Brain Tumour Can Be Life-Threatening And Costly To Cure: Here Is How Insurance Can Help

Sunday, 8th June, was World Brain Tumour Day. A brain tumour, perhaps, can lead to fatal consequences if left untreated or is not successfully treated. Treatment can be complex and expensive. However, health insurance can come to the rescue. In India, brain tumours are a significant health concern. 40,000 to 50,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, according to Medica Hospital.

Most indemnity health insurance policies cover both malignant and benign brain tumours. They cover hospitalisation, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and other treatments, as well as medical expenses up to the sum insured. “However, it is recommended to opt for a critical illness policy, as it provides a lump sum amount after the diagnosis of the covered disease, supporting the policyholder financially. The expenses associated with such critical illnesses are higher and recurring, and a standard health insurance policy with a limited sum insured may be inadequate. As a result, one may have to pay out of pocket,” says Bhaskar Nerurkar, head- health administration team, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance. 

“Most of the comprehensive health plans cover treatment for both malignant (cancerous) as well as benign (non-cancerous) brain tumours, however, it is suggested to check the policy documents in advance to understand the level of coverage and the conditions (if any) associated with the plan,” says Sarita Joshi - Head of Health and Life Insurance at Probus.

The cost of brain tumour treatment can range anywhere between Rs 3 lakh to Rs 10 lakh or even more. However, this cost completely depends on the type of hospital, the complexity or surgery type, and the recovery needs post-surgery. If you have opted for a health insurance plan from a reliable insurer, there is a high chance that most of these treatment costs would be covered up to the sum insured.

Post Operative Care 

A standard health insurance policy or a critical illness plan usually covers treatment up to the sum insured. In the case of a standard health insurance policy, it provides coverage for hospitalisation and treatments related to the illness up to the sum insured. Furthermore, many plans offer restoration benefits whereby the sum assured is restored within the same year. “It means when the policy is renewed, a similar sum insured is available for payment. In the case of a critical illness plan, it provides a lump sum amount as per the sum insured upon diagnosis of a covered disease. One can use the lump-sum amount for the payout of post-surgery therapies. Otherwise, one can opt for add-ons such as OPD and rehab benefits separately at the time of purchasing the policy. They provide benefits such as diagnostic investigations, emotional wellness services, etc. One should opt for dedicated rehabilitation insurance with extended care benefits if post-surgery rehabilitation is a priority,” says Nerurkar. 

Depending on where the tumour is located and how complex it is, it may require one to undergo physical therapy, speech therapy or other forms of therapy. Regular follow-ups, medication, and emotional support are also important in the recovery process.

However, one needs to remember that basic plans may not include coverage for rehab or home therapies. However, certain advanced or top-up plans might include the cost of physiotherapy, counselling, or rehab sessions. Having said that, it's best to check if these are covered or need to be added as extras with the insurer during the time of policy purchase.

Further, health plans alone may not cover income loss. “A separate disability insurance or critical illness plan would be apt in such cases that would give a lump sum payout, helping you manage expenses if you're unable to work,” says Joshi.