Introduction
If you or a loved one is suffering from cancer, one of the first practical questions is, What will chemotherapy for cancer in India cost?
The entire process of cancer treatment can be overwhelming. However, it can make it less stressful if you understand what the process will mean for you financially.
This guide will provide you with the average chemotherapy costs in India, types of treatment and drugs, hospital differences, ways to manage or reduce costs, etc., in a straightforward, human way.
Average Chemotherapy Cost in India (2025)
Chemotherapy costs in India are widely variable based on the type of cancer, hospital, and medicines.
- Government hospital costs per cycle: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000
- Private hospital costs range per cycle: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000+.
- Higher-end private hospital: ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakh per cycle.
Most patients complete 6-12 cycles based on the patient’s type and stage of cancer. Therefore, your total costs can vary from ₹30,000 to ₹15 lakhs or more.
Cost Breakdown by Cancer Type:
The following is a brief overview of average chemotherapy costs based on the type of cancer:
- Breast Cancer
₹1.5 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs (6-8 cycles)
Standard chemotherapy drugs: AC-T, FEC, and Paclitaxel
Must Read: Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India: A Complete Guide
- Colon Cancer
₹2 lakhs to ₹6 lakhs
Regimen: FOLFOX, CAPOX (includes 5-FU, oxaliplatin)
- Lung Cancer
₹2.5 lakhs to ₹7 lakhs
Usually includes a platinum-based chemo and targeted therapy
- Leukemia (Blood Cancer)
₹3 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs
Multiple cycles + high doses + hospitalization
- Ovarian/Cervical Cancer
₹1.5 lakhs to ₹4.5 lakhs
Standard chemotherapy drugs: Carboplatin, Paclitaxel
Key Cost Factors
Several factors affect cancer chemotherapy costs:
- Type and stage of cancer
More advanced cancers require more intense treatment and a longer duration of treatment.
- The drugs used
Brand-name drugs are much more expensive compared to generic drugs.
Newer targeted therapies or immunotherapies can cost ₹1–3 lakhs per dose.
- Number of cycles
Each chemotherapy plan is unique to each patient. Some patients have 4 cycles of chemotherapy; some patients have 12 or more cycles.
- Type of hospital
Government/public hospitals will be the cheapest.
Private or corporate hospitals are more expensive because of added services and drug and room costs.
- Inpatient versus outpatient
Outpatient chemotherapy (where you go home the same day) is usually less expensive.
Inpatient chemotherapy means you are staying in the hospital, and there may also be room charges added on top.
- Other services
There can be many costs included, like blood tests, scans, insertion of the port, lab work, and supportive injections like G-CSF, which can easily add an extra ₹10,000–₹30,000.
City-Wise Chemotherapy Costs (Approximate, per cycle)
| City | Govt Hospital | Private Hospital |
| Delhi | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 | ₹15,000 – ₹50,000+ |
| Mumbai | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹20,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Bangalore | ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 | ₹18,000 – ₹55,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹2,000 – ₹4,500 | ₹15,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Chennai | ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 | ₹18,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Pune | ₹2,000 – ₹4,500 | ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Tier-2 cities | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 |
Common Chemotherapy Drugs & Their Prices (per dose):
| Drug Name | Generic Price (₹) | Branded Price (₹) |
| Paclitaxel | 1,000 – 2,000 | 5,000 – 12,000 |
| Carboplatin | 500 – 1,500 | 3,000 – 8,000 |
| Oxaliplatin | 1,000 – 2,500 | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| 5-FU (Fluorouracil) | 200 – 400 | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Doxorubicin | 800 – 1,200 | 2,500 – 5,000 |
Affordable Treatment Options in India
- Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai): World-class cancer treatment at subsidized prices
- AIIMS, Delhi & other government hospitals: Cheap or free chemotherapy
- Regional Cancer Centers: They are in almost all states.
- Private charitable hospitals: Many also offer discounted treatment.
Must Read: Is Stage 2 Breast Cancer Curable
Health Insurance Coverage for Chemotherapy
Yes, in almost all cases, chemotherapy will be covered by health insurance in India.
Things worth checking:
- Room rent ceiling
- Cashless network hospitals
- OPD vs. admission
- Pre-testing and post-testing for coverage
- Government Schemes:
- Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) covers ₹5 lakh/year per family for treatment.
- State schemes (i.e., Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Yojana (MJPJAY), CM relief funds)
- ESIC, CGHS (for government servants and eligible workers)
Tips to Reduce Chemotherapy Expenses
Effective cost-cutting measures:
- Ask your oncologist if there are any generic options available.
- Choose government or semi-government hospitals.
- Get free medicines via the state program if you are eligible.
- Use non-governmental agencies or trust assistance (for example, CanSupport, YouWeCan Foundation).
- Don’t do unnecessary tests; always double-check!
- If possible, city-wise package comparison advantages.
FAQs
1. What is the average cost of chemotherapy in India?
In private hospitals, it typically costs ₹15,000 – ₹50,000 per cycle; in government hospitals, it costs ₹2,000 – ₹5,000.
2. Which hospital is the cheapest for chemo?
Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai), AIIMS (Delhi), and regional government cancer centers offer the cheapest chemo treatments.
3. Can I get chemotherapy for free in India?
Yes, at many government hospitals or under Ayushman Bharat and state health schemes, qualifying patients can receive chemotherapy for free.
4. Does Ayushman Bharat cover chemotherapy?
Yes. The scheme provides cancer treatment coverage up to ₹5 lakh per year per family (for cancer treatment, including chemotherapy) at impanelled hospitals.
5. How many cycles of chemotherapy do you have?
It depends on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. The majority of patients usually require 6 to 12 cycles, depending on the cancer, spread over 3 to 6 months total.
Conclusion
Chemotherapy in India can be affordable; the key is knowing your options. You can get the best care without a bankrupt bill. From government assistance to low-cost hospitals and generics being available, health awareness and literacy are concepts that encourage opportunities to access care and treatment.
If you or someone you love is beginning treatment, carefully ask questions, and consider exploring support schemes. Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion or a third. You don’t need to suffer alone; there is help.
