A new cancer is usually covered after the 30-day wait, but some plans put it on a waiting list. Treatment limits, restoration, and options for survivors.
Is cancer covered by health insurance?
Yes, in a normal health policy, for a cancer first diagnosed after you buy. The details decide how much is paid and when.
Is cancer covered in the first year?
In many plans, yes, after the 30-day initial wait. Niva Bupa's wordings, for example, cover cancer after the 30 days. But check the listed-illness waits in your plan: some include cancer.
Chemo, radiotherapy and newer treatments
- Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are usually paid as day care procedures, without a 24-hour stay.
- Newer treatments, such as oral chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies, are often sub-limited. Star Comprehensive links these limits to the sum insured.
- Some home care benefits include IV chemotherapy at home, such as Star Young Star's.
Long treatment and restoration
Cancer treatment can use up a sum insured. A restoration benefit refills it after a claim. Check whether the refill can be used for the same illness: some wordings allow it, others only for a different illness. Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0 is one plan to compare on this.
If you were treated for cancer before
Declare it. A past cancer is a pre-existing disease, and many insurers will decline or exclude it. Cancer-specific plans exist: Star Cancer Care Platinum is designed for people diagnosed with cancer. Its pre-existing wait is 30 months, including for cancer, and an optional lump-sum benefit pays 50% of the sum insured for recurrence, spread or a second cancer, after a 30-month wait.
A lump sum alongside
A health policy pays bills. Critical illness cover pays a fixed amount on diagnosis, which helps with income loss and travel during long treatment. Note that early-stage cancers are often outside its definition. See critical illness cover vs health insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is cancer covered in a normal health insurance policy?
Yes, for a cancer first diagnosed after you buy, usually after the 30-day initial wait. Some plans put cancer on a listed-illness wait, such as Care Freedom (24 months).
Is cancer surgery paid in the first year?
In many plans, yes, after the first 30 days. Check your plan's listed-illness waiting list to see whether cancer is on it.
Can a cancer survivor buy health insurance?
It is harder. Declare the history. Cancer-specific plans such as Star Cancer Care Platinum are designed for people diagnosed with cancer, with a 30-month pre-existing wait.