India, February 4, 2026:
Rising cancer treatment costs coupled with prolonged care cycles are significantly increasing the financial burden on Indian patients and their families, according to a claims analysis released by Care Health Insurance on World Cancer Awareness Day.
The insurer’s data highlights that early-stage cancer treatment typically costs between ₹5–7 lakh, while advanced and high-complexity cancer care can escalate to ₹20–30 lakh per patient, depending on disease progression, treatment intensity, protocols followed, and duration of care. The findings underline the growing gap between treatment expenses and existing health insurance coverage.
The analysis gains particular relevance against the backdrop of the Union Budget 2026, which has reiterated the government’s focus on improving affordability in cancer care and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
Commenting on the findings, Manish Dodeja, Chief Operating Officer, Care Health Insurance, said,
“Cancer treatment is not only medically complex but also involves prolonged, multi-stage care pathways that often extend over several months.”
According to the claims data, cancer treatment journeys are typically long and multi-phased, leading patients to file multiple insurance claims across different stages of care. While chemotherapy and radiotherapy are largely managed as day-care procedures, hospitalisation requirements vary widely based on treatment complexity, with hospital stays ranging from three days to as long as twenty days in certain cases.
The analysis also points to variation in financial exposure across cancer types. Claims related to breast, oral, cervical, prostate, and blood cancers, along with advanced pancreatic and liver cancers, consistently show wide-ranging claim values. In several instances, patients experienced coverage limit breaches due to low Sum Insured, resulting in substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
Based on observed claims trends, health insurance adequacy has emerged as a critical concern. The study indicates that a minimum health insurance cover of ₹15–25 lakh is increasingly necessary to adequately manage comprehensive cancer treatment, especially in advanced-stage diseases or cases involving prolonged care cycles.
The findings further emphasise that comprehensive coverage features—including higher Sum Insured, no-claim bonus benefits, absence of sub-limits, access to a robust cashless hospital network, and critical illness-specific covers—play a vital role in reducing financial stress and ensuring continuity of care.
Adding further, Dodeja said,
“Sustained and multi-stage cancer care often translates into prolonged financial pressure for patients and their families. As treatment approaches continue to evolve and become more accessible, it is crucial for consumers to periodically reassess their health insurance coverage to ensure it offers adequate financial security throughout the course of treatment.”
