits of the policy:

  • A comprehensive Cancer insurance policy can cover various types of Cancer in men and women, at both early and advanced stages. Hence, the plan provides both financial and mental security for the insured as a lump-sum amount is paid on diagnosis of Cancer.
  • The policy provides coverage for recurrence, metastasis and/or a second malignancy unrelated to the first Cancer.
  • Some of the common Cancers covered by such insurance plans include:

1. Breast Cancer

2. Ovarian Cancer

3. Lung Cancer

4. Stomach Cancer

5. Hypolarynx Cancer and

6. Prostrate Cancer, etc.

In other types of Cancer, money is payable at various stages of diagnosis, treatment and surgery, including the minor, major and critical stages.

  • Some insurers also cover the treatment of non-Cancer ailments under Cancer care policies. Premedical screening is not mandatory for most of Cancer care Health Insurance plans. The previous medical records, including details of treatment to be submitted along with the proposal.
  • The best advantage of Cancer care plans is that they are available at affordable Premiums.
  • Cancer care policies offer a Premium waiver benefit in certain cases.
  • Also, the Premiums paid are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Conclusion

Many Cancer Insurance plans with special features are offered by leading insurance companies. Critical Illness plans may also be a better option as they provide coverage against a wide range of Critical diseases. Decide on the plan that suits your specific needs and purchase it. With such a strong financial backup, you can stay well-equipped to face such uncertainties.

Star Health Insurance offers Star Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Policy, providing coverage for persons diagnosed with Cancer (any stage). It also provides indemnity coverage for medical expenses incurred for Cancer after a waiting period of 30 days and Non-Cancer ailments as per the policy terms and conditions..

Star Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Policy covers,

For more details on the policy, you can refer to the policy clause.


DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG/WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The Information including but not limited to text, graphics, images and other material contained on this blog are intended for education and awareness only. No material on this blog is intended to be a substitute for professional medical help including diagnosis or treatment. It is always advisable to consult medical professional before relying on the content. Neither the Author nor Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd accepts any responsibility for any potential risk to any visitor/reader.

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