
Jyoti Kumari
The cancer treatment cost in India is significantly more affordable than in many Western countries, making it a leading destination for quality care. For perspective, a 2020 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found the average annual cost of cancer care in the United States reached a staggering $173,831. In contrast, renowned Indian hospitals like Apollo, Tata Medical Center, and CMC Vellore offer advanced facilities, successful outcomes, and lower chemotherapy costs at a fraction of that price.
Let’s take a look at the cost breakdown of the top hospitals and what they offer:
A multi-location healthcare chain with a dedicated cancer center in Chennai. Apollo is known for its advanced technology like robotic surgery and CyberKnife.
Estimated treatment cost range:
The overall cancer treatment cost at Apollo depends on several factors. Below is a typical price range:
Additional considerations: Apollo excels in various treatment modalities, including minimally invasive surgeries and targeted therapies.
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Located in Mumbai and Kolkata, Tata offers comprehensive cancer care with a focus on various treatment modalities. This includes bone marrow transplants, which is a significant factor in the overall blood cancer treatment cost.
Estimated treatment cost range:
Additional Considerations: Tata emphasizes patient-centric care and offers advanced diagnostic facilities, including PET scans.
A renowned institution in Tamil Nadu, CMC is known for its patient-centric approach and affordability. It excels in various cancer treatments, including head and neck cancers.
Estimated Treatment Cost Range:
Additional Considerations: CMC offers a compassionate and supportive environment with a strong focus on ethical medical practices.
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Several factors influence the overall cost of cancer treatment:

Different cancers require specific treatment approaches. For example, the blood cancer treatment cost is often higher due to procedures like bone marrow transplants, while the breast cancer treatment cost in India depends on the need for surgery or targeted therapy.

Treatment complexity increases with advanced stages. This often means more cycles are needed, which can raise the overall chemotherapy price.

The specific treatment has the largest impact on the bill. For instance, the final chemotherapy cost is often calculated per cycle, while the radiation therapy cost depends on the number of sessions."

The duration of hospitalization significantly affects the final cancer treatment cost in India, especially if ICU or post-operative care is required.

Consultation fees of senior oncologists, particularly at renowned centes may be higher and influence the total cost.

Prescribed drugs, which form the basis of the chemotherapy cost, and advanced diagnostic tests like PET scans can add significantly to the overall expense.
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Most hospitals accept various payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Some may offer cashless transactions with partnered insurance companies.
Medical insurance is not mandatory for treatment in India. However, it can significantly ease financial burdens. These hospitals may partner with some international insurance providers, so check with your provider beforehand.
These hospitals typically offer online quote request forms or facilitate communication with patient relations teams. You can provide details about your diagnosis, stage of cancer, and preferred treatment options. This allows them to generate a more personalized cost estimate.
The chemotherapy cost per cycle in India typically ranges from ₹35,000 to ₹1,00,000, depending on the hospital, the type of cancer, and the specific drugs used. For example, hospitals like CMC Vellore may offer more affordable rates, while private chains like Apollo can be on the higher end of this range.
A single session of radiation therapy in India generally costs between ₹2,000 and ₹5,000. The total cost will depend on the technology used and the total number of sessions prescribed by the oncologist.
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