Rising cancer treatment costs increase financial exposure in India, finds Care Health Insurance

On World Cancer Awareness Day, Care Health Insurance highlights the growing financial strain in cancer care across India. Its claims data reveal that cancer treatment is prolonged and costs a significant amount that can push patients and families.

The claims analysis shows that cancer treatment costs are rising sharply, with early-stage treatment typically costing ₹5–7 lakh per case, while high-complexity and advanced cancers can push expenses to ₹20–30 lakh per treatment, depending on disease progression, care intensity, treatment protocol and period of treatment. This is particularly relevant in the context of the Union Budget 2026, which reinforces a renewed focus on affordable cancer care and reduced financial burden on patients.

Commenting on the emerging trends, Manish Dodeja, Chief Operating Officer, Care Health Insurance, said, “Cancer treatment is not only medically complex but also involves prolonged and multi-stage care pathways, often extending over several months.”

The findings show that cancer treatment journeys are long and multi-phased, often extending over several months. Patients typically file multiple claims across different stages of care. While chemotherapy and radiotherapy are largely covered as day-care procedures, hospitalisation requirements vary based on treatment complexity, with lengths of stay ranging from three days to as long as twenty days.

The analysis also indicates that financial exposure may differ for different cancer types. Claims related to breast cancer, oral cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and blood cancers, along with advanced pancreatic and liver cancers and among others consistently record varying claim values and have incidences of coverage limit breaches where the Sum Insured was low, resulting in increased out-of-pocket expenses.

Based on observed claims experience, health coverage adequacy is emerging as a critical gap, with the analysis indicating that a minimum sum insured of ₹15-25 lakh is increasingly required to adequately cover comprehensive cancer treatment, particularly in cases involving advanced-stage disease or prolonged care pathways.

Moreover, having comprehensive coverage plays a key role in reducing financial stress during cancer treatment. Higher sum insured, no-claim bonus benefits, absence of sub-limits, access to a comprehensive, cashless healthcare provider network, and critical illness specific covers significantly help in lowering out-of-pocket expenses and supporting continuity of care.

Manish further added, “This sustained and multi-stage care often translates into prolonged financial pressure for patients and their families. As treatment approaches evolve, and become more accessible over time, it is important for consumers to periodically reassess their Health Insurance coverage to ensure it provides adequate financial security through the course of care.