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 by an individual's genetic, environmental, or specific constitutional characteristics. 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.

Star Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Policy (UIN: SHAHLIP22031V022122)

India witnesses a staggering 1.16 million new cancer cases annually, with every third person being at risk of developing cancer (WHO). Cancer incidence rates are rising due to lifestyle changes, genetics, and environmental factors. Given the exorbitant treatment costs, having an insurance coverage for cancer is crucial. It provides financial protection, ensuring access to quality treatment without depleting the savings.

Things you need to know in a cancer insurance plan

The availability of high-quality healthcare facilities has increased the survival rate of cancer patients. Cancer can often financially drain the patient and their family members. Rising medical inflation creates a demand for staying well-prepared financially to get the treatment done on time.

Hence, opting for the right cancer insurance plan can ensure the cancer patient’s journey toward recovery and revert to everyday life routines. Let’s know about the different cancer covers available on 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, insurance for cancer patients (critical illness coverage) can help.

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.
• A Critical Illness plan is much more affordable than other regular plans as it covers only those specified Critical Illnesses. Critical Illness coverage 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.
• The plan ceases to exist if the insured shows cancer symptoms within the first 90 days.
• Moreover, a regular Critical Illness plan provides only a lump-sum benefit and does not waive future Premiums payable by the insured. A specialised Cancer care Health Insurance plan can take care of such factors.

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

2. Cancer care Health Insurance plan

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

Top benefits of a Cancer Health Insurance plan

Before considering a cancer insurance plan, you need to understand the benefits of health insurance for cancer patients:

• 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 financial and mental security for the insured as a lump sum is paid on diagnosis of cancer.
• The policy covers recurrence, metastasis and 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 Cancer care Health Insurance plans—the previous medical records, including treatment details, will 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 some instances.
  Also, the Premiums paid are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act 1961.

Star Health Insurance offers the Star Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Policy. This policy keeps the insured financially prepared during their fight against Cancer and provides indemnity coverage for medical expenses incurred for Cancer and Non-cancer ailments without any pre-medical tests and provides lump-sum on recurrence of cancer. Individuals between the age group of 5 months and 65 years can avail this Insurance with Sum Insured options of up to Rs.10 Lakhs.

Advantages of Star Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Policy :

Star Cancer care Platinum Insurance Policy offers wide range of coverages such as:

• Room boarding and nursing expenses are covered up to Single Standard A/C Room
• Coverage for emergency road ambulance services
• Pre and Post hospitalization cover up to 30 and 60 days respectively 
• All day care procedures are covered with separate limits for Cataract
• Health check-up benefits up to Rs.2,500 every claim free year
• The expenses for 12 modern treatments, like oral chemotherapy, robotic surgeries, etc., are covered
• Understanding the need for specialized care for cancer patients, cover for rehabilitation & pain management, modern treatments and hospice care are also provided.
• This plan also provides a lump-sum cover for cancer if the Insured suffers a recurrence, metastasis, and / or a second malignancy unrelated to first cancer.
• At Star Health, we have understood the importance of end-to-end coverage for the Insured by providing Cumulative Bonus of 5% every claim free year up to 50% of the Sum Insured.

Exclusions in the Star Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Policy:

The expenses excluded from this plan are:

• The expenses for the dietary supplements and substances will not be included.
• Non-Allopathic treatment coverage is not included.
• Cost of cosmetic or plastic surgery.
• The charges for unproven treatments and maternity are not covered.
• Sterility and infertility expenses.
• Intentional self-injury treatment charges.

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.

With an option of a second opinion and wellness services, investing in Star Health’s Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Policy safeguards individuals from financial devastation, enabling focus on recovery and well-being.