Reduce out-of-pocket costs for privately insured cancer patients

Cancer patients often discover that even with private health insurance, they face considerable out-of-pocket costs for their treatment. They also find private health insurance is complicated – it’s difficult to understand what is covered and to choose the best policy for their needs.

On average, people with private health insurance have higher incomes than those without private health insurance. However, some struggle to pay their premiums, and even those who are financially comfortable before a cancer diagnosis may become financially stretched because associated treatment costs. At the same time, many patients and carers have to take time off work. All this creates extra stress on top of the physical and emotional burden of cancer treatment.

Cancer treatments with out-of-pocket costs for privately insured patients include radiotherapy, surgery in a private hospital, tests and scans and medicines. By keeping out-of-pocket costs manageable and providing easy-to-understand information and financial consent procedures, the Government can better meet the needs of cancer patients.

Have you paid unexpected out-of-pocket costs for treatment such as radiotherapy, tests, scans, medicines or surgery or been charged for private treatment without being informed of the costs beforehand?

Let us know your story so that we can make informed recommendations about how the Federal Government can reduce out-of-pocket costs for privately insured cancer patients.

MORE INFORMATION

Briefing Paper: Private Health Insurance for Cancer Patients [PDF]