Cancer and your finances

Print these questions

Treatment costs

• How much will I have to pay for consultations?
• How much will I have to pay for imaging scans or other tests?
• Can you give me a written estimate of treatment costs?
• Are there other effective treatments that cost less?
• Who else will care for me and how can I find out what their fees will be?
• Are there any out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicare or my private health cover?
• Will there be any up-front payments?
• Do you bulk-bill?
• Can I be treated as a public patient?

Health fund

• Am I covered for this surgery?
• Do I have to pay an excess or co-payment?
• Do you have a gap scheme?
• Is my hospital or doctor covered by your gap scheme?

Financial impacts of treatment

• Are the costs negotiable? Can the cost be reduced if I can’t afford it?
• When will I have to pay? Do you offer flexible repayment plans? Do you charge interest?
• Will I be able to work while having treatment?

Financial help

• What Centrelink benefits am I able to claim?
• Who can I talk to about my financial situation and available financial support?
• Am I eligible for patient travel assistance? How do I apply?