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Cancer Insurance

What is Cancer Insurance Plan?

A cancer insurance policy is a financial cover that lowers the burden of cancer treatment with coverage for hospitalisation, therapies, and other non-medical expenses. It is a financial safety net that helps people during unprecedented cancer detection. The cancer insurance plan offers complete protection from pre-hospitalization tests to patient care and post-hospitalization treatments. This way, people across ages can secure their health and savings against the life-threatening cancer disease accounting for over 10 million deaths in 2020.

Why Should You Buy Cancer Insurance Policy?

Every year, over ten lakh people are diagnosed with cancer in India, and another six to seven lakh people lose life to this life-threatening condition. Studies anticipate that India might witness over 17 lakh new cancer patients by 2035 and 12 lakh deaths yearly. The alarming facts and unprecedented health conditions are the major reasons you should opt for cancer coverage. Further, the coverage of family health insurance plans might prove to be insufficient to cover the expensive treatment costs of specialised cancer treatment. Other critical reasons to buy a cancer insurance plan are:

Increasing Cancer Cases

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide– pointing to the need of early detection and timely treatment and care

Expensive Treatment Cost

Treatment cost of cancer goes in lakhs and sometimes beyond; thus you need suitable coverage & security for a lifetime.

High Risk of Ailments

Old age people are most vulnerable to the risk of cancer due to age-related ailments and weaknesses, that must be covered.

Financial Struggles

Cancer is a terrifying condition that pushes people into the financial and emotional turmoil that can be avoided with a mediclaim plan.

Family History of Cancer

 

Types of Cancer Covered by Care Health Insurance

Care’s cancer mediclaim is one of the most promising cancer care insurances that ensure its support when you are most vulnerable. Cancer is a dreaded disease that requires attention and constant care. We believe in providing a safety cushion that ensures smooth recovery beyond the post-hospitalisation period. Care Health Insurance’s cancer health insurance covers all types of cancer, including-

  • Lung cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Hypolarynx cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Cervical cancer

Care’s cancer policy comes with comprehensive benefits that would help you when you need financial assistance during your treatment of any kind of cancer.

If you have a family history of chronic or heavy chain diseases, you should opt for a plan covering several cancer conditions.

 

How Does Cancer Insurance Work?

Cancer insurance works on the same indemnity principle as other health plans, with a fixed sum insured for a payout of regular premium amounts. One can buy a cancer cover individually for a tenure of 1, 2, or 3 years.

The foremost step is to determine how much coverage suits you based on your health status and budget. Once you choose an adequate sum insured, you can file for a cancer-related claim after completing the required waiting period of initial 90 days and 2 years for pre-existing diseases. Also, you can pay the premium in easy instalments in a monthly or quarterly mode. Note that your sum insured is bound to increase by a maximum of 50% as a reward for staying healthy and maintaining a claim-free year. Learn more about how cancer insurance works with the help of the below example.

how cancer plan works

Who is Eligible to buy Health Insurance for Cancer Treatment?

People below 50 are eligible to secure their lives with a Cancer Insurance Plan by Care Health Insurance. Here are some other crucial cancer policy details:

Cancer Insurance Plan Details
Minimum Entry Age
  • Adult: 18 years or above
  • 5 years on Individual Basis
  • Child: 91 days to 4 years with at least 1 member of age 18 years or above.
Maximum Entry Age50 Years
Exit AgeNo Bar
Cover TypeMaximum 6 Persons on Individual Basis
Tenure1/2/3 Years
Pre-policy Medical Check-upsNo Medicals Required
Sum Insured Options10 Lakhs to 2 Crores

What is Covered in Our Cancer Insurance Plan?

An unhealthy lifestyle, physical inactivity, smoking, and drinking are the major causes of cancer. That’s why you need complete protection against the health risks arising due to cancer. Check out the wide-ranging coverage and benefits of the cancer cover policy by Care Health Insurance:

Comprehensive Protection at All Stages

Our Cancer Care Plan secures your health and finances against all the stages of cancer– starting from detection and tests to therapies and recovery sessions

In-patient Hospitalisation

We have your back during the entire hospitalisation period with in-patient coverage for room charges, doctor’s fee, oxygen, etc., up to the sum insured

Pre & Post-hospitalisation Expenses

We share your burden right from the medical examinations to the recovery phase with 30-days pre and 60-days post hospitalisation coverage up to the SI

Chemotherapy & Radiotheraphy Cover

The policy provides coverage for the essential chemotherapy and radiotherapy expenses up to the sum insured through cashless and reimbursement facility

Day Care Treatments

The Cancer Mediclaim covers several day care procedures involving less than 24 hours, including neurology, oncology, pediatric surgery, and others

Annual Health Check-ups

As a preventive care measure, the policy covers health check-ups once every year, including tests like CBC, ECG, KFT, and others as per policy terms

Quick Recovery Counselling

The policy contains several health services like quick recover counselling, doctor on call, and a digital health portal for all your wellness needs

Ambulance Cover

We ensure that you reach the hospital without worrying about the bills. The policy covers ambulance expenses up to INR 3000 per hospitalisation

Exclusions under Cancer Insurance Plan

With adequate coverage and unique benefits, a cancer insurance plan offers the right security against financial crunches. However, before you buy a plan, it is essential to read the policy documents thoroughly and be informed about the following exclusions:

  • Under the policy, there is a 90-days initial waiting period. If the insured receives a diagnosis of illness or undergoes some medical operation during this period, the insurer will not cover the expenses.
  • The cancer insurance does not cover suicide attempts or suicide by self-inflicted injury.
  • Any disease caused by consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or cigarettes is excluded.
  • Cosmetic or plastic surgery, as well as similar treatments, are not covered.
  • Pregnancy, miscarriage, childbirth, maternity care, including C-sections, abortion, or complications of any of the conditions etc. are excluded.
  • All hazardous activities are not covered.
  • A nuclear, chemical, or biological attack, as well as weapons that may cause significant damage is considered as a permanent exclusion.
  • Illness or injury incurred by the insured's criminal intent to break the law is not covered by the cancer policy in India.

Free-look Period in Cancer Insurance Policy

Some of the best cancer care plans in India provide a 15-day Free Look Cancellation period, allowing prospective policyholders to review the policy's terms and conditions before committing to it. If you find them unsatisfactory, you can return the policy documents, expressing dissatisfaction which will allow for a refund of the premium charged, as per the terms and conditions of the policy.

What is a Cancer Insurance Policy?

A Cancer Insurance Policy is a specialized health insurance plan designed to provide financial coverage specifically for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It ensures that the insured person receives adequate financial support to cover the high costs of cancer treatment, including hospitalization, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and other related expenses.

Unlike general health insurance, which provides broad coverage for various illnesses, cancer insurance is focused exclusively on different stages of cancer, often providing a lump-sum payout or covering specific expenses.

Key Features of a Cancer Insurance Policy

Stage-Based Payout

  • Provides a lump-sum benefit depending on the stage of cancer (early, major, or advanced).
  • Early-stage diagnosis may result in a partial payout, while advanced-stage diagnosis usually qualifies for a full payout.

Wide Coverage for All Cancer Types

  • Covers most types of cancer (exceptions include skin cancer or cancer caused by pre-existing conditions).

High Coverage Amount

  • Sum insured typically ranges from ₹5 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs or more, depending on the policy.

Income Replacement Benefit

  • Some policies offer a fixed monthly payout to help manage household expenses when the insured is unable to work due to the illness.

Coverage for Treatment Costs

  • Includes chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, hospitalization, and medication expenses.

No Claim Bonus (NCB)

  • If no claim is made during the policy term, some insurers increase the sum insured at no additional cost.

Premium Waiver

  • Future premiums are waived if the insured is diagnosed with cancer during the policy term.

Tax Benefits

  • Premiums paid are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Renewability

  • Most policies offer lifelong renewability.

What Does a Cancer Insurance Policy Cover?

Diagnosis Costs

  • Covers diagnostic tests and medical consultations related to cancer.

Hospitalization Expenses

  • In-patient treatment costs, including room rent, ICU charges, and doctor's fees.

Treatment Costs

  • Covers the cost of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and targeted therapy.

Pre- and Post-Hospitalization

  • Expenses incurred before and after hospitalization (typically 30 days prior and 60 days after).

Critical Illness Coverage (optional)

  • Some policies include coverage for other critical illnesses alongside cancer.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

  • Includes costs for post-treatment care, including medications and physiotherapy.

What Does a Cancer Insurance Policy Not Cover?

Cancer insurance policies typically exclude:

Pre-existing Cancer Conditions

  • Cancer diagnosed before buying the policy or during the waiting period is not covered.

Skin Cancer

  • Many policies exclude non-melanoma skin cancers.

Cancer Due to Lifestyle Choices

  • Illness caused by alcohol, tobacco, or drug use may not be covered.

HIV/AIDS

  • Cancer arising due to HIV/AIDS is usually excluded.

Waiting Period Exclusions

  • Cancer detected during the initial waiting period (usually 90 days).

Benefits of a Cancer Insurance Policy

Financial Security

  • Provides financial support during cancer treatment, which can be expensive and prolonged.

Focused Coverage

  • Tailored specifically for cancer-related medical needs, ensuring comprehensive support.

Peace of Mind

  • Reduces the financial burden on family members during treatment.

Income Protection

  • Policies with income replacement benefits help manage household expenses if the insured cannot work.

Tax Benefits

  • Premiums paid for cancer insurance qualify for tax deductions.

Who Should Buy a Cancer Insurance Policy?

People with a Family History of Cancer

  • Individuals with a genetic predisposition to cancer should consider buying this policy.

Individuals with High-Risk Lifestyles

  • Smokers, heavy drinkers, or those exposed to carcinogenic substances in their occupation.

Those Without Comprehensive Health Insurance

  • People who lack critical illness coverage or health insurance policies with cancer-related benefits.

Elderly Individuals

Senior citizens who are at higher risk of developing cancer.

Documents Required to Buy a Cancer Insurance Policy

Identity Proof

  • Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, etc.

Age Proof

  • Birth Certificate, Passport, Aadhaar Card, etc.

Address Proof

  • Aadhaar Card, Utility Bills, or Passport.

Medical History

  • Documents related to pre-existing conditions or ongoing treatments (if any).

Photographs

  • Passport-sized photographs of the insured.

Proposal Form

  • Completed and signed health insurance application form.

Key Features of Care Cancer Insurance Policy

how insurance works

What is Covered in Our Cancer Insurance Plan?

An unhealthy lifestyle, physical inactivity, smoking, and drinking are the major causes of cancer. That’s why you need complete protection against the health risks arising due to cancer. Check out the wide-ranging coverage and benefits of the cancer cover policy by Care Health Insurance:

Comprehensive Protection at All Stages

Our Cancer Care Plan secures your health and finances against all the stages of cancer– starting from detection and tests to therapies and recovery sessions

In-patient Hospitalisation

We have your back during the entire hospitalisation period with in-patient coverage for room charges, doctor’s fee, oxygen, etc., up to the sum insured

Pre & Post-hospitalisation Expenses

We share your burden right from the medical examinations to the recovery phase with 30-days pre and 60-days post hospitalisation coverage up to the SI

Chemotherapy & Radiotheraphy Cover

The policy provides coverage for the essential chemotherapy and radiotherapy expenses up to the sum insured through cashless and reimbursement facility

Day Care Treatments

The Cancer Mediclaim covers several day care procedures involving less than 24 hours, including neurology, oncology, pediatric surgery, and others

Annual Health Check-ups

As a preventive care measure, the policy covers health check-ups once every year, including tests like CBC, ECG, KFT, and others as per policy terms

Quick Recovery Counselling

The policy contains several health services like quick recover counselling, doctor on call, and a digital health portal for all your wellness needs

Ambulance Cover

We ensure that you reach the hospital without worrying about the bills. The policy covers ambulance expenses up to INR 3000 per hospitalisation

How Does Cancer Insurance Differ from Health Insurance?

Cancer care plans and healthcare policy work on the same principles of indemnity yet differ with respect to coverage, sum insured options, and eligibility. Also, you may be insured under a standard health cover but would still need a separate cancer insurance plan to ensure protection against cancer-related medical expenses. Here, read about the major differences between the two plans:

FactorsCancer InsuranceHealth Insurance
CoverageA comprehensive cancer care policy covers all incurred medical expenses related to cancer.Covers the general medical and surgical costs of the insured person. Hospital costs are covered and there may be sub-limits for room rent, etc.
Who Should Buy?  Individuals who have higher risks should consider the cancer care plan. In addition to a basic policy, you can buy a cancer care policy to supplement the protection.A standard health policy should be purchased by everyone, regardless of age. With rising healthcare prices, health insurance should take priority in your financial plan.
Why Should You Buy?  A regular health plan could be insufficient in the event of a serious illness or cancer. As a result, critical illness and cancer coverage are needed.It covers the cancer care expenses incurred that can be otherwise financially challenging. Also, the compensation under cancer insurance plan can be used to pay off the other financial liabilities.It is a simple indemnity-based plan that reimburses medical costs or provides cashless health care. It is ideal for covering rising hospitalisation costs, care, diagnosis, medical assistance, and other medical expenses, thus enabling one to bear the impact of medical inflation.

It is important to purchase a comprehensive cancer care plan, such as the one provided by Care Health Insurance. Cancer insurance outperforms most healthcare plans because the cost is low and coverage is available for all stages of cancer.

Advantages of Buying Cancer Cover Policy Online

Below are the main benefits of purchasing your insurance for cancer treatment online:

  • Secure Payment Modes: Secure payment options keep your bank data safe and help you complete the transaction in a few clicks from anywhere, any time.
  • Chat Option & Easy Policy Evaluation: We try to resolve all your queries instantly through our chat service. Also, policy evaluation is easy with our precisely spelt-out policy terms.
  • Instant Premium Quote Calculation: Make a calculated buying decision by estimating the premium of your policy online. It will help you plan finances and choose affordable coverage.
  • Convenient Policy Selection: The website lets you compare coverage, choose and pay anywhere at any time. Also, you can access policy documents online for quick verification.
  • Readily Available Value Added Services: It's easy to add benefits such as OPD care, co-payment waivers, and pre-existing diseases while purchasing our health policy for cancer care online.

If you are anxious about your maternity, we have maternity insurance  taking care of your precious journey.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Purchasing a Cancer Insurance

Buying an ideal cancer policy in India can be confusing, especially when you are unaware of the types and extent of expenses incurred toward cancer treatment. While choosing suitable insurance for cancer patients, here are the crucial things that you should consider:

  • Assess Your Needs: Firstly, you must assess your medical needs. Consider paying attention to factors such as family’s medical history, current health condition, lifestyle, etc. Estimate the medical expenses beforehand so that you choose the right sum insured that lowers your financial burden during medical emergencies. If your family has elderly members with no family history of cancer, then it might be wise to opt for Senior Citizens Health Insurance plans, as they are more likely to provide the required cover.Since your financial profile is unique, you must understand it well before you opt for the perfect insurance for cancer.
  • Review the Policy Coverage: Choose a policy that will provide relevant benefits and protection against all the expenses related to cancer treatment. It is possible to find a plan that covers cancer treatment regardless of the stage or type of the disease. For example, Care Health Insurance's cancer mediclaim covers all stages of cancer. It covers hospitalisation costs, pre-and post-hospitalization medical costs, a variety of daycare treatments, as well as specialised treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
  • Opt for a High Sum Insured: Treatment for cancer may cost hefty amounts due to the advanced medical care needed. Make sure the cancer plan has enough coverage to combat medical inflation in the future. Choosing a high sum insured with cancer medical insurance can be a smart move, allowing you to receive medical attention and therapy without financial constraints.
  • Use a Health Insurance Premium Calculator: You do not need to pay high premium costs to get cancer insurance when you can protect your health with an affordable cancer insurance policy You can use our premium calculator to estimate the cost of a cancer policy tailored to your specific needs.
  • Check the Waiting Period: A waiting period is the duration of time that must serve before your policy coverage starts. A cancer insurance plan includes a 90-day initial waiting period. It means that you can only claim the benefits of the cancer protection plan in case cancer is diagnosed after the initial waiting period.
  • Consider the Exclusions: Exclusions are a part of any medical plan and apply to illnesses, disorders, surgical procedures, or medical costs that are not covered by the policy and for which you cannot make a claim. Reviewing the exclusions of the cancer insurance policy will help you avoid delays and uncertainty, resulting in a smooth claims process.

Documents Required to Buy Health Insurance

When purchasing a health insurance policy, insurers typically ask for certain documents to verify your identity, age, address, and medical history. Below is a detailed list of the documents required:

1. Identity Proof

To confirm your identity, any one of the following documents is required:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Passport
  • Voter ID
  • Driving License
  • Employee ID (in some cases)

2. Address Proof

To establish your residence, you may submit any one of the following:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Passport
  • Voter ID
  • Driving License
  • Utility Bills (Electricity, Gas, or Water Bill)
  • Rent Agreement
  • Bank Statement (with address details)

3. Age Proof

To confirm your age, any one of the following documents is required:

  • Birth Certificate
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Passport
  • PAN Card
  • School/College Leaving Certificate
  • Voter ID

4. Income Proof (if applicable)

For policies with higher sums insured or for certain premium payment modes, income proof may be required:

  • Salary Slip
  • Bank Statement
  • Income Tax Returns (ITR)

5. Recent Photographs

  • Passport-sized photographs (usually 1-2 copies).

6. Medical Reports

  • If you have pre-existing conditions or are of advanced age (typically 45 or above), the insurer might request:
    • Medical test reports (e.g., blood tests, ECG, etc.).
    • Recent prescriptions or treatment details.
    • Doctor's certificate for chronic or ongoing illnesses.

7. Proposal Form

  • A completed and signed health insurance application/proposal form is mandatory.

8. Bank Details

  • Canceled cheque or bank account details for premium payment and claim settlement purposes.

9. Proof of Relationship (for family floater plans)

If buying a family health insurance plan, you may need to provide relationship proof for the dependents (spouse, children, or parents):

  • Marriage Certificate (for spouse).
  • Birth Certificate (for children).