(MENAFN- S Factor ) October 26, 2021: According to the latest figures released by the Health Department of Abu Dhabi, in the UAE alone there are 4500 new cases of cancer each year, with breast, colorectal, and lung cancers as the main illness. This is expected to almost double by 2030, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to Global burden of cancer (GLOBOCAN)* - one in 5 men and one in 6 women worldwide develop cancer during their lifetime, and one in 8 men and one in 11 women die from the disease with cancer related cases rising significantly in the UAE.
However, if found in the early stages, the treatment options increase with the survival rate of nearly 99%. Whereas late detection can result in dropping down the survival rate to a worrying 27%. While being diagnosed with a critical illness such as cancer is traumatic, patients also have to face exorbitant costs for receiving the treatment. The cost of chemotherapy in the Emirates starts from at least AED 25,000 per session, rising upwards to AED 50,000 at highly-priced hospitals.
To combat cancer, a milestone collaboration between the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Roche Pharmaceuticals, and AXA-Gulf Insurance titled BASMAH initiative was launched in 2019 for patients suffering from breast, colorectal and cervical cancer in Dubai. Under BASMAH, a first-of-its-kind initiative, cancer patients can get a complete spectrum of care and treatment as per international standards. This initiative offers a mandatory health insurance scheme that covers screening as well as treatment of any of these 3 types of cancer (breast, colorectal and cervical cancer) where all expatriates would be able to access funding for cancer treatment under the essential benefits plan (EBP). This initiative is sure to make a huge difference to provide financial and emotional support to patients suffering from these three types of cancer.
Furthermore, patients can get financial support with comprehensive health insurance plans with various private insurers providing critical illness health insurance plans for long-term and serious illnesses that need expensive medical treatment.
Neeraj Gupta, CEO, Policybazaar.ae said, "Critical illness cover offers the policyholder a lump sum amount in the event of developing any serious illness (cancer, cardiovascular disease, organ transplant, etc). You can buy a standalone critical illness insurance plan or you can get the rider cover for critical illness added to your term or other insurance policy.”
Critical illness cover can offer financial flexibility at the time when you need it most. Also, critical illness cover will make it possible to afford the best treatment and ensure a better recovery without piling up debt in case of financial constraints.
Additionally, there’s income protection insurance, which can provide income support if the policyholder finds himself/herself unable to work while receiving cancer treatment.
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