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Health insurance is available for cancer patients. It can help them cover a variety of costly expenses that come with cancer treatment, including chemotherapy. Here's how health insurance works, a few types of plans for cancer patients and how cancer supplemental insurance can give you additional insurance coverage.
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Health insurance is a legal agreement between a policyholder and a health insurance company. In many cases, you pay a monthly premium in exchange for partial or full coverage for certain medical care and services.
You'll likely have a deductible, or the amount you must pay out-of-pocket, until your plan kicks in and offers coverage. Depending on your policy, you might save money by receiving care from in-network providers. Your health insurance plan might also come with extras like wellness discounts and incentive programs.
Under the Affordable Care Act, people with cancer can't be denied health insurance coverage. In addition, an insurance company can't charge you more for a policy just because you have cancer or another pre-existing condition.1 Before you commit to a policy, it's a good idea to shop around and review what cancer coverage looks like with different types of health insurance plans.
Here are some health insurance options for cancer patients:2
Medicare is a federal health insurance program. It offers coverage to people who are at least 65 years old and those who have had Social Security Disability Insurance for two or more years, are entitled to Railroad Retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement disability benefits, or are living with end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).3
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that offers health insurance for low-income individuals and families, as well as those with disabilities. Each state has a Medicaid program that follows federal guidelines.
You can get health insurance on the federally run Marketplace at Healthcare.gov or your state-run Marketplace, depending on where you live. If your employer doesn't offer health insurance or you leave your job, your state health insurance Marketplace may be an option.
COBRA, or the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, can allow you to continue your health insurance coverage after you reduce your work hours, quit your job or lose your job. In many cases, you can keep your coverage for up to 18 months.4 Note that COBRA can be costly as you're responsible for the full premiums, including the ones your employer once paid.
Don't wait until it's too late. Help protect yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedThe cost of your health insurance plan depends on many factors, such as the type of plan you have, your age and your location. Additionally, you may pay more in premiums if you have multiple family members covered.
Supplemental cancer insurance can help reduce the out-of-pocket costs that often come with a cancer diagnosis. You can get this plan as a supplement to your standard health insurance plan and use the funds for a variety of medical and non-medical expenses. With an Aflac cancer insurance policy, you can help pay for the following expenses:
A cancer insurance policy is specifically designed to supplement your main health insurance, as it can help cover your expenses and provide you with added peace of mind. It's important to note that insurance companies typically require that you apply for cancer insurance before you receive a cancer diagnosis or show you've been cancer-free for a certain period of time.
Most health insurance plans cover chemotherapy as part of essential health benefits.5 However, patients may still face deductibles and copays that can become costly over the course of treatment. Supplemental cancer insurance, depending on your policy, can help cover those expenses and other costs, such as travel or household bills.
The cost of cancer insurance varies based on factors like age, coverage level and health history, but premiums are generally affordable. Providers, including Aflac, work with you to help find comprehensive coverage with premiums that fit your budget.
There's no single "best" plan, but rather one with a monthly premium that fits your budget, access to cancer specialists within your doctor network and low copays for the care you need. Supplemental cancer insurance can work alongside your general health insurance to help provide fuller coverage for your unique needs.
Generally, no. Most cancer insurance providers require you to apply before a cancer diagnosis. Policy options and requirements vary by state, so it's worth reviewing the specific terms before you apply.
In the event of a cancer diagnosis, it's essential for you to focus on healing and remission, rather than your finances. You can use cancer insurance to help supplement your health insurance policy and cover various medical and non-medical expenses, such as treatments, household bills and childcare.
Aflac is pleased to offer cancer insurance policies with a simplified application process, affordable premiums and direct payouts (unless assigned otherwise). For a quote or more information, start chatting with an Aflac representative today.
Get Started
Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance are out-of-pocket costs of health insurance. Find out the differences between deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Comparing health insurance can help you choose the right plan and rates for you. Learn how health insurance works and how to compare insurance plans and rates.
Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance are out-of-pocket costs of health insurance. Find out the differences between deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Comparing health insurance can help you choose the right plan and rates for you. Learn how health insurance works and how to compare insurance plans and rates.
1 American Cancer Society - The Affordable Care Act: How It Helps People With Cancer and Their Families. Updated June 3, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/financial-insurance-matters/health-insurance-laws/the-health-care-law.html. Accessed October 22, 2025.
2 BreastCancer.org - Managing Cancer Costs Without Health Insurance: Options for Coverage. Updated July 21, 2025. https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/covering-cost-of-care/options-for-no-insurance. Accessed October 22, 2025.
3 U.S. Railroad Retirement Board – Medicare for Railroad Workers and Their Families. Updated February 13, 2025. https://www.rrb.gov/Benefits/Medicare/GeneralInfoMedicare/RB20. Accessed December 10, 2025.
4 USA.gov – Learn about COBRA insurance and how to get coverage. https://www.usa.gov/cobra-health-insurance. Accessed October 22, 2025.
5 National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation – Understanding Insurance Coverage for Chemotherapy. Updated September 25, 2025. https://www.npcf.us/insurance-coverage-chemotherapy-guide/. Accessed July 20, 2026.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Cancer insurance is also known as Specified-Disease Insurance in some states. Aflac Cancer Plans: B70000 series: In Delaware, Policies B70100DE, B70200DE & B70300DE. In Idaho, Policies B70100ID, B70200ID, B70300ID, B7010EPID, B7020EPID. In Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK, B70200OK, B70300OK, B7010EPOK, B7020EPOK. A75000 series: In Virginia, policies A75100VA–A75300VA.
Other coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).
Cancer/Specified Disease plans, T70000 series: In Delaware, Policy T70000. In Idaho, Policy T70000ID. In Oklahoma, In Virginia, policies T70000VA & T70000GVA. Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations, and exclusions.
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