Three Well-Known Cancer Treatment Methods and Medical Expenses
Today, due to environmental conditions, weather, and daily lifestyle habits, people of all ages are increasingly at risk of cancer. According to the latest data from the Department of Medical Services, there are around 140,000 new cancer cases per year, or about 400 per day.
With the rising number of cancer patients, choosing the right treatment method is crucial. Nowadays, there are several cancer treatment options available, but the most popular methods include chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Each method has its unique benefits for cancer patients. Today, Muang Thai Life Assurance will explain the differences between these treatments and their costs. Let’s take a look!
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of chemical agents to inhibit and destroy cancer cells that grow or divide rapidly. These chemicals work to stop cancer cells from dividing and eventually kill them. However, this treatment may also affect normal cells, such as white blood cells, hair follicles, and the lining of the stomach.
While chemotherapy is not effective for all types of cancer, it can cure certain types with this treatment alone, such as:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Testicular cancer
Common side effects:
- Fatigue, body aches
- Nausea, vomiting
- Hair loss
- Infection
- Abnormal blood clotting
- Anemia
Sources : Phyathai Hospital , thethaicancer
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that targets cancer cells specifically. It works by blocking the cellular signals that trigger cancer cell growth and division. This treatment is more precise and has fewer side effects. Recently, it has gained popularity among cancer patients.
Targeted therapy is suitable for treating certain types of cancer, such as:
- Lung cancer
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Lymphoma
Common side effects:
- Rash, dry skin, itching
- Diarrhea
- Nausea, vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Liver abnormalities
- High blood pressure
Sources: Mahidol, Chulacancer, Muang Thai Life
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy involves the use of drugs or methods to enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize cancer cells as foreign invaders and destroy them more effectively.
- Advanced melanoma skin cancer
- Certain types of lung cancer
- Kidney cancer resistant to other treatments
- Head and neck cancers resistant to chemotherapy
- Bladder cancer resistant to chemotherapy
- Lymphoma
Common side effects:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Mouth sores
Because immunotherapy is highly specific, patients must consult an expert and undergo detailed medical evaluations before starting treatment.
Sources: Nakornthon Hospital, Bumrungrad Hospital
Cancer Treatment Costs:
Now that we've explored the different cancer treatments, let’s take a look at the costs. Without insurance, these treatments can be shockingly expensive:
- Chemotherapy: 92,000 - 144,400 Baht
- Targeted Therapy: 2.7 - 4.6 million Baht
- Immunotherapy: 3 - 15 million Baht
Remark: These are approximate costs and may vary.
Sources: Longtunman, thecoverage
No one wants to get cancer, but it can happen to anyone, whether young or old. It's crucial to adopt healthy habits, exercise regularly, and get frequent health checkups. Having health insurance can provide financial confidence and help cover medical costs. Choose D Health Plus Rider, health insurance for new gen, which offers a full package of coverage, including up to 5 million Baht for room fees and medical expenses(1), with premiums less than 53 Baht a day(2). You can also increase coverage with Care Plus for comprehensive protection against cancer and chronic kidney disease.
✔ Lump sum benefit for standard single room fee, ICU room fee, doctor fee, medication fee, and surgery fee as charged
✔ Hospitalized in standard single room at any hospital
✔ Flexible plan with deductibles for lower premiums, can be upgraded upon retirement
✔ Purchase Care Plus for cancer and chronic kidney disease treatment expenses for all stages, both IPD and OPD, up to 10 million Baht per year. (3)*
We are covered now. What about you?
For more information:
☑️ Call Tel. 02-015-5447 during 09.00 - 17.00 hrs.
☑️ Contact life insurance agents.
(1) In case of choosing 5 million Baht plan which is a benefit per any treatment
(2) For male insured aged 25 years, choosing Plan 5 Million Baht and paying annual premiums
(3) In case of choosing 5 MB plan for cancer and chronic kidney failure
- D Health Plus Rider must be attached to an effective policy.
- Coverage period of the rider must not exceed the coverage period of the life insurance policy that this rider is attached to.
- Care Plus shall cover medical expense benefits for cancer treatment and/or chronic kidney failure for the treatments specified by the Company.
- Premium is eligible for tax deduction. Conditions are as specified by the Revenue Department.
- Underwriting is subject to the Company’s rules.
- Conditions are in accordance with medical necessity and medical standard.
- Please study details of coverage, conditions and exclusions before making a decision to purchase insurance.