The high incidence of cancer means that you or someone in your family may develop cancer at some point. And while your health insurance policy may cover a portion of physician, hospital, cancer therapy or prescription drug bills, it probably doesn’t cover them in full.
And your insurance isn’t likely to touch the other major costs of cancer, including loss of income, transportation, childcare, housekeeping and home nursing expenses. If you or another family member is unable to fulfill his or her usual responsibilities while ill, your family and your family’s finances could suffer greatly.
What it covers
Cancer Insurance provides benefits in addition to your other medical or disability insurance. Here are some of the major benefits a supplemental cancer insurance policy might provide. (Cancer insurance policies can differ, so read your policy’s explanation of benefits carefully.)
First occurrence payment. This flat dollar amount is paid the first time you are ever diagnosed with cancer and can be used for whatever you need. Anywhere from $1000 to $50,000.
Hospital confinement. Pays a daily dollar amount for each day you must stay in the hospital.
Diagnostic testing and drugs. Pays an additional dollar amount for drugs and testing related to cancer treatment while you are in the hospital
Surgeon or physician. Pays a daily dollar amount for the services of an attending doctor or surgeon while in the hospital.
Private nursing. Pays a daily dollar amount for the services of a private nurse (if required) while in the hospital.
Patient transportation. Pays the cost of transportation by plane, train or bus if you must travel to receive treatment.
Family transportation and lodging. If you must travel a long distance for treatment, pays for a family member to accompany you and stay nearby.
Nursing facility or hospice. Pays a daily dollar amount for staying in a nursing care facility or hospice.
Surgical procedures. Pays a scheduled dollar amount for surgery related to diagnosing and treating cancer. Anesthesia benefits are also available.
Cancer therapies. Pays a daily dollar amount for radiation, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, blood products and anti-nausea medication.
Who needs it?
You may not need cancer insurance, but you might want to consider this supplemental coverage. You should think about purchasing cancer insurance if:You have a family history of cancer. (Although, if you’ve already been diagnosed with cancer in the past, you probably won’t qualify for coverage. You don’t have enough in savings to pay medical bills your regular health insurance won’t cover. You are your family’s sole wage earner. You are concerned about protecting your family’s financial assets.
What are the issue ages?
You must be 18-79 in most states.
Are there waiting periods?
In most states there is a 30 day waiting period from the date of issue before any benefits will be payable. This is common in cancer insurance policies
I currently have cancer or have had cancer in the past, will I still get coverage?
If you currently have cancer or have had cancer within the past 10 years, you will most likely be denied coverage. If you have only had a minor skin cancer, you may still be able to get coverage. Talk to us further about your situation and we will be able to let you know if coverage will be accepted.
I currently smoke, will that affect my price or coverage?
No. There is no price difference if you smoke and you are eligible for coverage.
Do you offer Lump Sum Cancer Policies?
Yes, we offer both Lump Sum polices that pay large benefits upfront as well as indemnity policies that payout over the course of treatment.
I currently have health insurance will this affect my coverage?
Not at all. Cancer Insurance is designed to help supplement any medical coverage you currently have. Whether you use the money to pay deductibles associated with your medical insurance or for expenses medical insurance does not cover such as the mortgage payment, the money you receive is yours to do whatever you see fit to make ends meet.
