Family bears the financial burden for cancer patient
The family of cancer patient Chiu Pui-ming, 75, always keeps plenty of savings on hand for medical emergencies after failing to find an insurer willing to provide him with coverage.
'No insurance companies were willing to offer my father medical insurance after he had his first operation for colorectal cancer six years ago,' said his son, Chiu Siu-hang.
'People from the last generation like my parents usually saw insurance as a taboo and did not buy it. They do not see the need until they grow old and fall sick - but it is always too late due to their old age and poor health conditions.'
That operation in Baptist Hospital cost the family about $100,000. More surgery was required in October, also in Baptist Hospital, costing another $100,000.
'My eldest sister and I insisted we would not take him to a public hospital to avoid the long waiting time. He is our father and we just want to save his life no matter how much we have to pay. We lied to him about the medical costs to prevent him worrying about money,' the son said.
'In the second operation, the surgeon told us that my dad could lose consciousness after surgery due to his old age and might have to stay in the intensive care unit, costing about $10,000 a night ... he did not know how long it would take my dad to regain consciousness.'
Luckily, Mr Chiu regained consciousness after one night in intensive care - saving his family hefty medical costs.
'But we do not know whether his cancer will relapse. All we can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst,' his son said.
'Since no insurers are willing to offer him medical insurance, we always have some cash ready in case he needs further treatment.'
