Choosing the Right Insurance Health Plan in Case of Breast Cancer: Hear from Our Experts

October is a great time to raise awareness for breast cancer from every possible aspect.  Whether it is getting yourself regularly, booking that much postponed mammogram, or even checking for the breast cancer genes BRCA1 or BRCA2.

Early diagnosis of breast cancer is key to overcoming it and so it’s of utmost importance to take the time to read up about any possible symptoms related to breast cancer so that you can act upon it as soon as you can by visiting a healthcare professional.  Although most of us are aware that one of the symptoms can come in the form of a lump on the breast, there are other symptoms which are red flags such as breast or nipple pain,  changes in the nipple or the breast, as well as discharge from the nipple.

However, many symptoms cannot be detected without professional screening such as a  Mammogram or Breast Ultrasound.  Although the idea of such screening may sound scary, it is less scary than having to undergo treatment itself. Mammograms act similar to x-rays and so allow doctors to see and examine the breast tissue clearly. With such screening, doctors are ably to detect any lumps and abnormal cells before they are felt. Mammograms are recommended annually for women aged forty or older.

Purchasing insurance as a way of safeguarding yourself in the case of a future diagnosis is a morbid thought, but as breast cancer, according to WHO, affects one person every four minutes, it’s worth checking what your health insurance policy covers so that you would have your mind at rest should the worst happen. When looking at your insurance policy, one of the main factors you will need to look at the cancer treatment section.  This is useful information not only with respect to breast cancer but with all cancer in general.

We spoke to our insurance experts in the health department to discuss how obtaining insurance can help in the case of breast cancer diagnosis, and what to look out for in a health insurance policy:

1. Doctors Fees

It is important to look at the section on oncologist fees, whereby an oncologist refers to a professional doctor specialising in the treatment of cancer.  In the case that you are diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor will advise on possible medication and treatments to help you overcome it

2. Coverage throughout different phases

Make sure that the fees that are covered range through all active phases of cancer treatment.  This ranges from detection, tests and screening, diagnosis, treatment and surgery.

3. Hospital Charges and Treatment

Besides oncologist fees, the policy should also cover hospital charges, as well as any form of treatment such as medication, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

4. Tests and Scans

Check that your insurance policy also covers any scans or tests such as CT scans, MRIs and PET scans.

5. Preventive care

Although not always offered by all insurance providers, a great inclusion to your insurance policy is preventative care such as a Mammogram or Breast Ultrasound.   Even women who have no symptoms and no known risks for breast cancer should have regularly scheduled mammograms to help detect potential breast cancer at the earliest possible time.

If you think that purchasing health insurance is the right route for you in order to safeguard yourself from any expenses in the case of breast cancer diagnosis, read about the benefits of our Silver, Gold or the International Silver Plan. All three plans cover a full refund of reasonable charges for treatment-related breast cancer.

For additional and preventive cover covered for an annual Mammogram or Breast Ultrasound read more about our Gold Plan.  Get a quote today or contact us for more information.