Some Unknown Facts to Reduce Cancer Treatment Costs in India
Updated On Dec 09, 2020
Tips to reduce cancer treatment cost: Only 27% of people have adequate health insurance plans in India, as per the joint report of KPMG and FICCI. So, they're unable to bear the costs of cancer treatment in India.
If we go by the data released by KPMG and FICCI, a large section of people from the mammoth population lives without any financial support when they undergo cancer treatment. Especially when people are living ever-changing and complex lifestyle.
Read on to know how you can reduce the cost of cancer treatment in India.
Buy a Cancer-Specific Insurance Policy
Health insurance is important. In fact, health insurance is designed to make sure the policyholder is not financially stressed when an emergency strikes.
Without health insurance, you’re responsible for paying 100% of medical expenses from your own pockets. Due to expensive medical costs of cancer treatment, the hospital bill may lead you to bankruptcy.
Instead, if you have a cancer-specific Insurance policy, you’ll get a lumpsum amount from your insurance company in case of cancer.
Look for Doctors And Hospitals
The number of hospitals or health care centres running in India is almost huge. Every hospital and doctor charges a different consultation fee. Since you have no health insurance policy, it’s important to know which doctor or hospital in your vicinity charges average fee.
Remember that not every hospital or doctor has the capability to handle every medical case of cancer. So, you have to be very careful in choosing a hospital when you’re diagnosed with cancer.
Ask for Lower Rates
Let the doctor or the hospital know that you are not financial strong. It may be that they charge you lower. Also, choose to pay expenses in advance. Maybe (though it’s hardly possible) the hospital or the doctor you have chosen can be ready to treat you at lower rates. There are doctors that can charge lower if you pay for the treatment in advance.
Save On Medicines
When your doctor gives you a prescription, ask him or her for free medicine samples. Doctors have a countless number of samples available for cancer patients. In addition, you can ask the doctor to prescribe you generic versions of the medication, which cost you lower.
Additionally, look for discounts at a pharmacy. Many medical stores in India are committed to offering heavy discounts on medicines. You can avail up to 50% discounts.
Saving Account For Medicines
Since you don’t have health insurance, you should ensure every possible way to be able to pay medical expenses at the time of requirement. For this, set up a saving account to cover your medical expenses. It is advisable to save a minimum of Rs. 3,000 a month so that you can cover the costs of doctor’s bills and medications.
However, if you are diagnosed with a critical illness like cancer, you may be forced to borrow money from someone or apply for a personal loan. The situation will reach from worse to worst if you don’t arrange money to deal with any medical emergency.
Get Treatment At a Government Hospital
Getting cancer treatment at a government hospital instead of a private one is a better option. While getting treatment in a government hospital is hectic, the treatment costs of cancer would be minimal and you can afford it.
However, it is important to note that unlike in a private hospital, you may hardly get proper treatment and the world-class service in public hospitals.
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Recommendation
Money is not everything. Your health is above it. So, consiering the above points can lead to reducing the cancer treatment costs in India.
To get assistance regarding saving on cancer treatment costs or buying a suitable health insurance policy for cancer. Dial 1800-1205-698. Our experts will be happy to help you.
