Cancer Insurance

 Do You Need Insurance Against Cancer

What is Cancer Insurance? 
Cancer insurance is a type of supplemental insurance policy that helps to reduce the cost of cancer treatment. It is not designed to replace a traditional health insurance policy, but to compliment it by covering additional cancer expenses that may not be covered by one's current policy.

To be eligible for cancer insurance, you cannot have a pre-existing cancerous condition. For example, you cannot have been diagnosed with uterine cancer and then apply for a policy. In most cases, people who have previously been diagnosed and treated for cancer are ineligible for coverage, also.

What Does Cancer Insurance Cover? 
Coverage varies based on the provider and policy details, but most plans cover both medical and non-medical expenses. Medical expenses can include co-pays, extended hospital stays, medical tests, procedures like stem cell transplants and other disease specific treatments, and more. Non-medical expenses can include home health care, loss of income benefits, child care expenses, and dietary restriction aids.

Before purchasing a cancer insurance plan, it is important that you understand what is covered in the policy. You should also compare the benefits to your current health insurance plan to see if there is any overlap in coverage. There is no sense in buying a cancer insurance policy if your current policy covers the same events.

Do You Need a Cancer Insurance Plan? 
There is a lot of debate about disease specific health insurance plans, like cancer insurance. Some people firmly support them, while others believe that these are "junk plans" are rarely needed. Here are some points to consider when thinking about buying a cancer insurance plan:
What is your cancer risk? 
Do you have a strong, familial history of cancer? If so, cancer insurance may make sense for you. Those with a strong family history of cancer may want to take a look at their current policy and see how cancer insurance may compliment their current policy.
Before You Buy  
Before you sign your name on the dotted line of cancer insurance policy, shop around. Many plans are available and comparing them is highly recommended. This includes shopping around for other types of plans like disability insurance which may be a better option for you than cancer protection.