Does Health Insurance Cover Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy Treatments?

To this date, cancer is the most dreadful and complicated ailment in the history of humankind. Unfortunately, it has become much more prevalent than before. Despite being a fatal disease, it is curable if diagnosed early, thanks to the tremendous advancements in medical science. 

Radiotherapy vs Chemotherapy

The two most ultramodern techniques used to treat cancers are Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy. The successful use of these avant-garde techniques has given much hope to patients and doctors worldwide.  However, both cancer treatments involve prolonged procedures and huge costs. 

That’s why we need a comprehensive cancer insurance plan that offers financial and psychological support to get through the long recovery road of cancer. 

What is Radiotherapy Treatment?

Radiotherapy for cancer is an ultramodern technique for treating significant types of cancers using ionising radiation to kill, treat, or reduce the malignant cells in the affected body part. Also referred to as Radiotherapy, this is a lengthy procedure that takes several sittings depending upon the type and stage of cancer.

The hefty charges for each sitting make it a high-involvement treatment. In India, the average cost of radiation therapy falls between Rs. 30,000 to 20 lakhs, depending on the type of cancer and the specific radiation technique used to cure the disease.

Types of Radiotherapy

There are two types of radiotherapy external beam and internal radiotherapy. The therapies are recommended depending on the below-mentioned factors-

• Type of cancer
• Size of the tumour
• Tumour’s location 
• The proximity of the tumour to normal tissues that are sensitive to radiation
• Your medical history and overall health

External Beam Radiation Therapy

A machine is used for external beam therapy, aiming radiation at your cancer. It is a local treatment which treats a specific body part. For example, if you have cancer in your lung, you will get radiation only around your chest, not your entire body.

Internal Radiation Therapy

In this therapy, a radiation source is inserted into your body. The source could be solid or liquid.

What is Chemotherapy Treatment?

Chemotherapy procedure is another general procedure for cancer treatment. Certain cytotoxic medications are delivered intravenously throughout the body, targeting and killing the cancer cells in this technique.

Types of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy affects substances inside the cells called DNA and RNA. Below are the types of chemotherapy-

• Intravenous Chemotherapy(IV): Many medications are injected directly into a vein to treat cancer.
• Oral Chemotherapy: It is administered orally. This could be in the form of a pill, capsule, or liquid.
• Injected Chemotherapy: Shots are given to the patients in this type of therapy.
• Arterial Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is given into an artery that goes directly to where there is cancer. 
• Intraperitoneal (IP) Chemotherapy: In this procedure, medication is given directly to your abdomen as this treatment works for cancers that attack the peritoneum. 
• Topical Chemotherapy: It is a method of skin cancer treatment where a cream or ointment recommended by the doctor is applied directly to the skin. 

Does Cancer Insurance Cover Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy? 

The cancer insurance plan also covers the radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment intended to cure cancer. All the leading health insurers cover radiation treatment and chemotherapy during hospitalisation. 

However, the primary health insurance plan will partially cover the cost of the radiation therapy, i.e., up to a specific segment of the sum insured. Suppose you require complete coverage for radiation therapy, which is indeed urgent. In that case, you need a full-fledged cancer cover policy that covers all cancer treatments.

Care Cancer Mediclaim: Supporting The Long Journey of Cancer 

At Care Health Insurance, we promise optimum financial and healthcare support to policyholders suspecting to go through the testing cancer treatment journey. Our Cancer Mediclaim policy offers comprehensive coverage for medical expenses related to cancer. From pre-hospitalisation diagnostics to in-patient care, day-care treatments, and post-hospitalisation therapies, we cover most of the treatment expenses up to the sum insured. The Care Cancer Mediclaim policy offers the following benefits:

• Coverage for all stages of cancer
• Lifelong renewability option
• Chemotherapy and radiotherapy coverage up to the sum insured
• Coverage for alternative treatment up to 25% of SI
• Free annual health check-ups from 2nd policy year. 

With one of the highest claim settlement ratios of 95.2%, Care Insurance promises a seamless and hassle-free claim procedure. Our vast network of 22900+ cashless hospitals provides quality medical treatment to patients without any worries about hefty bills. Thus, we ensure a smooth and quick recovery for cancer patients across India.

>> Also Read: Key Things to Know Before Opting for a Cancer Insurance Plan

Disclaimer: The information mentioned above is for reference purposes only. Please carefully verify the policy details with the official prospectus and read the terms and conditions. Claim approval is subject to the underwriter's discretion.