Cancer is a sensitive subject in our community. Until a few years ago, the number of people affected by this disease was relatively low. People might have heard struggles or stories about distant relatives of family or acquaintances who suffered from cancer. A fair percentage of people strongly believed that they would not get the disease. After all, they did not have a family history or visible symptoms. However, cancer tends to infect or attack in odd ways at the least expected time. Before we discuss the factors to consider when buying a cancer care policy, it is pivotal to comprehend why people might need one.
Though people hear statistics about cancer, it does not affect them personally. One of the common typed of cancer is breast cancer, which is becoming a more serious problem every day. Reports suggest that the mortality rate for women suffering from breast cancer stands at 12.7% per 100,000 women in India. Health care specialists implore women to conduct periodic check-ups to catch it early. However, a fair percentage of people do not seek medical assistance even when they are suspicious. Since there is no definite cause for cancer, it is highly improbable to prevent it. Cancer treatments are expensive due to the advanced medical care they require. This can be emotionally and financially taxing for the family. Hence, it would be safe to assume that everyone is at risk due to consistent exposure to radiation, sedentary lifestyle, and stress. Investment in the best cancer policy would help a family in dire circumstances. Since numerous companies offer different policies, this article would provide some key factors to consider when buying a cancer care policy.
Premium Value
The premium for cancer care policy is quite affordable if the consumers invest well in advance. In addition, most insurers offer unique payment modules to help policyholders to pay the premium. Customers can also choose a comprehensive package to select an economic premium plan that is not heavy on the pocket.
Waiting period
Consumers should always check for the waiting period for cancer care policies. This duration would depend on the company and policy type. Leading insurance companies such as Care Health Insurance have a waiting period of 90 days.
Policy coverage
It is imperative to choose a cancer care policy that would fulfil all aspects of the medical expenses. Cancer generally requires pre and post hospitalisation expenses. In addition to the diagnostics and surgery, patients might also need chemotherapy and radiation. Always check if your policy offers this extensive coverage. Another essential factor to check would be annual health check features. This would help to catch and treat remissions at the earliest.
No-claim bonus
This is a critical feature as few insurers do offer cancer claims the free bonus. This would help the policyholders increase the value of their sum insured without much increase in the premium amount.
Claim procedure
Cancer can be stressful for the patient and the family. Therefore, always choose cashless hospitalisation with a simple claim procedure to reduce strain and hassle on this front. The best cancer care policy will have a seamless claim protocol.
Though these are the primary factors to look for while choosing any health insurance plan, it is important to pay special attention to the cancer care policy. It is natural for people to assume and hope that they might not get the condition due to a lack of common indicators. However, some of these symptoms tend to appear normal until it blows out of proportion. This is why people fail to catch it early.
Cancer care policy is an indemnity-based plan, and policyholders should be aware of the regulations. Another recommendation in this regard would be to choose an empanelled hospital to avail cashless hospitalisation. Consumers should also consider the wellness of their families while selecting this policy. If the patient is the breadwinner of the family, then the treatment charges could affect their livelihood. Therefore, it is vital to consider the futuristic outcome while investing in a health insurance policy.
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