Parents without child medical insurance are being driven into debt by the costs of cancer, according to a new report, entitled Counting the Costs of Cancer.
Children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent interviewed 245 families and 90 young people with cancer. 76 per cent said their child’s illness had had a major impact on finances, and two-thirds of parents of children with cancer surveyed say they have been forced to borrow money to make ends meet.
Parents are getting into debt through the costs of cancer care
Parents and young people told the charity that they spent on average £367 and £277 respectively on cancer-related expenses every month. With treatment lasting up to three years, this added up to a spending of £4,400 for parents and £3,325 for young people each year.
Unexpected costs include travel to hospital and parking costs, accommodation, extra clothing to account for weight loss, food supplementing hospital meals, and telephone call charges.
Lorraine Clifton, chief executive of CLIC Sargent, said: "Everyone is suffering in this economic climate but parents of children with cancer are amongst the hardest hit.
"We're dependent on the generous support of the public and other donors to fund our vital work to support young cancer patients, but the money we raise can only be part of the solution.”
"We want to work with the government and other organisations to find better ways of ensuring young people and children with cancer, and their families, have the financial support they need."
By paying a premium towards child health insurance every month, your child will be fully covered for treatment in a private hospital if they do develop cancer.
Private hospitals offer free parking, as well as treatment in a private room with ensuite facilities. Some policies even cover the cost of your accommodation whilst your child stays in hospital. Compare health insurance quotes online now to see how much you could save if the worst should happen to you and your family.
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