Costs and financial support

Understanding cancer treatment costs

Being informed and seeking advice early can help reduce the financial pressure of cancer treatment. Remember, you’re not alone – help is available.

The cost of cancer treatment and follow-up care can vary depending on the type of treatment you receive. While private health insurance may cover a large portion of the costs, you might still need to pay out-of-pocket for some services.

Possible additional costs

You might have extra fees for services such as:

• specialist appointments (depending on the doctors involved in your care)
• pharmacy costs (which may include prescriptions and supportive medication)
• physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• radiotherapy
• medical imaging, such as CT scans or MRIs

Medicare-supported appointments

You may be eligible for Medicare-funded allied health services through:

• a chronic disease management plan
• a mental health care plan

These plans can be arranged by your GP. Keep in mind, there may be a small gap fee.

Getting financial support

We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and impact your finances. Help is available from a range of sources:

Support options

• Superannuation access: In some cases, you may be able to access a lump sum payment for compassionate reasons to help cover treatment, transport, or rehab. Please seek financial advice to determine if this is the right option for you.
• Income protection insurance: You might qualify for payments to support you while you're unable to work.
• Temporary relief from debt: Some banks or financial institutions offer temporary relief from personal debt or mortgage repayments. It’s worth checking with your bank or visiting the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) for guidance.

Managing financial concerns

Here are some practical steps to help manage your finances during treatment:

• Understand your private health cover: Contact your insurer to clarifiy what’s covered and what’s not.
• Talk to a financial expert: Your bank, super fund, or a financial advisor can help you explore options like income protection or accessing funds.
• Check for government support: Visit the Services Australia to explore payments or services you may be eligible for.
• Get free support from the Cancer Council: Visit the Cancer Council website for financial advice.