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Cancer treatment can be emotionally and financially challenging. We all know that chemotherapy is one of the most common and important treatments for cancer. It is a method that uses strong medicines to kill or control cancer cells.
According to recent research, cases of cancer in India are expected to rise by around 13% in 2025 as compared to 2020. This means more families may face the challenge of paying for treatment.
So if you or any of your loved ones are preparing for cancer treatment, it is very natural to ask “what is the cost of chemotherapy in India?” The answer to this question depends on various things, such as the city, hospital category, number of sessions, and medicines used.
In this blog, let’s learn more about the cost of chemotherapy in India. You will learn what makes it so expensive, what you expect to pay, and how health insurance and government schemes can help you reduce financial stress.
What is the Cost of Chemotherapy in India?
| Cost Category | Estimated Cost in Rupees |
|---|---|
| Chemotherapy cost in India (Govt Hospitals) | Rs. 0 to Rs. 6,50,000 |
| Pre-procedure tests such as X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, blood test, and more. | Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 40,000 |
| Oral chemo cost in India | Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 25,00,000 |
| Cost of chemotherapy for breast cancer | Rs. 1,60,000 to Rs. 27,50,000 |
| Chemotherapy injection price | Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 25,000 |
| Cost of drugs and their combination | Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 |
| Cost of a blood test to check progress | Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,000 |
| Follow-up consultation fee (per session) | Rs. 600 |
| Day care (hospital stay for 2 to 5 days) | Rs. 3,000 |
Note: The chemotherapy cost per session mentioned here is estimated. These costs can change depending on many things, such as:
- The type of tests you need (for example, PET CT is more costly than an X-ray)
- Whether you go to a government hospital or a private one
- Use of new or advanced machines and treatments
- Which medicines and brands are used during chemotherapy
- Doctor’s consultation fees and the hospital’s name or popularity
- The city or area where you are getting the treatment
Cost of Chemotherapy (City-Wise Comparison)
The cost of chemotherapy changes from city to city. It depends on things like the hospital, the type of medicines used, and the doctor's fees. Here is the rough estimate of the city-wise costing of chemotherapy.
| Cities | Estimated Cost (Per Session) |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 45,000 |
| Mumbai | Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 50,000 |
| Ahmedabad | Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 |
| Pune | Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 40,000 |
| Chennai | Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 45,000 |
| Bangalore | Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 50,000 |
| Hyderabad | Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 40,000 |
Factors That Affect the Cost of Chemotherapy in India
The total cost of chemotherapy in India depends on many things. Here are some main factors that can make it more or less expensive.
- Cost of Chemotherapy Medicines: Some chemotherapy medicines are very costly, especially the branded ones. Generic (non-branded) medicines are usually cheaper, but they may not be available for all types of cancer treatment.
- Cost of Medical Tests: During treatment, doctors need to check how the patient is doing. So they ask for tests like blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, or PET scans. Some of these tests are costly and can increase the total cost of treatment.
- Hospital or Clinic Charges: Even if you do not stay in the hospital overnight, you still have to pay for things like doctor’s consultation, nurse services, use of the hospital room or chair for medicine, etc. Usually, private hospitals charge more than government hospitals.
- How long and how often you need Chemotherapy: Some people need chemotherapy for a short time, and others for a longer time. Some may need it every week, while others once a month. The more sessions are required, the more it costs.
Tips to Reduce the Cost of Chemotherapy
Patients can try these simple ways to save money during chemotherapy:
- Use generic medicines instead of branded ones if the doctor agrees.
- Go to the government or charity hospitals where treatment may cost less.
- Apply for government help or schemes as soon as possible.
- Use affordable clinics for chemotherapy if you do not need to stay overnight in the hospital.
- Check if your health insurance provides money to help pay for chemotherapy.
- Talk to a doctor about cheaper treatment options that work well for you.
How Health Insurance Can Help You?
Health insurance is like a money helper during medical problems. It can reduce the pressure of paying big hospital bills. When you or your family member needs treatment like chemotherapy or surgery, health insurance pays some or all of the medical costs.
Here is how it helps you:
- Cover Hospital Bills: Health insurance can pay for your hospital stays, doctor visits, and medicines.
- Supports Expensive Treatment: For costly treatments such as chemotherapy, insurance can help you give financial assistance and save your savings.
- Cashless Treatment: In many hospitals, you do not have to pay first. The insurance company directly pays the bill to the hospital.
- Covers Regular Checkups: Some health insurance plans also pay for your health checkups, so you can detect problems at an early stage.
- Gives peace of mind: With health insurance, you can focus on your health without worrying much about money.
Conclusion
Cancer is a serious illness, and chemotherapy is one of the most important ways to treat it. But this treatment can be expensive, especially in private hospitals. By understanding the costs in advance, you and your family can plan better. You can also take help from government hospitals, health insurance, and support schemes to reduce the financial burden.
If you or your loved one is starting cancer treatment, don’t be afraid to ask questions, explore all options, and take the right steps to manage costs. Good planning and support can help you in this critical illness.
FAQs
The cost of one chemotherapy session in India can be from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 50,000. It depends on the city, hospital, and medicines used.
The 7-day rule means that chemotherapy sessions are usually given with at least 7 days gap between each session to let the body recover.
In government hospitals, chemotherapy can be much affordable. The cost can range from Rs. 0 to Rs. 6,50,000 depending on the treatment.
Yes, health insurance can help pay for many costs of chemotherapy, including hospital bills, medicines, and tests.
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