Who’s Your Sidekick?

Sometimes, we all need a little extra help. That’s why Robin Hood had Little John, why Batman had Robin and why Sherlock Holmes had Dr. Watson – to provide that much-needed support when going solo just got too tough.

That’s also the reason you get cancer insurance.

A supplemental insurance policy is the perfect sidekick – it’s reliable, it’s dependable and it’s there when you need it most. When your current health insurance is unable to cover the costs of a cancer diagnosis, you need a supplemental option that can step up to the plate for you.

You may need extra funds to pay for mounting medical expenses, including co-pays, deductibles, hospital stays, surgeons’ and anesthesiologists’ fees, chemotherapy, radiation and out-of-network care costs. Or you may need a boost to help you fund your life post-treatment: rent, childcare, groceries, occupational therapy. Whatever your needs, it’s a pretty sure bet that standard health insurance will not cover most of them.  (According to the American Cancer Society, the majority of total cancer-related costs are not covered by normal medical insurance programs.) If you don’t currently have health insurance, you’re in an even worse pickle.

Fortunately, your trusty cancer policy can come to your rescue. (If you have one, that is.) Cancer insurance policies are incredibly simple and streamlined – you pay an affordable premium every month (and we’re talking REALLY affordable. Depending on your age and health condition, it could cost under $20). Then, when you’re first diagnosed with a covered cancer, you receive a lump sum benefit check to spend however you like.

There are literally no restrictions on what you do with your cancer benefit money. If you want to forget about medical expenses and obligations and take a vacation in Honolulu, it’s completely up to you. (But, depending on your situation, using your benefit sum as a way to fund treatments, cover living expenses or take care of family may be a smarter option.) Whatever you decide, your supplemental policy is available when and where you need it. (Just like Friday was available 24/7 to give Robinson Crusoe a hand.)

If you’re wondering whether your cancer policy will cover any type of cancer you might get, you can stop worrying. Cancer insurance policies usually cover most types on invasive internal cancer (even the odd ones you seldom hear about, like multiple myeloma and spleen cancer.) Malignant melanoma (skin cancer) is usually covered too – though be forewarned, non-cancerous varieties of skin tumor are not. Here are just a few of the kinds of cancer your policy will cover. (For a more detailed list, see the “Types of Cancer” page on CancerPlans.com.)

• Brain cancer
• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Colon cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Leukemia
• Lung cancer
• Malignant melanoma
• Ovarian cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Testicular cancer

If you think you might be at risk for cancer, don’t you think it’s time you got a sidekick? CancerPlans.com provides a convenient one-stop spot to quote multiple insurance carriers, find a great policy and apply for cancer insurance online. It couldn’t be easier. Make sure your insurance has your back. You’ll need it.
 

(1) 2007 and 2008 Cancer Facts & Figures, Insurance and Cost-Related Barriers to Cancer Care, American Cancer Society® 2008 Cancer Statistics Presentation, American Cancer Society®

(2) http://www.humana-one.com/supplemental-insurance/cancer/policy-questions.asp