Introduction

Cancer is a common disease these days and we often see cancer patients around us. We have also seen the effect that cancer has had on them and their families- and their pocketbooks. So a thought comes into our mind that are we prepared if cancer appears in our life?

Though we follow healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of cancer, what if cancer comes into our life. In such an unexpected situation, we should have a backup plan for medical expenses of cancer treatment.

Cancer is a costly illness

Cancer is a critical illness that can affect your quality or length of your life. You may lose your income during treatment or spend your family’s savings for your treatment. Both of these situations can hinder your cancer treatment.

When a patient experiences financial challenges, they’re less likely to take their prescribed medications or stop treatment because they can’t afford the payments. Studies show that cancer survivors with financial burden had significantly higher rates of depression.

Medical expenses of cancer treatment

Each person’s cancer treatment and the treatment costs may vary. Try to learn as much as you can about your cancer treatment before it starts. It can also help you plan for and deal with the costs related to your care.

Medical expenses for people with cancer can include:

  •  Visits with your cancer doctor
  •  Lab tests 
  • Procedures (for example- taking biopsy)
  • Imaging tests
  •  Radiation treatments
  •  Medicine costs 
  • Clinic visits for treatment
  • Hospital stays
  • Rehabilitation
  • Surgery 
  • Transportation costs 

Do you prepare for treatment if you have cancer?

With higher medical expenses, prepare with health insurance in case cancer comes into your life in unexpected situations.

Tips for financial planning are:

  • Save a certain amount of money in advance: Save under the name of health expenses monthly. A small amount means nothing for your monthly expenses but after several years, it will be a great support for your cancer treatment. 
  • Cover with health insurance: Health insurance is a form of health protection and may cover your medical expenses to an extent according to the insurance type. PRUFlexiprotect CI is an appropriate insurance type for critical illnesses like cancer. It can cover the medical expenses of cancer treatment and financial loss during treatment. Learn more about PRUFlexiprotectCI here.

Cost should never be a barrier to receiving cancer treatment. Most cancer patients give up treatment because of high treatment costs. Sometimes they are left with financial loss, divided into debt or financial burden to the family even after cancer treatments because of high medical bills. So, be prepared for cancer treatment costs  through savings or medical insurance so that you can get treatment peacefully without financial burden.

References

Want to discuss your options?

Leave your details and an agent will be in touch to take you through your options.