How to Find Financial Help for Cancer Treatment

While dealing with a terminal disease like cancer is an immense challenging and devastating experience, many patients and their families feel added stress in figuring out how to afford the treatment. In most cases, covering the cost of cancer treatment in India often becomes an immense financial burden.

But there is still hope. Various financial support systems and schemes are available to ease the burden on cancer patients. Once you or any of your family members are diagnosed with cancer by a good cancer doctor in India, you may need this financial assistance, including government and non-governmental support.

If you, your family member or any of your acquaintances are struggling with the cost of cancer treatment, here is a guide on various financial help for cancer treatment in India.

Government’s Schemes for Cancer Patients

Both central and state governments offer one of several schemes and supports for cancer patients to ease the financial load during their course of treatment. Some of these key schemes for economically disadvantaged cancer patients are –

1. Ayushman Bharat (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana - PMJAY)

It provides free treatment for around 50 crore Indians from underprivileged families for various diseases, including cancer. As one of the largest health insurance schemes in India, the scheme can cover up to Rs.500,000 per family per year.

Before you start your treatment from a reputable cancer doctor in Noida, you can check whether your treatment is eligible for this government scheme.

2. Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF)

The PMNRF offers financial support for indigent Indian citizens to treat major diseases, including cancer at Government/PMNRF-enlisted hospitals to partially defray the expenses for medical treatment.

Once an applicant asks for financial assistance addressed to the Prime Minister, they may be granted disbursement from the government based on the availability of the funds.

3. Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) under Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN)

Financial assistance is also available for poor patients suffering from cancer under the Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF). Once a lump sum amount of Rs 100 crore has been put in a fixed deposit. The interest earned from the deposit is utilized for this financial support.

4. Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant (HMDG)

A financially backward cancer patient can get financial aid up to Rs. 50,000/- under the Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant to pay the expenditure of their treatment and hospitalization where free medical facilities are not available.

5. National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP)

NCCP initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provides funding for different cancer-related initiatives, including early detection, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care to reduce cancer incidence and mortality.

6. State-Specific Health Schemes

Many Indian states have introduced their own health schemes or cancer treatment support programmes for the residents of the states under certain terms and conditions. Moreover, some states also provide the Chief Minister’s relief fund for needy individuals for their treatment of cancer.

7. Delhi Arogya Kosh

Cancer patients residing in Delhi for the last 3 years can be eligible to receive financial assistance of up to Rs. 5 lacs. The annual income of these patients should be under Rs 3 lacs. They can be treated by the cancer doctor in Delhi and any government hospital run by the Delhi Government or Central Government.

NGOs and Charitable Organizations

Along with the Government, numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also provide financial support for cancer patients once this disease is diagnosed by a reliable oncologist in Noida or any other part of India. Some of these NGOs are –

· Indian Cancer Society

This NGO has been working on awareness, detection, treatment and cure for cancer-affected patients since 1951. The ICS Cure Fund provides financial support for treating financially backward cancer patients.

· Tata Trusts

The Tata Medical Centre, under the Tata Trusts, supports a Cancer Aid Society to help financially disadvantaged cancer patients to be treated in their premium cancer hospitals.

· The Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA)

The CPAA is another leading NGO for providing financial help to cancer patients. From financial aid for cancer treatment to encompassing awareness, counselling and rehabilitation, they provide all-inclusive support services for needy patients and their families.

Crowdfunding and Online Fundraising Platforms

Crowdfunding is an effective way of raising money from willing individuals for cancer treatment. Suppose, you or someone you know is diagnosed with cancer by a cancer Doctor in Noida or any other place. You can use online platforms to share your stories and request financial help from well-wishers and strangers. Some popular crowdfunding platforms are –

Keto
Milaap
GiveIndia
GoFundMe

Health Insurance

Another effective way to cover the expensive cancer treatment costs is opting for health insurance. Most prominent insurance companies offer cancer-specific coverage under health policies. Once you visit Dr Manish Singhal, the best oncologist in Delhi NCR, make sure to check with your health insurance provider if your plan covers the type of cancer being diagnosed and the treatment plans.

Here are some famous health insurance companies offering cancer coverage –

Star Health and Allied Insurance
HDFC ERGO Health Insurance
Max Bupa Health Insurance
ICICI Lombard Health Insurance
Religare Health Insurance

Final Thought

If you or a loved one is struggling with cancer, don’t hesitate to reach out to any of these organizations, including the Government and NGOs for financial support.

For patient-centric cancer treatment, visit Cancer Consult India (CCI), based in New Delhi and get treated by Dr Manish Singhal, the best oncologist in Delhi NCR with the right diagnosis, personalized treatment and recovery procedures.