How Health Insurance Can Protect You Against Breast Cancer’s Financial Shock

Every October, the pink ribbon becomes a reminder not only of awareness but also of the harsh reality many women face, the financial shock that often follows a breast cancer diagnosis. While medical advances have improved survival rates, the cost of treatment in India continues to rise sharply, which may catch many families off guard.

Siddharth Singhal, Business Head of Health Insurance at Policybazaar.com, says the financial impact remains substantial. “The cost of oncology treatment in major cities can range anywhere between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 25 lakh, depending on the stage and duration of care,” he points out.

For many families, that figure can wipe out years of savings or push them into debt. A firm health insurance policy can help absorb much of such financial strain.

What does health insurance cover when it comes to breast cancer?

Today, most comprehensive plans cover hospitalisation, chemotherapy, and surgery, which are the three pillars of breast cancer treatment.

Beyond that, many insurers have begun expanding their coverage to include preventive and post-treatment support.

Moreover, many plans now include annual health check-ups and mammogram screenings to encourage early detection, which can make all the difference in treatment outcomes.

For those undergoing treatment, add-on covers can help manage the smaller but recurring costs that pile up. Riders such as critical illness benefits offer a lump-sum payout upon diagnosis, allowing patients to use the money for non-medical expenses or to replace lost income.

Consumables cover items like gloves, syringes, and PPE kits that standard policies often exclude.

At the time of buying health insurance, one should check whether the plan also offers OPD benefits, covers consultations and follow-up treatments including the medicines needed after chemotherapy or surgery.

Breast cancer care, however, is not limited to hospitals and medicines; its recovery involves physical therapy, emotional support, and long-term rehabilitation. A few insurers now recognise this and include coverage for counselling or therapy sessions that help patients and families cope with the emotional stress of treatment.

Many plans may not automatically cover physical or occupational therapy; it’s better to check if these are covered in comprehensive policies.

However, coverage is not the only thing one needs to be concerned about. A good policy with expansive cancer coverage should also have a sufficient sum insured to handle the steep costs of treatment in private hospitals.

Policies with shorter waiting periods and unlimited coverage could be better but one must note any sub limits and exclusions for full protection. For those who already have a standard health policy, adding a critical illness rider can be a practical way to enhance coverage without buying a separate plan.

Who should check breast cancer coverage in plans?

Women who may have a family history of breast cancer should be proactive to check up on its coverage.

In fact, regular screenings after the age of 40, or earlier if advised by a doctor, can catch the disease in its initial stages, where treatment is less invasive and less expensive.

Singhal adds that early planning plays a major role in reducing financial distress. “Buying the right insurance at the right time safeguards a family from the shock that follows such diagnoses. It ensures treatment continuity without forcing people to liquidate their savings or take loans,” he says.