Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, resulting in almost 10 million deaths. In India alone, there are more than 1 million cancer patients[1]. Common types of this disease are blood cancer, lung cancer, mouth cancer, and breast cancer. One of the major types, which is also difficult to operate on, is brain cancer. Tumours formed in the brain region can have long-term consequences on a person’s body. While your health insurance plan is equipped to cover cancer treatment, does it cover the cost of treatment of a brain tumour? Continue reading to find out about it.
What is a brain tumour?
In medical terms, a tumour is defined as a mass of tissue or a lump which has been formed due to abnormal growth of tissues. The rapid multiplication of cells in your body can cause tumours. Tumours can be of two types: benign, i.e., non-cancerous, and malignant, i.e., cancerous. While benign tumours do not spread to the other parts of your body, malignant tumours do. Early detection of such tumours is importantas treating them at a later stage can be complicated. If left untreated, they can do irreparable damage to your brain and its functioning. *
Are brain tumours treatable?
Yes, brain tumours are treatable. If detected early on, it is easily treatable with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, if detected at a later stage, the only option is undergoing surgery toremove the tumour entirely, which is risky. *
Is a brain tumour covered by medical insurance?
Your medical insurance plan does indeed cover the treatment of brain tumours. However, this coverage is provided in case surgery is required to remove the tumour. The expenses covered include hospitalisation, tests, ICU room charges, pre-hospitalisation, and post-hospitalisation charges. If any additional expenses are incurred while the surgery is ongoing, those expenses may be covered as well. *
However, it is important to note that if the tumour is found to be benign, its treatment will be covered under critical illness insurance. This type of insurance compensates with a lump sum amount that you can use to cover the expenses related to the treatment of the tumour. Do read thedocuments carefully to understand the coverage related to the treatment of the tumour. *
Is there a waiting period?
Most health insurance policies come with a waiting period of 30 days.* This means you will have to wait till the cooling period is over before you raise a claim. If a claim is raised during the waiting period, your insurer reserves the right to reject your claim. * Make sure the claim is filled only after the waiting period is over to get compensated.
If you opt for a critical illness insurance policy, the waiting period might be more than a regular health plan. This period is usually for 90 days. Read the policy document carefully. These plans also come with a 30-day survival period, wherein if the patient passes away immediately after the claim has been, the insurer is not required to pay any compensation. *
Conclusion
As you can see, brain tumoursare indeed covered by medical insurance. It is always better to discuss with your insurance advisor to see which policy is suitable for you. If you are looking to buy one, you can use the health insurance premium calculator to get price quotes based on your requirement.
Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
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