Cancer and your finances

You may be worried about how to manage the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. This information will help you understand the types of costs that can add up and find ways to deal with them.

Cancer and your finances book
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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?

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