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.

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Common questions about cancer and finances

Learn about the cost of cancer, how to manage finances, gap payments, budgeting, and more.

Finding other income

Learn about ways you can add to your income if you’re having difficulty paying your living expenses.

Reducing debts and expenses

It can feel overwhelming to face a pile of bills, but if you are having trouble paying there are options.

Bankruptcy

If you’re unable to pay your debts and cannot come to suitable payment arrangements with your creditors, you might apply to become bankrupt.

Support and information

Here we list some organisations that can help you manage your finances if you are affected by cancer.

Questions for your doctorAsking your health care providers questions will help you make an informed financial choice. You may want to include some of the questions below in your own list.

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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?

Podcast: Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis

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