Cancer treatment is not always reimbursable. Find out where to find financial support for cancer and what to do to get the right medical care.
Cancer treatment without reimbursement
Although basic cancer treatment methods are available under the National Health Fund, they are not always sufficient or the patient may not be able to benefit from them. This is the case when the patient does not meet certain eligibility criteria for treatment or is not covered by health insurance. It also happens that a given drug is recommended for the treatment of a specific disease, but is not covered by reimbursement. There are several reasons for this situation. First of all, the costs. In the case of innovative methods, they are very high. A given company may not apply for reimbursement for its drug, or the reimbursement process itself is long, which means that patients are still waiting for the opportunity to benefit from a given therapy.
Costs of cancer treatment without reimbursement
Non-reimbursed cancer treatment involves high costs for the patient. The amount depends on the treatment method and the duration of therapy. Estimates range from several thousand to over ten thousand zlotys per month, but it is not uncommon for bills for non-refundable cancer treatment are much higher. Learn more about how much cancer treatment costs.
What to do if cancer treatment is not reimbursed?
Ask your doctor whether the treatment is reimbursed at another center. If not, ask about alternative methods of treating your condition. Participation in clinical trials or the RDTL procedure, which we describe below, may also be a solution.
No reimbursement for cancer treatment – what to do?
Check whether you are eligible for drug programs or clinical trials related to the treatment of your disease. A list of drug programs and eligibility criteria can be found on the NFZ website. You can also ask your doctor about them. Clinical trials, depending on their type, may be conducted in Poland or abroad. Information about them can be found, for example, on the website of the Polish Oncology Society. You should also discuss clinical trials with your oncologist.
In certain situations the financing of non-reimbursable cancer treatment may be provided by... the NFZ facility where you have been treated so far. We are talking about RDTL. This is a procedure for emergency access to drug technologies. It is intended for patients who have already exhausted the possibilities of cancer treatment covered by the NFZ and it has not brought the expected results. The appropriate application is sent to the Ministry of Health by your doctor/center. You also need to obtain a positive opinion from the provincial or national consultant responsible for your disease. If your doctor decides that you can apply for RDTL, they will inform you about the entire process.
Are there any forms of support outside the National Health Fund?
If you are facing financing non-refundable cancer treatment, you can apply for support in paying for the costs of therapy from institutions such as ZUS, KRUS, or MOPS. Benefits for patients are not high, but they do provide some financial relief that is worth taking advantage of.
Some people use the funds provided by cancer insurance. Although this is not a typical feature of a standard life insurance policy, insurance companies offer the option of purchasing this additional service. Some companies also offer insurance to people who have already been diagnosed with cancer. However, it is important to remember that such products exist, but they are rare, subject to restrictions, and do not replace a standard policy taken out before the onset of the disease.
Where else can you find financial support for cancer? Take advantage of the help offered by cancer foundations.
Check: how to choose a cancer foundation?
How do patients finance expensive cancer treatment?
One of the most common forms of financial assistance for cancer patients is online fundraising. It provides real help in the fight against cancer, allowing patients to continue treatment or take advantage of innovative therapies. To encourage donors to contribute, it is important to ensure the transparency of the fundraiser. Describe your story and the purpose of the fundraiser. Provide updates on the progress of treatment. At Cancer Fighters, we provide the foundation's beneficiaries with a free fundraising service and help them set up and promote their fundraising campaigns. However, this is not the only form of assistance you will receive from us.
Check out: fundraisers for cancer patients.
How to finance non-refundable cancer treatment?
As a beneficiary of an oncology foundation, you can raise funds for treatment through charity campaigns for cancer patients. Another important form of financial support is collecting donations through the transfer of 1.5% of tax.
Cancer treatment without reimbursement involves costs that patients are usually unable to cover on their own. Online fundraising and collecting 1.5% of tax are some of the possible forms of financial assistance that you can take advantage of in cooperation with the foundation. If you would like to join the Cancer Fighters group, please write to us or call us. We will tell you how we can help you in your fight against the disease.
