- When a loved one is battling a life-threatening illness, the last thing any family should have to worry about is how to pay for treatment. But for millions of Indians, that’s the painful reality.
- From unexpected surgeries to chronic care, medical expenses in India can quickly spiral out of control especially when you’re uninsured, underinsured, or come from a low-income background. According to the National Health Accounts (NHA) 2024 report, over 55% of India’s healthcare expenditure is still out-of-pocket. That means even a single hospitalization can push an entire family below the poverty line.
- But there is hope. If you’re facing unaffordable medical bills, this guide can help you explore your options, whether you’re navigating a cancer diagnosis, organ transplant, NICU bills, or any critical care emergency.
- Healthcare Has Improved In Quality But Not Necessarily In Affordability.
- Here’s how expensive it can get in 2025
- (Private ICU bed cost in metro cities (₹30,000–1 lakh/day)
- According to a recent article, setting up an ICU bed in India can cost between ₹10–15 lakhs, with day rates in private hospitals reaching up to ₹1 lakh (Source)
- Cancer treatment cost (₹5–20 lakh)
- A Financial Express report from 2025 states that average cancer treatment in India ranges from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹20 lakh (Source)
- NICU cost up to ₹2 lakh/week
- According to the reports NICU charges range from ₹5,000–10,000/day, which can accumulate to nearly ₹1.4 lakh weekly—and even higher in premium setups
- Dialysis cost ₹15,000–25,000/month
- Government and expert sources confirm that monthly hemodialysis costs ₹18,000–40,000 for 12 sessions (Source)
- Over 60 million Indians pushed into poverty annually by medical expenses
- NITI Aayog analysis indicates that more than 7% of India’s population—over 60 million people—are driven into poverty each year due to health costs (Source)
- What to Do When You Can’t Afford Medical Bills in India?
- 1. Start by Speaking to the Hospital’s Billing Department
- Ask if the hospital has a financial aid or indigent patient program. Many large hospitals (like AIIMS, Tata Memorial, or government medical colleges) reserve beds and financial support for below-poverty-line (BPL) and lower-income patients. Carry your income proof, ration card, Ayushman card, or any social ID.
- 2. Check Eligibility for Government Schemes
- India offers several medical assistance programs, though navigating them can be time-consuming.
- Some key ones include:
- Ayushman Bharat - PM-JAY: Offers coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family/year. Check eligibility at pmjay.gov.in or at your nearest CSC center.
- Chief Minister’s Relief Funds (state-specific): You can apply via your district collector’s office.
- Health Minister’s Discretionary Grants: Offers help for cancer, kidney, heart surgeries, and more.
- RAN/RANH programs: State health assistance for critical illness and organ transplant costs.
- 3. Apply to NGOs and Charities That Support Medical Cases
- Numerous India-based NGOs and public health missions are dedicated to supporting financially vulnerable patients especially those fighting cancer, chronic illnesses, or requiring critical surgeries. These organizations offer either financial assistance, subsidized treatment, or non-medical support like transport, food, and lodging.
- Here are some credible options:
- Indian Cancer Society – One of the oldest NGOs supporting cancer patients across India. They offer treatment sponsorships, chemotherapy assistance, palliative care, and rehabilitation support for underprivileged patients.
- 🔗 https://www.indiancancersociety.org
- CanSupport – Specializes in free home-based palliative care for cancer patients and psychosocial counseling for both adults and children.
- 🔗 https://www.cansupport.org
- RAN (Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi) – A central government scheme under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare that provides financial assistance to poor patients receiving treatment at government hospitals for major life-threatening diseases.
- 🔗 https://main.mohfw.gov.in
- Sankara Nethralaya / Mission for Vision – Offers free and subsidized eye surgeries, particularly for cataract and retinal disease patients in rural and low-income groups.
- 🔗 https://www.sankaranethralaya.org
- Aarohi & Snehalaya (for children’s medical care) – Work in specific states to support underprivileged children with access to basic and advanced healthcare services, including surgeries and chronic care.
- 4. Use Crowdfunding for Urgent Medical Needs
- When insurance coverage falls short or doesn’t exist at all, medical crowdfunding has become a lifeline for countless Indian families. Whether it’s a sudden accident, a child’s cancer diagnosis, or the cost of an organ transplant, crowdfunding helps bridge the financial gap when time is critical.
- Medical crowdfunding is especially helpful in cases like:
- Pediatric cancer treatment
- Organ transplants (liver, kidney)
- Road accident trauma care
- NICU care for premature babies
- Rare and chronic diseases like thalassemia and SMA
- True Hope Foundation supports families throughout this journey not just by creating a fundraiser, but by walking with them every step of the way.
- 5. Challenge Incorrect Bills and Negotiate Costs
- Medical bills in private hospitals can sometimes include:
- Unused services
- Duplicate entries
- Inflated MRP charges
- Overhead room rent discrepancies
- Ask for an itemized bill and don’t hesitate to challenge it. You can also speak to a patient advocate or health finance NGO to negotiate on your behalf.
- 6. Explore Health Insurance Options Even Post-Diagnosis
- Many insurers now allow you to:
- Get top-up insurance even after diagnosis (with a waiting period)
- Purchase critical illness insurance with specific coverage
- For long-term illness like kidney disease or cancer, this can help with ongoing treatment cycles.
- Still Struggling?
- True Hope Foundation Is Here for You
- At True Hope Foundation, we don’t just help patients raise money, we walk with them through the journey. From finding a blood donor, arranging free accommodation for outstation families, or helping with hospital navigation, our support goes beyond just bills.
- If you or someone you know needs urgent medical help, don’t suffer in silence.
- ✅ Reach out to our helpline: +918282825582
- ✅ Start a fundraiser with our team’s help
- ✅ Get assistance from TrueHope Foundation team and generous donors
- ✅0% platform fees
- No one should lose a loved one because of lack of money
- Start a Medical Fundraiser
