5 Best Cancer Plans in India, 2023 – Check Top Plans, Benefits & Exclusions

Cancer as a disease brings devastation not only to the patient but to the loved ones too. And it is not just the genes that make one susceptible to it; there are other contributing risk factors, making it completely unpredictable. Over the years, research confirms that even the healthiest of individuals are falling prey to this lethal disease. Hence, the need for cancer insurance plans is evident to mitigate the financial burden of treatment and get comprehensive care to give this disease a tough fight.

What is a Cancer Insurance Plan?

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases, with a skyrocketing treatment cost. Cancer treatment expenses are so exorbitant that ordinary individuals find it challenging to afford them. A cancer health policy is an insurance plan that allows coverage to the policyholder against this lethal disease. Hence, if the insured individual is diagnosed with cancer, the insurer pays out an amount in a lump sum to get the treatment started.

These plans of health insurance for cancer patients allow high coverage at affordable rates if the insured is diagnosed with the illness during the policy tenure. Most cancer care insurance plans are long-term plans that cover an individual for up to 40 to 50 years.

Eligibility Criteria for Cancer Insurance Plans in India

Below are the basic eligibility criteria for most cancer plans in general:

• Entry age minimum – 18 years
• Entry age maximum – 65 years
• Sum Assured – Ranges from 5 lakhs, 10 lakhs, 20 lakhs, 50 lakhs, 1 crore and 2 crores, etc.
• NCB or No Claim Bonus – Available
• Tax Benefits – Available

Top 5 Cancer Plans in India

Below are some of the best cancer insurance plans available in India in 2023:

Plan Name	Entry age	Waiting period	Features
HDFC iCan Cancer	18 years and above	4 months of initial waiting period from policy inception	Covers modern treatment Covers second opinions Covers follow-up care etc.
Care Cancer Mediclaim	Min. – 5 years Max. – 50 years	90 days of an initial waiting period	Annual healthcare Chemo and radiotherapy cover Air ambulance cover etc.
Aditya Birla Cancer Secure Insurance	Min. – 18 years Max. – 65 years	90 days of an initial waiting period	Up to 150% of cancer care cover No Claim Bonus Pays in a lump sum
New India Cancer Guard Policy	Min. – 3 months Max. – 65 years	30 days	SI up to 50 lakhs Avail cancer care benefit 58 daycare procedures covered etc.
Raheja QBE Cancer Insurance	Min. – 1 day Max. – 70 years	30 days initial waiting period	SI up to INR 10 lakh available Diagnostic investigation covered No exit age feature etc.

Why Do I Need a Cancer Special Insurance Policy?

Cancer is not only the deadliest disease of the present times, but it is a disease with the costliest treatment available. Hence, cancer requires special attention and a special cancer policy. Here are some points which make it essential for everyone to stay covered under a cancer plan.

• A cancer plan allows coverage against cancer of all types and at all stages
• Most cancer policies allow waiver of premium option wherein the insurance premium is waived off if the insured is diagnosed with cancer
• A best cancer insurance plan allows the patient the liberty to choose the preferred hospital and the best doctor to get treatment
• These policies help individuals to get good and expensive treatment without spending much from their pocket
• Most of these policies allow dual benefits of lump sum payment as well as regular income if diagnosed with cancer in the critical stage

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Difference between Cancer plans and Critical illness Health Insurance Plans

Here are some key differences between cancer and critical illness plans:

Points of Difference	Cancer Insurance	Critical Illness
Meaning	The policy offers a lump sum amount to the insured as per the diagnosis of the cancer	This plan offers a claim amount if diagnosed with a critical illness mentioned under the plan
Coverage	Covers cancer of different types	Covers critical illnesses listed under the plan
Cancer stages	Covers cancer in all stages	Most plans cover only advanced stages of cancer
Policy tenure	Up to 40 years	Up to 50 years

Things to Consider Before Buying Cancer Plans

When buying a health insurance plan, you consider some crucial aspects before purchasing. Similarly, while buying a cancer plan, there are specific points to take note of:

1. Consider the CSR or Claim Settlement Ratio:

The first thing to consider is the Claim Settlement Ratio of the insurance company because the CSR indicates the number of claims settled by the insurer from the ones that the company received

2. Consider the terms of Payout:

Each cancer insurance policy might have its unique terms of pay-out depending on the diagnosis stage. Thus, it is important to read the pay-out terms and conditions and choose a plan that suits you best

3. Consider the terms of coverage:

It is also important to consider the terms of coverage of the cancer insurance plans. The plans that offer longer terms are more favorable as they cover you for a longer tenure

4. Consider the Premium to be paid

Another significant thing to consider is your premium. It is crucial to choose plans with pocket-friendly and affordable premiums. Look out for plans offered by renowned insurers that give comprehensive coverage at a reasonable premium price

Benefits of Cancer Insurance Plans

Here are some benefits of investing in a cancer insurance plan:

• These plans cover cancer treatment in all the stages of the illness
• The cancer plans allow the patient to stay stress-free during the tenure of the treatment
• The insured receive a lump sum payment if diagnosed with the disease, which helps them to start the treatment soon
• There are many Cancer health plans allowing premium waiver facilities under which the insurer waives the premium of the plan in case the insured is diagnosed with the disease
• The cancer insurance plans allow tax benefits under the income tax act of India
• Further, these plans come with several benefits such as enhanced sum assured, premium discount, NCB, etc.

All such above-mentioned and other benefits are reasons enough for individuals to buy cancer insurance policies and stay covered under such plans.

Exclusions of Cancer Health Insurance Plans

Since cancer insurance plans are meant explicitly for cancer treatments, they come with specific exclusions such as:

• These plans exclude treatment of congenital conditions
• They exclude coverage against pre-existing diseases
• They exclude treatment of diseases caused by intoxication of alcohol and other such substances
• They exclude treatment of conditions caused by nuclear reactions or chemical and biological contaminations, etc.

Documents Required to Avail Benefits of Cancer Plans 

You would be required to submit the below documents to raise a cancer plan claim:

• ID proof
• Age proof
• Medical reports
• Diagnostic reports
• Any other report asked by the insurer

Popular Health Insurance Companies 2023

To Conclude 

Health insurance plans offer several benefits to policyholders. Since there is a rise in the number of cancer cases, people need to invest in cancer plans to secure themselves financially against the treatment expenses of the disease. Buy cancer insurance online to get better deals at economical prices.

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