Readers Question:
I want to be protected against cancer. What insurance should I get and will my regular health insurance work?
Sally
Athens AL
Health insurance can be helpful whether you are genetically inclined to cancer or not. However, there is what we call life insurance with cancer. This is a more specialized insurance because claims will be granted to policyholders that are diagnosed with cancer.
There are different kinds of cancer policies. The first one is expense occurred policy, which pays for the maximum value stated on the policy that is incurred during treatment. Second is indemnity policy, which is somewhat like the first only that it has a limit for each individual and it may not be at par with the actual expenses. Lastly, there is what we call the first occurrence cancer policy. They pay a lump sum of money ranging from $2,000 t0 $100,000 dollars upon diagnosed with cancer.
Bear in mind that this kind of insurance is not a substitute for a regular health insurance. However, if you want to be insured from this illness, the first thing you need to do is to review your policy. Certain insurance do cover dreaded diseases, which includes cancer, tuberculosis, renal failures and other illnesses identified by your insurance company. Doing this is also one-way to eliminate unnecessary expenses.
Second, if you really have high affinity to the disease, you need to shop around first. Compare the rates between companies. Do also check the benefits because cancer insurance has their limitations. Some examples of limitations are fixed dollar limits, non-coverage for cancer-related illness and many others. These things need to be clarified to avoid disappointments later on. Do also fish for second opinions. It can really help.
Lastly, get the insurance before even you contracted the disease. Life insurance with cancer will only cover expenses incurred upon diagnosis. Therefore, if you already have the diseases, chances are the insurance will be denied.

