1. Home
2. Blogs

How Much Does Bone Marrow Transplant Treatment Cost in India?

• 
• 
• 
• 0
• 0

Bone marrow transplant (BMT) or stem cell transplant is a crucial treatment for various cancerous and noncancerous conditions, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, aplastic anaemia, and plasma cell disorders. It replaces diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells, restoring the body’s ability to produce blood cells.

BMT can not only save lives but also enhance a patient’s quality of life. The treatment involves replacing unhealthy blood-forming cells or stem cells with healthy ones. This is done by taking the cells found in the bone marrow, filtering them and giving them back to the same individual or a different patient. Let’s talk about bone marrow transplant costs, the different types available in India, and other details.

Bone marrow transplant cost

The cost of bone marrow transplants in India varies based on the recommended procedure. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the costs:

Best bone marrow transplant hospitals in India

India has many renowned hospitals offering bone marrow transplant services. According to Lyfboat, the following are some top facilities in the country:

Types of bone marrow transplant

There are four types of bone marrow transplants —

1. Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant:

This type of bone marrow transplant is performed before administering high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the patient. These treatments target cancer cells but can also harm the healthy ones in the bone marrow. To prevent this, a patient’s healthy blood cells are collected and preserved in a freezer before treatment. After chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the preserved stem cells are reinfused into the patient’s body to restore healthy blood cell production.

2. Allogenic Bone Marrow Transplant:

This type of bone marrow transplant involves obtaining stem cells from a compatible donor and transplanting them into the patient’s body. The new stem cells then make healthy blood cells. Therefore, the procedure requires special tests to ensure that the donor’s stem cells match with those of the recipient. While a sibling is often the best match, doctors may also test stem cells from parents, children, and relatives. Patients can also find compatible donors through national bone marrow registries.

3. Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant:

In this type of transplant, stem cells are collected from a newborn’s umbilical cord blood. The collected stem cells are then frozen and stored for future use. Although cord blood contains fewer stem cells compared to other bone marrow transplant options, these stem cells can grow more blood cells than those obtained from bone marrow. Additionally, since the cord blood cells are less mature, they can be used even if they partially match the recipient.

4. Syngeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation:

This is a bone marrow transplant in which the stem cells are collected from a syngeneic donor or a genetically identical twin. The advantage of this approach is that because the donor and the recipient have the same genetic makeup, the risk of associated complications is rare. However, the transplant can only be performed if a suitable twin is available, so it is less common.

Pre-blood and marrow transplant eligibility test

Pre-transplant eligibility tests are an important part of the bone marrow transplant process. They help ensure the patient receives the best treatment and care for the diagnosed condition. Therefore, before proceeding with the transplant, the transplant team conducts several tests to evaluate the patient’s health. A patient can receive a bone marrow transplant only after approval from the transplant team.

The following tests are conducted before blood and marrow transplant:

• Blood test

• 24-hour urine specimen to check kidney function

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)

• CT scans of the chest and sinus (also of the abdomen and pelvis, if required)

• Chest X-ray

• Bone marrow biopsy, if required

• Multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan or echocardiogram to evaluate heart function

• Pulmonary function test to examine lung function

• Consultation with the nutrition, dental, and psychology departments, if recommended

Conclusion

To sum up, bone marrow transplant cost depends on several factors, including the type of transplant, the hospital you choose, pre-transplant tests, and the cost of medications. The procedure can cost a minimum of INR 15 lakhs, which can be a significant financial burden without a health insurance policy. Having a health plan or critical illness insurance can cover a substantial portion of your medical expenses and prevent financial setbacks. Therefore, it is wise to invest in a suitable plan and stay prepared for your healthcare needs.

FAQs

1. What is the cost of a bone marrow transplant in India?

The cost of a bone marrow transplant typically ranges from INR 15 lakhs to INR 35 lakhs. It mostly depends on the type of transplant, hospital bills, etc.

2. Are there any additional costs in the transplant process?

Yes, there are additional costs in the transplant process, such as the doctor’s consultation bills, diagnostic tests and medications, and medical bills for unforeseen complications.

3. Are there hidden costs associated with bone marrow transplants?

Yes, there are some hidden costs associated with bone marrow transplants. These include the cost of ongoing medications, follow-up appointments, prescribed therapies, etc.

4. Is bone marrow transplant covered under health insurance?

Yes, many health insurance and critical illness insurance policies cover the cost of bone marrow transplants. However, the coverage may vary from insurer to insurer. Therefore, compare plans and choose one that best matches your requirements.

5. What should you check before buying health insurance for a bone marrow transplant or any other critical procedure?

Before buying health insurance for a bone marrow transplant, you must check the coverage for specific procedures and their waiting periods. Moreover, the policy may also have some exclusions, limitations, and caps on coverage amounts for specific procedures, so make sure you check these as well. It is also wise to choose a plan that covers pre- and post-hospitalisation bills, as these can increase overall costs.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

RELATED ARTICLES

How Much Does a Stem Cell Transplant Cost in India?

List of Critical Illnesses Covered in Health Insurance

Top Reasons to Purchase High-Value Health Insurance

Affordable Health Insurance with No Deductible and No Copay

All About Aarogyasri Telangana: A Comprehensive Guide

---

• 
• 
• 
•