Lack of sufficient cancer awareness 
 

The results of Future Generali’s ‘Cancer Financial Preparedness Survey’ brought to light inadequate awareness levels amongst the respondents with regards to incidences, stages, types and cost of treatment of cancer. The same is evident from the findings below:  

Extremely poor financial preparedness for the treatment of cancer
 

Cancer treatment can vary depending on the type, stage and other health factors. The cost of treatment therefore, can also vary between 5 lakh to 20 lakh or more. In a breakthrough finding, the survey also highlighted significant dependence on the doctor for financial advice as patients inadvertently look up to them for assistance in dealing with the cost of medical treatment. Likewise, the survey revealed that a majority of respondents aren’t financially equipped to deal with cancer. More and more people fail to realize the importance of financial preparedness to deal with such an exigency in life which is obvious from the survey results below: 

Great divide in perception and reality of customer’s understanding of the financial implications of cancer 
 

Future Generali’s Cancer Financial Preparedness Survey also put into perspective the gap in perception and reality of the financial implications of this disease. Barring the cost of cancer treatment, most fail to take into consideration the additional monetary burden that ensues. The survey shows that the respondents were largely oblivious to the sustained financial challenges patients and their families may face in terms of loss of income, reduced earning capacity, cost of follow up treatment etc. thus plunging the family deeper into crisis. 
 

Mr. Munish Sharda, CEO and MD, Future Generali India Life Insurance asserts that, “We commissioned this research to bring forth awareness of Cancer in the country and gauge people’s preparedness to secure themselves financially against this dreaded disease. As an insurer, we believe we have an important role to play in addressing these two pressing issues of awareness and preparedness by reaching out to the consumers and offering them simple products at affordable cost, supported by a very convenient buying process. Future Generali Cancer Protect Plan is a comprehensive cancer insurance designed with the principles of simplicity, convenience and speed. It also provides an income option to customers for taking care of post treatment financial requirements.” 
 

Appreciating FGLI’s efforts, Dr. Sandeep Goyle, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, who was a guest panelist at the event commented that, “Right diagnosis can determine the cost of treatment for cancer. The survey highlights that there is a clear need to create awareness on overall treatment and early detection. Patients need to be able to understand that right diagnosis will help curtail the cost of treatment and add to their overall quality of life.”  
 

Yashish Dhaiya, Founder and CEO, Policy Bazaar – India’s largest Online distributor of Insurance who was also a guest panelist at the event said, “Let’s face it – cancer is a modern day reality and its treatment is expensive. It can easily leave any family not only emotionally vulnerable, but also financially distressed. With no social security net existing in India, we believe that disease specific products like cancer insurance become essential covers to buy for people here. It is a noble act by insurers who are launching these products and creating awareness around them. It is commendable that FGLI has come up and launched an excellent product in this category. Future Generali Cancer Protect Plan is the most economical, and also the simplest cancer insurance plan to be made available in the market today.”