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Published on April 4, 2008

More people are likely to fall victim to cancer, which is believed by some to be brought on by stress and pollution.

As its treatment often costs several hundred thousand baht, people at risk may consider buying cancer insurance if they are not already covered by a comprehensive scheme.

Bangkok Bank and Bangkok Insurance have jointly launched cancer insurance aimed at the elderly.

A lump-sum pay-out will increase to 120 per cent of the insured sum in the second year and 150 per cent in the third year, Bangkok Bank executive vice president Chartchai Srirussamee said yesterday.

The pay-out is made upon an initial diagnosis of cancer, with the exception of skin cancer and cancer resulting from HIV.

People who have already been diagnosed with cancer before buying the policy will not receive compensation. The policy is good only if buyers are diagnosed with cancer at least 90 days after the purchase date.

According to the Siriraj Cancer Centre's data, 2.31 million people were afflicted with cancer in 2006.

Of that number, 151,636 were new patients. Most cancer patients are aged 45-65.

The 10 most common cancers among Thais are breast cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma, thyroid cancer and oral cancer.

The policy offers insured sums in a range of Bt200,000 to Bt500,000.

Premiums go up with age. Buyers aged below 34 pay from Bt1,100 to Bt2,740. Those aged 35-44 pay Bt1,920 to Bt4,810, while those aged 45-54 pay Bt3,490 to Bt8,730. People aged 55-60 pay the highest premiums of Bt5,080 to Bt12,710.

Other cancer insurance policies are also available but terms and conditions vary from companies.

In February, Ayudhya Allianz CP Life Assurance sold cancer insurance with insured sums of Bt500,000, Bt750,000 and Bt1 million.

The policy provides compensation of 10 per cent of the insured sum when the policyholders are diagnosed with preinvasive cancer and 100 per cent when invasive cancer is diagnosed.

That policy is effective 60 days after the purchase date.

The Nation

At a glance

-  2.31 million people were afflicted with cancer in 2006.

-  Of that number, 151,636 were new patients. Most cancer patients are aged 45-65.

-  The 10 most common cancers among Thais are breast cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma, thyroid cancer and oral cancer.

-  The policy offers insured sums ranging from Bt200,000 to Bt500,000.

-  Premiums go up with age.

-  The pay-out is made upon an initial diagnosis of cancer, with the exception of skin cancer and cancer resulting from HIV.

-  People who have already been diagnosed with cancer before buying the policy will not receive compensation.

-  The policy is good only if buyers are diagnosed with cancer at least 90 days after the purchase date.