How Much Does a Stem Cell Transplant Cost in India?
How Much Does a Stem Cell Transplant Cost in India?
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) is a life-saving medical procedure that involves the transplantation of healthy stem cells to replace damaged or diseased cells in the bone marrow. This advanced treatment option holds great promise for patients with various haematological disorders and certain types of cancers. However, the cost associated with stem cell transplantation can be a significant concern for individuals seeking this treatment. Let’s explore the factors affecting stem cell transplant cost in India, the affordability of bone marrow surgery, and the coverage provided by the best health insurance in India, along with important considerations for those seeking transplantation.
What is Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation?
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, also known as bone marrow transplantation, is a medical procedure used to treat various conditions affecting the blood and immune system. It involves the transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells that can develop into different types of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. HSCT is typically used to treat diseases in which there are malfunctioning or damaged blood cells, such as certain types of cancers (e.g., leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma) and certain non-cancerous conditions (e.g., aplastic anaemia, thalassemia, and sickle cell disease). The procedure aims to replace the patient’s abnormal or diseased blood-forming cells with healthy stem cells, allowing for the production of normal blood cells.
When is Stem Cell Transplant Required?
When a person’s bone marrow cannot produce healthy blood cells due to leukaemia, lymphoma, bone marrow failure, or blood/metabolic disorders such as thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia, a doctor recommends hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
How Much Does a Stem Cell Transplant Cost in India?
Stem cell therapy cost in India depends on many factors, one being the type of transplant – allogeneic or autologous. In an allogeneic transplant, the stem cells are extracted from another person, not the patient. The donor may be unrelated or related to the patient. In an autologous transplant, the stem cells are taken from the patient; hence the patient and donor are the same person. In India, the stem cell transplant cost can range between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 44 lakh, depending on the city where a patient is undergoing treatment.
Cost of Stem Cell Transplant for Different Diseases in India
Here’s the stem cell therapy cost for some diseases in India:
• Blood Cancer — Rs 8.6 lakh to Rs 20 lakh
• Spinal Cord — Rs 5 lakh to Rs 5.5 lakh
• Cerebral Palsy — Rs 5.71 lakh to Rs 7.62 lakh
• Kidney Failure — Rs 3.94 lakh to Rs 4.87 lakh
• Parkinson’s Disease — Rs 5.8 lakh to Rs 10 lakh
• Autism — Rs 3.3 lakh to Rs 4.7 lakh
Factors Affecting Bone Marrow Surgery Costs in India
There are many factors affecting the cost of bone marrow surgery in India, such as:
• Pre-surgery cost: Before surgery, the patient has to undergo some physical examinations and basic tests, which can cost between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000.
• Cost of specific tests: Specific tests such as CT scan, Ultrasound, and Colour Doppler will cost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000.
• Cost of transplant: Depending on the total number of sessions and the type of surgical procedure, the cost of a transplant can range from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
• Miscellaneous expenses: Other expenses like the cost of follow-up sessions, immunosuppressant injections and post-surgery costs can come up to Rs 50,000.
Is Bone Marrow Transplant Affordable in India?
In India, many households cannot afford bone marrow transplants because of the huge costs involved running into lakhs. Even though the treatment cost in India is cheaper than in other countries, it is still not an affordable procedure. In fact, as per some studies, in India, about 70 per cent of people diagnosed with leukaemia cannot afford surgery due to their poor financial conditions. Not just bone marrow transplants, many families struggle to get treated for many life-threatening diseases. Hence, it is important to have a comprehensive health insurance policy with good coverage that can provide financial protection during medical emergencies.
Is Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Covered by Insurance?
Yes, many health insurance companies in India cover critical illnesses like bone marrow transplants under their critical illness insurance plans, but there’s a catch. The coverage is limited to only bone marrow transplants using hematopoietic stem cells, and no other stem cell transplants are covered. This means certain treatments will not be covered by insurance. To claim health insurance coverage for a bone marrow transplant, your doctor should confirm that you are eligible for the transplant.
Transplantation Coverage: Things to Remember
When considering HSCT and the associated transplantation coverage, there are several important factors to keep in mind. Here’s a list of some vital points to remember:
1. Insurance Coverage
Check with your health insurance provider to understand what transplantation services are covered under your policy. HSCT is a complex and costly procedure, so knowing what expenses will be covered and what portion you may be responsible for paying from your pocket is crucial.
2. Pre-authorisation
Some insurance plans require pre-authorisation or prior approval before undergoing HSCT. This means you need to obtain your insurance provider’s approval before proceeding with the transplantation. Failure to obtain pre-authorisation may result in denial of coverage or increased financial burden.
3. Network Providers
Insurance companies often have a network of preferred providers. Ensuring that the transplantation centre and medical professionals involved in your HSCT are within your insurance network is essential.
4. Medical Necessity
Insurance coverage for HSCT is typically based on medical necessity. The procedure may be covered if it is deemed necessary for the treatment of a specific condition, such as certain cancers or non-cancerous blood disorders. Your healthcare provider will work with your insurance company to provide the necessary documentation supporting the medical necessity of HSCT.
5. Coverage Limitations
Insurance coverage for HSCT may have certain limitations, such as restrictions on the number of transplantations covered or the types of procedures covered. Familiarise yourself with these limitations to ensure you have a clear understanding of what will be covered.
6. Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Even if you have 50 lakh health insurance, HSCT can involve significant out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Be prepared for these costs and consider exploring financial assistance programs or foundations supporting transplantation-related expenses.
Conclusion
If you or a family member is diagnosed with a critical illness, it can affect everyone in the family mentally and also financially. Apart from the mental trauma, the exorbitant treatment costs can drain a person’s savings. It is, thus, imperative to buy the best health insurance in India with a critical illness rider as a financial backup in such situations.
Disclaimer : The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales
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