The Average Cost Of Liver Cancer Treatment: What You Need To Know

Liver cancer is a severe oncology form with an average five-year survival rate of 60-70% at an early stage. The success of a patient’s treatment largely depends on the therapy method, which may only be available in countries with advanced medical facilities. This article will tell you how treatment costs are determined and compare prices for treating liver cancer in different countries.

Discovering Liver Cancer Treatment Costs

Factors Impacting Liver Cancer Treatment Costs

Liver cancer treatment costs vary significantly from patient to patient based on the stage of the disease, its location, and the extent of the malignancy.

The following factors also influence the price:

• The patient’s general physical condition. The presence of concomitant diseases can make the treatment much more complicated.
• The number of diagnostic procedures. If it is necessary to transplant a donor organ, the recipient and their donor are prescribed diagnostic measures.
• Hospitals level. Treatment in advanced countries can be more costly than in developing ones. Leading hospitals worldwide are furnished with cutting-edge technology, making operations safer. However, treatment prices can vary significantly among cancer centers in various countries due to diverse pricing policies and service levels.
• The cost of staying. When choosing treatment in countries like Israel or Turkey, patients may receive a package deal that includes accommodations and meals, which are affordable. In comparison, European hospitals typically provide a separate bill for accommodations.
• Doctors qualification. Liver cancer treatment with an experienced oncologist with higher patient survival rates can significantly improve your chances of a successful treatment outcome. But doctors at this level may come with a higher cost.
• Treatment method. It varies depending on the stage at which it was detected. The cost also influences the chosen approach.

Treatment is limited to a simple surgical operation for some patients, while others may require long-term multimodal therapy. Therefore, you can find out the approximate price after passing a diagnostic examination and consulting an oncologist.

Treatment Costs by Stage

The most popular destinations for treating liver cancer among medical tourists are Turkey, Israel, Germany, Spain, Poland, and India. Among this list, more economical options are:

• Turkey. The leading Turkish hospitals for liver cancer treatment are Memorial Bahcelievler Istanbul and Liv Hospital Ulus Istanbul. Liv is the only Turkish clinic that has a certificate in robotic surgery. About 300 liver transplants are performed here annually, with a success rate of 93.5%. The average cost of treatment is $20.000.

• Israel. Israeli doctors prefer the SIRT method by introducing radioactive microcapsules into the organ’s artery. Reaching the affected area, they irradiate it while not affecting healthy tissues. Israel’s leading clinics for treating liver cancer are Ichilov Sourasky Medical Centre Tel Aviv and SHEBA Medical Center Ramat Gan. The average cost is from $13.500.
• Poland. Liver cancer treatment in Poland is carried out in advanced centers like the Greater Poland Cancer Centre Poznan, and University Hospital Krakow. The entire diagnosis of neoplasms in the liver takes two days. Thus, patients do not lose precious time, and doctors can start treatment immediately. The average cost of treatment starts from $17.000.
• Spain. The leading hospital for liver cancer treatment is the University Hospital de Navarra Pamplona and Teknon Medical Centre Barcelona. The average cost of diagnosis and treatment is about $25,500, the minimum price starts from $2.500 (chemotherapy), and the maximum is $49.000.
• Germany. The best clinics for liver cancer are University Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians Munich and University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich. German oncologists have extensive experience performing microwave and radiofrequency tumor ablation, chemoembolization (TACE), HIPEC, open or laparoscopic surgery, and liver transplantation. Approximate prices start from $12.500 (surgery). An average liver transplant surgery cost in Germany ranges between $250.000 and $300.000.

The Impact of Insurance on Liver Cancer Costs

Families of patients with liver cancer often face significant financial struggles. This issue is particularly prevalent in the US, where medical services tend to be among the most expensive globally. Aflac, MetLife, Colonial Life, and Humana are significant players in the American market. Cancer insurance programs are becoming more prevalent in countries where state health programs may not be sufficient or cover everyone.

If you have cancer insurance, you can expect to receive various benefits. These include thorough examination and treatment to ensure an accurate diagnosis, financial assistance to help you access a speedy cure, and psychological support to help you manage the emotional toll of the disease.

Almost every major insurer offers onco insurance to its customers. The cost of the package will depend on the age of the buyer. The cheaper policies imply paying a certain amount on hand when cancer is detected. Those that are more expensive assume full payment for diagnostics and therapy. Specific insurance programs offer telemedicine services, which allow patients to connect with doctors from medical centers abroad to evaluate the accuracy of the diagnosis and the treatment plan.

Understanding the Cost Breakdown for Liver Cancer Treatment

It’s essential to identify both medical and non-medical costs you may encounter to start planning for your expenses. This information can help you make necessary adjustments to your budget and seek financial guidance if needed. A strong financial plan can alleviate stress and allow you to prioritize your health and well-being.

The typical costs of liver cancer treatment includes:

• Preoperative diagnostic tests (blood tests, ultrasound, liver biopsy, CT, and MRI).
• Surgery (depends on the tumor type and size and the extent of the spread).
• Postoperative expenses (chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be required before or after surgery).
• Medicines.
• Patient’s stay in the hospital.

Some hospitals may offer discounts on treatment. Several pharmaceutical companies like Bayer have a patient assistance program under which some drugs are provided free of charge.

When creating a budget for medical treatment, it’s essential to consider non-medical expenses that can impact the final cost. These expenses can include interpreter services, tickets, and accommodation. It’s important to remember that extra expenses incurred during treatment can result in reduced income if you need to take time off work. Short-term disability insurance can help with some of the costs during recovery, but it may not fully cover your salary.

Additional Resources for Liver Cancer Treatment Costs

Discussing financial issues related to healthcare can be challenging and uncomfortable for many patients. However, seeking guidance from people with experience managing or reducing healthcare costs can be incredibly beneficial. AiroMedical is a global service that offers assistance with selecting medical solutions and organizing treatment in over 16 countries. We are available 24/7 to support you throughout the entire process, from selecting a clinic to the recovery stage.

Our team of experts will carefully choose a clinic and doctors specializing in treating liver cancer, considering your case’s unique details, requirements, and preferences. You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan, complete with costs, and have the ability to budget for your trip. If you need assistance with arranging your treatment abroad or require support to manage the stress of your diagnosis, please contact us by submitting a request on our website.