How much does chemotherapy cost?

Being diagnosed with cancer is stressful enough, without having to think about any medical costs involved. But it can be helpful to understand some of the costs of treatment options such as chemotherapy, so you are prepared for any bills that might arrive. Below we explain the factors that can impact the cost and different ways you may be able to pay for treatment.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. As Cancer Council Australia explains, there are many types of drugs used and you may be treated with a single chemotherapy drug or a combination.

Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery or radiation therapy, or together with radiation therapy. For example, it may be used before surgery to shrink a tumour or after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy is typically given intravenously (through a needle inserted into a vein) but can also be administered orally (via tablets), as a cream applied directly to your skin. Generally, chemotherapy is given in multiple cycles, with periods in between to allow healthy cells to recover.

How much does chemotherapy cost?

As Cancer Council NSW points out, chemotherapy drugs can be expensive. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) covers all or part of the cost of many chemotherapy drugs for people with a current Medicare card.

You may have to pay some of the cost of oral chemotherapy drugs you take at home. This cost is known as a co-payment.

You may have to contribute to the cost of some intravenous chemotherapy drugs. This depends on which state or territory you live in, whether you have treatment in hospital (inpatient) or visit the hospital or treatment centre for treatment and then go home (outpatient) or are treated in a private or public hospital.

Costs of related tests and medicine

Patients can also incur costs for related treatments and tests. For example, your doctor may initially refer you for a molecular test to determine whether you would benefit from receiving chemotherapy.

According to Breast Cancer Network Australia these tests are generally not covered by Medicare and may cost several thousands of dollars. For example, it found that the Oncotype DX test costs on average $5000.

After receiving chemotherapy, you may also need to take medicine such as anti-nausea drugs. Nausea is a common side effect of chemotherapy along with effects such as loss of appetite, fatigue, hair loss and bowel problems.

The PBS subsidises some anti-nausea treatment. Currently, you pay up to $31.60 for most PBS medicines or $7.70 with a concession card.

Does private health insurance cover chemotherapy costs?

Private health insurance may help to cover part of the chemotherapy costs, depending on the policy. All Bronze, Silver and Gold hospital policies must cover chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy for cancer or benign tumours.

If you have private health insurance and opt to be treated as a private patient, the Cancer Council says you may have to pay out-of-pocket expenses and contribute to the cost of chemotherapy drugs.

What are your finance options for chemotherapy?

If you are experiencing financial difficulty paying for treatment, consider whether you are eligible for any of the following options.

Centrelink benefits

You or your carer may be able to receive Centrelink benefits, including:

• Jobseeker payment – when you’re sick or injured and can’t do your usual work or study for a short time.
• Disability Support Pension– if you have a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that stops you from working.
• Carer Payment– if you are unable to work because you provide full time daily care for someone with a medical condition.
• Carer Allowance – an income supplement if you provide extra daily care for someone with a medical condition. This can be paid in addition to your wages if you are still able to work.

If you receive a payment from Centrelink, you may also be eligible to receive a Health Care Card. This entitles you to cheaper prescription medicines under the PBS and may also give you access to concessions for costs such as energy, electricity and healthcare, depending on your state and territory government.

Contact Centrelink for more information and assistance. Keep in mind that a waiting period may apply before you can claim.

Withdrawing superannuation early

You normally can’t access your superannuation until you reach your ‘preservation age’ (between 55 and 60 years old depending on when you were born). But as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) explains, you may be able to withdraw your super early in limited circumstances. This includes on compassionate grounds to pay for medical treatment or if you have a terminal medical condition that is likely to result in death within two years.

Insurance

If you have any insurance (for example, life insurance, trauma insurance or income protection insurance) check to see if your policy or policies cover your current circumstances. Be aware time limits may apply to making a claim.

In addition to any standalone policies, it could also be worth checking whether you have insurance within your superannuation. If you are unsure what you are covered for, contact your insurer or super fund.

If you are struggling financially, consider speaking with your doctor to discuss your options. You can also contact the Cancer Council’s Pro Bono Program to access free financial planning services. These financial planners may be able to help you access your super and insurance, apply for and access Centrelink payments, and provide other financial advice.

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