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Guide for patients and loved ones

Money and insurance: the basics

Treatment costs can be a serious worry. Asking early often makes it possible to find help.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A folder and calculator
Figure 1.A folder and calculator

01Short answer

Leukaemia treatment is long and can be expensive: medicines, tests, travel, accommodation and time off work. Early steps: meet your centre’s social worker or financial counsellor; check what your policy covers and whether prior approval is needed; ask about government programmes and disability or sickness benefits in your country; keep all receipts and documents; and discuss flexible working with your employer. Charities and patient organisations can also help; check that they are trustworthy.

02Simple explanation

Ask early, starting with the social worker.

Keep every receipt.

03Scientific explanation

“Financial toxicity”, the money burden of cancer treatment, can affect quality of life and sticking with treatment; an early conversation reduces it.

Rules differ greatly between countries and insurers; general advice only gives a direction.

04What happens in the body?

Who to ask

The centre’s social worker, a financial counsellor, your insurer and patient organisations.

What to check

Policy cover, prior approval, limits, the medicines list and the rules for treatment abroad.

Coins and a plant
Figure 2.Coins and a plant — Money and insurance: the basics

Be careful

Avoid paid offers of “miracle treatment”. Check that fundraising is transparent.

An umbrella over a house
Figure 3.An umbrella over a house

05A money plan

Four steps.

Social worker — Meet early.1Social workerMeet early.
Policy — Check the terms.2PolicyCheck the terms.
Receipts — Keep them all.3ReceiptsKeep them all.
Support — Charities and programmes.4SupportCharities and programmes.
Less stressCosts are planned.
Focus on treatmentLess money worry.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Who to askThe centre’s social worker, a financial counsellor, your insurer and patient organisations.
What to checkPolicy cover, prior approval, limits, the medicines list and the rules for treatment abroad.
Be carefulAvoid paid offers of “miracle treatment”. Check that fundraising is transparent.

07Key terms

Social worker
A professional who helps with practical and money matters.
Prior approval
An insurer’s confirmation before treatment.
Financial toxicity
The heavy money burden of treatment.

08Key points

  • Ask early.
  • Check your policy.
  • Keep receipts.
  • Look for trustworthy support.

09Frequently asked questions

I have no insurance. What can I do?

Ask the social worker about government programmes and charities.

Could I lose my job?

Your rights depend on the country; talk with a lawyer or social worker.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. I have no insurance. What can I do?

  2. Could I lose my job?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Costs and Medical Information
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Your Care
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Caring for the Caregiver
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia — Patient Version
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
  7. MedlinePlus. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  8. NHS. Sepsis
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Diagnosis
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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