Paying for Cancer Treatment Although access to cancer treatments is increasing across Asia, signi

Paying for Cancer Treatment

Although access to cancer treatments is increasing across Asia, significant differences in the structure of health insurance and reimbursement exist between countries.

Japanese government health insurance is the most generous in Asia and offers the highest rates of reimbursement. The government offers coverage for approved treatments, including treatments for cancer, to all citizens.Treatments are eligible for coverage as long as they have been approved by Japan’s MHLW.

Korea and Taiwan offer government health insurance at lower reimbursement rates than Japan. Korean citizens pay for services on a fee-for-services basis and have the option of buying private insurance to help cover out-of-pocket costs. For patients with chronic conditions such as cancer, this option has grown in popularity. A recent study of the Korean health system found that about half of all cancer patients in Korea have private insurance. In Taiwan, the National Health Insurance Program provides coverage for inpatient care, as well as diagnostic imaging and healthcare exams.

Singapore and Thailand, unlike the countries above, offer substantially less government reimbursement. Many Singaporeans have private health insurance provided by their employers. Some smaller amounts of reimbursement in Thailand help cover the costs for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical procedures for cancer.However, Thai reimbursement is extremely low compared to wealthier countries in Asia.