Health Insurance for Cancer

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Updated 14/08/2023
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Significantly updated with more in depth information on what cancer treatments are covered and under which policy types.
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Written by

Mel Basta

Updated 14/08/2023

What changed?

Significantly updated with more in depth information on what cancer treatments are covered and under which policy types.
Our aim is to help you make better informed decisions. That’s why iSelect’s content is produced in accordance with our fact-checking and editorial guidelines.

Edited by

Laura Crowden

Find out more about how we make money.

View our Privacy Policy.

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I need cover for…

What are my treatment options?
Can I get treated through Medicare?
What extra benefits might I get from Private Health Insurance?
Which Health Insurance policies cover cancer treatment?
Does Health Insurance cover all types of cancer treatments?
What are complementary therapies used for?
Do waiting periods apply for cancer treatment?
What if cancer is a pre-existing condition?
How do I limit my Health Insurance expenses?
Where can I compare Hospital Cover policies?

If you require cancer treatment, it’s important you know what’s covered by Private Health Insurance, and what isn’t. Every policy is different, and every cancer treatment plan is unique, so this is one case where the fine print really does matter. 

What are my treatment options? 

Treating cancer can be more expensive than you might expect. Some people will rely on Medicare and the public system alone, while others, use a combination of Medicare and the private health system through their Private Health Insurance. 

Here’s what each one offers: 

Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) 

The Australian Government provides financial support for some treatments under Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).  

When it comes to cancer treatment, Medicare can cover in-hospital care, diagnostic testing and imaging, and some of the costs of GP and specialist visits.1Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – What Medicare covers

Private Health Insurance 

Private Health Insurance generally covers you for part, or all, of the costs of being a private patient receiving cancer treatment in a private or a public hospital, depending on your level of cover.  

It doesn’t mean your private hospital stays are free, but it does mean you can choose your preferred cancer specialist and the hospital you’ll be treated at, and your policy may also cover the cost of a single room.2Victoria State Government Department of Health, Better Health Channel – Hospital costs and payments

Can I get treated through Medicare? 

Depending on your needs, you may or may not need more than one type of treatment.  

While Medicare can cover hospital care, diagnostic testing and imaging, some of the costs of GP and specialist visits,3Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – What Medicare covers there are limits to what Medicare covers in regard to cancer treatment.  

If chemotherapy, radiotherapy and drugs such as antinauseants and immunostimulants are being used as part of your cancer treatment, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) might reduce or cover the cost of prescribed medications.4Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme – Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy Program

With certain medications or services provided outside of hospitals, there may be a ‘gap’ or an amount you have to cover yourself.5Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – Out of pocket costs Always ask your health provider about these costs ahead of time so that you’re prepared for the bill. 

What extra benefits might I get from Private Health Insurance? 

Depending on your level of cover, private Health Insurance may also cover you for out-of-hospital services, which is also known as Extras or Ancillary Insurance.  

For most people, that means physio, optical and the annual dentist visit, but for cancer patients, it can also include services like home nursing, assistance with travel and accommodation, psychology, occupational therapy, dietician advice, post-operative medical/health aids, and assisted living programs.  The services that you may be able to claim will vary depending on your Health Insurance provider and the level of cover you hold.  

As a private patient, you may need to pay extra fees including doctors’ charges, hospital accommodation, pharmaceuticals, theatre fees, prostheses and so on.6As above

Generally, the higher the premium you pay, the fewer additional costs you’ll be likely to deal with. 

Which Health Insurance policies cover cancer treatment? 

Hospital treatments are typically categorised into Basic, Bronze, Silver and Gold policies.  

As a cancer patient, you may require treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, all of which are typically included in Bronze, Silver and Gold Health Insurance policies.7Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – Private health insurance reforms, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Basic product tiers, page 2.

However, out-of-pocket costs for specialist’s fees may also be payable if your specialist charges more than the Medicare Benefits Schedule fee and your insurer only covers a part of the remaining payment.8As above. 

Does Health Insurance cover all types of cancer treatments? 

You may be considering complementary therapies as part of your cancer treatment. These types of therapies include mind-body practices, body-based practices, energy therapies, and herbal remedies.9Cancer Council – Understanding Complementary Therapies, page 8-9.

These types of therapies are not covered by Medicare or the PBS, nor are they typically covered by Private Health Insurance,10As above, page 28. so you’ll need to consider the costs of these therapies if you’re considering using them. 

While Private Health Insurance generally won’t cover the costs of remedies and supplements in complementary therapies, some health funds may offer a rebate on a consultation with a complementary therapist.11As above. 

What are complementary therapies used for?

Complementary therapies are not part of standard medical care, but they may help you manage the effects of cancer and its treatment alongside standard medical care.12Australian Government, Cancer Australia – Complementary therapies

This type of therapy may help you cope with the emotional consequences of cancer diagnosis and treatment, but it shouldn’t replace standard medical treatment by your doctors and specialists. 

If you decide to engage with a complementary therapy for cancer treatment, it’s recommended that you tell your doctors as it may affect how your medical treatment works.13As above.

Do waiting periods apply for cancer treatment? 

Waiting periods typically apply for all Health Insurance policies.  Generally, a waiting period of 2 months applies to any new conditions that commence after you take out your cover.14Privatehealth.gov.au – Waiting Periods

However, if you’ve already noticed signs or symptoms or have visited a doctor in relation to a possible cancer diagnosis, you may need to wait 12 months before you could make any cancer related claims.  This is because your condition would be regarded as pre-existing.15As Above 

There is usually no waiting period if you need hospital treatment because of an accident that happens after you start your policy.16As Above  An accident is defined as an injury that occurred unintentionally or unexpectedly.17Privatehealth.gov.au – Glossary While cancer is of course unintentional and unexpected, it doesn’t classify as an accident and therefore waiting periods will apply. 

If you’re transferring from one health fund to another, or between policies that are the same or a lower level of cover, the waiting periods you’ve already served will usually transfer across with you.  Therefore, if you already served the waiting period for cancer treatment on your existing policy and you move to a new policy, you usually won’t need to re-serve the waiting period.18Commonwealth Ombudsman – Private Health Insurance, The Right to Change (page 4).   

What if cancer is a pre-existing condition? 

Under the Private Health Insurance Act 2007, health insurers may impose a 12-month waiting period on benefits for hospital treatment for pre-existing conditions.19Commonwealth Ombudsman – The Pre-Existing Conditions Rule 

This means that if you had any signs or symptoms of any ailment, illness or condition within six months before the day on which your Health Insurance policy begins, then you would be required to wait up to a maximum of 12 months for hospital treatment.20As above. This applies to new policyholders and policyholders who upgrade their policy to a higher level of cover.21As above.

Exceptions to the pre-existing condition rule include psychiatric care, rehabilitation and palliative care, which have a two-month waiting period, regardless of whether they are pre-existing or new conditions.22Commonwealth Ombudsman – The Pre-Existing Conditions Rule  

How do I limit my Health Insurance expenses? 

Medical expenses can quickly add up following a cancer diagnosis. Here are some practical things you can do to keep on top of your expenses if you’re using private Health Insurance for cancer treatment: 

  • Contact your health fund before you receive treatment to find out exactly what they cover and what you’ll have to pay for yourself, and if there are any associated waiting periods you need to serve. 
  • Understand what it means if your insurance policy has restrictions or exclusions. It may mean you’re not covered for things you might assume are included. 
  • Find out if your preferred hospital or specialist has an arrangement with your health insurer so you don’t face avoidable out-of-pocket expenses. You might even decide to change where you go for treatment based on this information. 
  • Ask your doctor for a written estimate of costs and find out how long you’ll have to pay for any extra costs, or if you’ll need to arrange a payment plan. 
  • Read any letters or brochures from your health insurer; they can make changes to your policy, so it’s a good idea to stay informed. 
  • Make any claims with your insurer as soon as possible so there’s no delay on your rebates. 

Where can I compare Hospital Cover policies? 

Choosing a suitable level of private Health Insurance may increase your comfort during your cancer treatment and help to lighten your financial load in the long run.  

It’s important to research your policy options carefully to choose the policy that best suits you. 

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