Does Health Insurance Cover Cervical Cancer? Everything You Need to Know

Health insurance covers cervical cancer treatment. There are many health and women's cancer-specific policies that cover diagnosis, and sometimes they provide a lump sum for treatment. The insurance claim is quite straightforward.

Keep reading this blog and learn how you can detect cervical cancer, what its symptoms are and why health insurance is mandatory.

What is the Cervical Cancer Scenario in India?

In India, cervical cancer is the most common disease. The incidence rate is 18.3% and is the second leading cause of death, with a mortality rate of 9.1%. According to the National Cancer Registry, breast and cervical cancer are the most common among females. 

The National Library of Medicine states that in most cases, approximately 60-70% of cervical cancers are found in the advanced stage. It is mainly because many women do not undergo colposcopy for confirmation or some do not receive any advanced treatment at all. 

It is assumed that by 2040, the cervical cancer rate will increase to a significant level. However, with better awareness, timely checkups, cancer insurance and HPV screenings, better outcomes can be assumed. 

How Cervical Cancer Happens?

In the majority of cases, cervical cancer happens through a sexually transmitted disease, HPV. This spreads via sexual contact and leads to cancer. As per medical data, people will get HPV at some point in their lives, but they do not notice because the body fights off the disease. When it does not, this is when it leads to cervical cancer.  

What are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

The early stage of cervical cancer does not always show symptoms, hence it becomes difficult to diagnose. However, there are some early signs with which you can detect cervical cancer. 

The early signs of cervical cancer include:

1. Watery or bloody vaginal discharge with foul odour
2. Vaginal bleeding after menopause, intercourse or in between your cycles
3. Pain during intercourse
4. Pain in the rectum.

If cervical cancer has spread to the nearby organs, then the early signs may include:

1. Difficulty or pain during urination
2. Bleeding from the rectum
3. Loss of appetite and fatigue
4. Continuous feeling of illness
5. Swelling in your legs
6. Abdominal pain

Tests for Cervical Cancer

1. Colposcopy: In this step, the colposcope magnifies the cervical cells, and your healthcare provider identifies the abnormal cells. If the cells are unusual, a cell will be removed and sent for lab testing.
2. Punch Biopsy: It is a procedure that removes a small, round piece of tissue. In this test, your provider will use a cutting tool to cut out the precancerous cells.
3. Endocervical Curettage: In this process, your healthcare provider will scrape the cervical lining with the help of a spoon shaped tool called a curette.  
4. Cone Biopsy: This process can be a bit harsh since, in this, the healthcare provider scrapes out a slightly larger portion of cone-shaped tissue from your cervix.
5. Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure: An electrically wired loop is used to remove the abnormal tissue. 

If the result from these tests proves that you have cervical cancer, you will be tested with some other tests as well. These include:

1. Kidney and liver function test
2. Blood and urine tests
3. X-rays of your bladder, rectum, bowels and lungs
4. CT scans
5. MRI

All of these tests are extremely crucial to determine whether you have cervical cancer or not. If you are tested positive then you would have to undergo some treatments.

Types of Cervical Cancer Treatments

Biopsy

If your doctor has already removed the cancerous tissue, a separate biopsy is usually not needed. However, you should schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor new tissue changes. 

Laser Ablation

Laser ablation is a procedure that uses a high-energy laser beam to precisely remove the abnormal cancer cells within the cervical area. This medical process is often used to cure precancerous lesions. 

Cryocautery

In the process of cryocautery, the tissue of the affected cervical area is frozen with this tool. These tissues then freeze and fall off, and new cells are developed. 

Radiation

This therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and prevent their growth. Similar to surgery, this only targets the affected region. Depending on your needs, treatment can be given internally or externally.   

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a medical process and is frequently prescribed by doctors for cervical cancer. It is given in rounds of treatments and is received by patients as an outpatient procedure. 

Hysterectomy

It is a surgical procedure performed by a gynaecologist to remove the uterus. This eliminates the possibility of conceiving and reduces the risk of uterine and cervical cancer. 

Immunotherapy

If other treatments are ineffective, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy. This medical process empowers your immune system to recognise and fight the cancer more effectively.  

Tip: Before acting on these potential treatments, consult your doctor to determine the most effective approach. Moreover, due to the high cost of cancer treatments, securing health insurance is highly recommended. 

How Can You Prevent Cervical Cancer?

You can prevent cancer with the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure.

It targets specific cancer-causing HPV strains, but it will not cure infections that are already present. Timely vaccination is essential for long-term protection.

This vaccine is administered in 2-3 shots with side effects that are generally very mild. 

But who should take the HPV vaccine?

1. HPV vaccination of children aged between 9 and 12.
2. Children and young adults aged between 13 and 26 years old who have not yet been vaccinated or have not taken any doses. 

Why is Health Insurance Important for Cervical Cancer?

Health insurance for cervical cancer is critically required because cancer treatment is expensive and long-term. This may cause severe financial strain and may stop you from continuing your treatment. 

As per The Times of India, some specific cancer drugs can cost up to ₹4 lakh and may need 25 administrations over the entire treatment procedure. Medical research further states that approximately 70% of patients die either because of delayed cancer treatments or financial constraints. 

It can be hard to see you or your family members suffering from this situation. If you still wonder what the role of health insurance is, read through the pointers below:

1. Peace of Mind: Having health insurance gives you peace of mind. You do not need to worry about paying out of your own pocket every time you opt for treatments. 
2. Access to Network Hospitals: Cancer treatment and hospitalisation costs are highly expensive. With a health insurance plan, you will not have to make any upfront payment, since the insurance plan will give you access to cashless network hospitals.
3. Care Cost: Cervical Cancer costs are expensive and can drain your savings. However, with health insurance, your insurer will pay for all your treatment.

Bajaj General understands the importance and the urgency of cancer care and how much strain it can impose on one. With HERizon women's specialised plan, Bajaj General offers coverage for Cervical Cancer with a premium starting at a reasonable price. 

What is Covered Under Health Insurance For Cervical Cancer Treatment?

Inclusion of Standard Coverage

1. In-Patient Hospitalisation: For stays of more than 24 hours, covering tests, medicines and surgeries are covered under the health insurance policy. 
2. Post-Hospitalisation: You will require follow-up doctor visits, medications and OPD care. All of these are included under cancer health insurance. 
3. Treatment Costs: Since cancer treatment costs are high, the health insurance policies in India give you coverage for treatment costs.
4. Cashless Facility: Direct payment to the network hospital is settled through the insurance company. 
5. Other Advanced Therapy: Other advanced therapy, such as immunotherapy, is included in some specialised plans. 

Diagnosis and Treatment Costs

1. Screening: Many health insurance covers Pap Smear tests as well as HPV DNA tests. 

Things You Should Consider

1. Policy Type: Understand the policy type. Policy types or variations differ between insurance companies. Go through the policy wording to obtain a better understanding. 
2. Waiting Periods: There is always a waiting period before you start getting the health insurance benefits. The waiting periods vary and may extend to 24 months for specific treatments and surgeries.
3. Exclusions: You should never avoid reading the exclusions to understand what is not covered in the plan. This will help you make an informed decision.

Some insurance policies may not have women-specific critical illness plans. However, at Bajaj General Insurance, you get women-specific plans that are tailored only for you and for the women in your family.

The critical Illness plan of Bajaj General Insurance covers the pre-cancerous stage of Cervical Cancer (cervical dysplasia). Buy the policy, get the appropriate treatment and prevent such situations!

Documents Required to Claim Cervical Cancer Treatment

To claim cervical cancer treatment, you will need documents such as:

1. Identity Proof: You will have to submit your identity proof, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card and Voter card, to confirm your identity and to prevent any fraudulent activities. 
2. Address Proof: To verify your residential address, you will need to provide proof of your address by submitting utility bills. 
3. Age Proof: Proof of your age with a birth certificate or a passport. 
4. Duly Filled Claim Form: Specific critical illness form with your signature. 
5. Medical Reports: Medical certificate or report from the Oncologist confirming cervical cancer. 
6. Histopathology Report: This is crucial since the claim requires confirmation by the pathologist. 
7. Hospital Bills and Receipts: Original hospital bills with cash break-ups. 
8. Claim Settlement Letter: Claim settlement letter in case of partial claim settlement process. 
9. Copy of First Consultation: Letter or prescription of the initial doctor consultation. 

How to File a Cervical Cancer Insurance Claim?

For a Cashless Claim

1. First, avail the cashless facility from the listed network hospital of your chosen insurance company. 
2. Share the patient's policy number with the cashless health insurance card and provide your identity proof. 
3. Fill out the pre-authorisation form, since that form will be sent to the insurance company.
4. Once verification is completed, a final confirmation will be given, and upon discharge of the patient, the insurer will directly settle bills with the network hospital. 

For Reimbursement Claim

1. Fill the reimbursement claim form directly from the official website of your insurance company by entering the health ID number. 
2. Raise your claim within 30 days once you are discharged from the hospital. 
3. Submit the necessary documents mentioned in the form and tick the checklist. 
4. Submit your bank details for a direct bank transfer. 
5. Upon successful verification of the submitted documents, you will get your reimbursement. 

At Bajaj General Insurance, with the HERizon plan, you can get additional benefits such as legal expenses support and many more. 

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance for Cervical Cancer?

Scope of Coverage

Ensure that your plan covers early detection and includes diagnosis, treatment, and post-hospitalisation care. 

Policy Terms and Conditions

Read the policy terms and conditions carefully to understand the waiting period and the exclusions to understand what is not covered in the plan. 

Additional Benefits

Look for whether your insurance company provides additional benefits or not. Add-ons will enhance the health insurance and health-related costs. 

Brand Reputation

Check for the brand reputation and its claim settlement ratio in a year. Always choose a strong, reputable provider like Bajaj General Insurance for better safety.

Customer Service Availability

Understand their customer service availability and whether they provide 24*7 service whenever it is required. 

Final Thoughts

Therefore, if you wonder whether health insurance covers cervical cancer, the answer is yes. It acts as a financial safety net to assist you during emergencies, hospitalisation and many more. With the increased rate of Cervical Cancer in India, this is the time to stay informed. Your and your family’s health is of the utmost importance and giving up to cancer is not the solution!

Let’s rise and fight back against cancer with a valid health plan from Bajaj General Insurance and combat the financial constraints together!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of Cervical Cancer are there?

There are mainly two types of cervical cancer. Squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. As per medical research, approximately 90% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. However, there is a possibility that you have both. 

What is the first sign of cervical cancer?

The first signs of cervical cancer are often subtle and non-noticable. You will not find or see any symptoms. However, consult a doctor immediately if you see abnormal vaginal bleeding during menstruation or intercourse and vaginal discharge with a strong odour.

At what age does cervical cancer happen the most?

According to medical research, cervical cancer mostly occurs in women aged between 35 and 44 years old. However, it can still occur in women under 20 years old. In very rare cases, it can occur in women above 65 years old.  

Can stress cause cervical cancer?

According to the American Association of Cancer Research, people suffering from chronic stress disorder may increase the prognosis of cervical cancer and they are at a higher risk of dying. 

What type of cancer treatment is covered by health insurance?

The health insurance policies in India cover major cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and sometimes modern therapy like immunotherapy. Additionally, with the right health insurance plan, you may get hospitalisation benefits, OPD care and also post-hospitalisation coverage. 

**Standard T&C apply.

Disclaimer: Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.