Best Cancer Insurance Plans

Cancer insurance is a specified type of critical illness policy that provides a cash benefit upon the diagnosis of cancer. While cancer insurance does not specifically cover treatment costs, it pays out a sum of money to the insured for medical purposes or to replace one’s monthly income. This sum helps pay off for cancer diagnosis and treatment including hospitalisation, radiation, chemotherapy and surgery, among others.

Cancer insurance is a form of supplemental income protection insurance. In the unfortunate event of being diagnosed, the insured will have to first survive the cancer for 7-30 days (‘Survival Period’), after which the policy will pay out a lump sum to the insured. Usually, the amount paid out varies on the severity of the diagnosis. Once the full sum assured has been paid out, the policy ends.
Do bear in mind that there is a 90-day waiting period starting from the policy issue date before any claims can be made. Most policies pay out a lump sum benefit upon diagnosis but some continue to pay for certain expenses, while others simply provide a one-time lump sum, upon which the coverage ends.
If a cancer patient recovers from minor conditions but faces a remission, and are affected by any major condition at a later stage, the insurance pays out at every stage.
So, even if you have been paid 25% of the ‘policy benefit/sum assured’ due to diagnosis of minor stage cancer, the plan allows the rest of the amount to be claimed in case of a relapse with a higher severity.

• High cover at an affordable premium
• Payout starts at early stages of cancer diagnosis and treatment for most plans (some plans do require a rider for the payout to be made at an early stage)
• Renewable term policy ranging from 1-20 years and leveled premiums during policy term
• Treatment of your choice
• Simplified health declaration
• Guaranteed policy renewability without health declaration

Cancer insurance covers both minor and major stages of cancer. Even though cancer conditions of all stages are covered, there are some cancer conditions that most insurers do not cover, specifically those that relate to skin cancer. To be certain of what you are being covered, our advice is to screen through the policy documents and find the exclusions.

A number of important factors help make an informed choice about buying the right cancer insurance plan – from premiums to family medical history, coverage benefits to renewal policy terms. For those with a strong family history of cancer, purchasing cancer insurance makes a lot of sense. Revisit your current health insurance plan and analyse how a cancer insurance policy would complement the existing policy. It’s also important to remember that cancer insurance only kicks in if the policyholder is diagnosed with cancer, and will not offer coverage for any other chronic diseases. One cannot predict when cancer strikes, and therefore having adequate cancer coverage for a long term is important. First, the coverage is guaranteed during the term regardless of any change in health condition. Second, a longer coverage term means you get to pay the same premium throughout the entire term before the policy renews. A yearly renewable policy means you will have to pay an increase in premium every year, as it is tied to your age. Most plans will auto renew the policy till age 65-85, but it depends on the insurance company. It’s, therefore, recommended to sign up for a longer policy term. Additionally, look out for the amount of coverage – you’d require the monthly income multiplied by the amount of time needed to recover or be away from work during long-drawn treatments. Having health insurance along with cancer insurance doesn’t mean double coverage. While health insurance has a reimbursement benefit, cancer insurance has a payout advantage. Hence, both plans complement one another making sure the insured receives benefits for both separately.

The truth is cancer treatment is expensive, especially if it stretches over a long period, leading to loss of income for employed individuals for being away for treatment.
Choose one if you have a high risk of getting diagnosed due to family history. It’s worthwhile to consider cancer insurance if your regular health insurance policy and other life insurance policies do not offer sufficient coverage for early stage cancer. After all, critical illness, such as cancer, is not only a threat to one’s earning capacity but it can also throw you into a debt trap.

To put it simply, Critical Illness plan covers a wider range of diseases and comprises death and total permanent disability coverage. Cancer Insurance, on the other hand, has a minimal death benefit in addition to cancer cover.
It’s good to bear in mind that Cancer Insurance plans have simplified health declaration. An individual with a pre-existing condition will not be able to purchase a Critical Illness plan but will have the possibility of getting a Cancer Insurance plan.
Cancer Insurance also has a more affordable premium than Critical Illness plans. The latter typically does not cover early stage cancer unless opted in with an additional rider.

No, the policy does not accumulate any cash value or bonuses. The plan solely provides cancer coverage.