Four surprising benefits that may be included in cancer insurance

While cancer survival rates are always improving, the lifetime probability of developing cancer is still relatively high for American adults. Nearly 40% of women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and that risk increases for males to almost 42%.¹

Between these high overall probabilities and the constant increase in health care costs, it is easy to see why cancer insurance is growing in popularity. Group cancer insurance, which is offered in varying forms by numerous insurance carriers, can help with many of the costs associated with the detection, diagnosis and treatment of various types of cancer.

Some common benefits of cancer insurance include hospital visits, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and medical imaging, but a closer look at cancer insurance reveals some lesser-known benefits that might be included as well. Here are some of those benefits.

Lodging and transportation—for family members, too

Every cancer patient should have access to top oncology providers in specialized facilities. However, this often requires travel away from home for treatment. Finding a place to stay while undergoing treatment (and getting there) can introduce a huge barrier to care, both financially and logistically.

A cancer insurance policy may help by offering financial benefits for non-local transportation and outpatient lodging (if they must travel beyond a specified distance from home, such as 50 or 100 miles). Coverage may even include benefits for an adult family member to travel with the patient.

Prostheses and wigs

It may be surprising to learn that cancer insurance sometimes includes benefits for prostheses (if cancer treatment necessitates an amputation), mastectomy products, and hair loss products like wigs or hairpieces. Maintaining self-confidence during cancer treatment is no small matter, and these types of support can make all the difference.

The American Cancer Society provides resources to help patients cope with the appearance-related side effects of cancer. Visit TLC: Hair Loss and Mastectomy Products to learn more.

Anti-nausea medication

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of many types of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy—and even their related anesthesia. In fact, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that up to 80% of cancer patients are affected by nausea, which can significantly impact the patient's life and health.²

Depending on the carrier, cancer insurance may offer benefits to help pay for outpatient nausea medication prescribed by a physician.

Cancer screenings

When an employee enrolls in group cancer insurance, they may not need to wait for a diagnosis to take advantage of their benefits. Many cancer insurance plans will pay benefits for preventative measures such as cancer screenings and tests.

The NCI provides the following recommendations to begin screenings for people at average risk of developing cancer:³

• Breast cancer: Begin breast cancer screenings at age 40.
• Colorectal cancer: Begin testing at age 45 or 50 through age 75 depending on provider recommendations.
• Lung cancer: For current and former heavy smokers, receive screenings between ages 50 and 80.
• Cervical cancer: Begin screenings at age 21 and end at age 65 (for those who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk).

Visit the NCI website for additional recommendations about screenings for skin cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and even multi-cancer detection tests that examine biomarkers or tumor markers.

Cancer Insurance from Allstate Benefits

Facing a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Cancer Insurance from Allstate Benefits can help cover expenses from diagnosis through recovery. Our coverage pays a cash benefit for cancer and other specified diseases to use however insureds choose, helping to protect finances and empowering them to seek the care they need. And, because Cancer Insurance is supplemental, it pays in addition to other coverage that may already be in place.

Contact a sales executive today to learn more about the many ways that the Good Hands® team works to help you and your employees.

Allstate Benefits is a proud partner of the American Cancer Society. Visit our Partners page to learn more and to find cancer resources to help every step of the way.

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