Cancer Insurance:
What You Need to Know

Cancer is second only to heart disease as the leading cause of death in the U.S., causing more than 600,000 American deaths annually.¹

But the good news is that the overall cancer death rate dropped 31% as of 2018, thanks to improvement in treatment and early diagnosis as well as reductions in the number of Americans smoking.² It’s expected that the number of people living beyond a cancer diagnosis will rise to almost 22 million by 2030.³

Advances in medical science have ensured that more people can consider themselves cancer survivors, but that doesn’t mean their finances aren’t taking a painful hit. Cancer treatments tend to be very costly and can require that patients miss work—and even lose income. And there are also many costs associated with cancer treatment that aren’t covered by major medical insurance. That’s where supplemental Cancer insurance can help.

Cash when it’s needed most

A popular type of cancer insurance provides a lump sum benefit if a policyholder is diagnosed with or treated for a covered cancer. The money received is in addition to any other insurance benefit and can be used at the policyholder’s discretion to help pay for any medical and non-medical expenses.

·       Get started with one of our agents today to learn how to cover you or your workforce.

People faced with a cancer diagnosis have to consider their treatment options. As if that isn’t enough to worry about, cancer treatment and its related costs can put their family’s savings in jeopardy. Suddenly, they have to find a way to meet insurance deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments and pay for “everything else,” such as:

·       Transportation to and from care facilities

·       Childcare and pet care

·       Lost income due to time off work to recover or care for a family member

·       Household bills like rent, utilities, tuition, and loans

This can add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Having a cancer policy “just in case” can be an invaluable peace of mind…especially if the unthinkable does happen.

Reducing your risks

Family history and lifestyle play large roles in a person’s risk of developing cancer. Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect yourself and improve your overall health and cancer risks . In fact, almost one-third of the most common cancers could actually be prevented if everyone ate a healthful diet, was physically active every day, and maintained a healthy weight. Additionally, experts recommend avoiding using tobacco products, limiting consumption of red meat, avoiding processed meats, and limiting alcoholic beverage consumption.⁴

·       Read more: 5 Considerations to Reduce your Cancer Risk

Get covered

Combined Insurance’s Cancer Protector pays you a lump sum benefit if you are diagnosed with or treated for a covered cancer. Your company may offer voluntary benefits that include this type of coverage, or you could purchase it individually through one of our agents.

Talk with your insurance agent if you want to learn more about cancer insurance and how it can help protect you and your family. Find an agent today!

Cancer policies underwritten by Combined Insurance Company of America (Chicago, IL) in all states, except New York. In New York, Critical Illness policies underwritten by Combined Life Insurance Company of New York (Latham, NY). Combined Insurance Company of America is not licensed and does not solicit business in New York. Cancer policies not available in all states. Exclusions and limitations apply. See policy for complete details.

References

1,2-American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2021.  

 3- Cancer statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2021, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics

4-An Update on Cancer Deaths in the United States. (2020, May 29). Retrieved October 02, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/update-on-cancer-deaths/index.htm