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Prostate cancer is a serious condition that may require ongoing treatment and can result in unexpected expenses.1 Here, we explore the costs associated with prostate cancer treatment and explain how Aflac cancer insurance may help provide financial support through cash benefits for covered diagnoses and services.
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One study has found that it costs an average of $2,800 per month to treat prostate cancer after diagnosis.2 Costs of treating metastatic prostate cancer, which means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, are typically higher. Annual per-person costs for prostate cancer care are estimated at approximately $28,000 during the initial phase of care and approximately $74,000 during the last year of life.3
Each case is different, and not all treatments will cost the same. These are some of the key factors impacting the cost of prostate cancer treatment:
Treatment costs vary, as do types of health insurance coverage. Depending on your condition, you may have a one-time procedure, or you may need ongoing daily treatment like chemotherapy, radiation or proton therapy.
Cancer treatment costs are generally broken into early-stage, continuing, and end-of-life costs. Treatment costs in the final year of life tend to be highest, so more severe cases requiring aggressive treatment will likely be more expensive.4
Treatment may be more expensive if you live in an area with a higher cost of living. Generally, since staff require higher wages to live in the area, treatment costs will be higher than in areas with a lower cost of living.
Health insurance typically does cover cancer treatments. Health insurance typically does cover cancer treatments. However, each plan is different, and some may have annual limits, higher deductibles, or require co-payments for certain services, all of which can affect how much you pay for treatment.
Follow-up care and medications can add up. The more you have to go to the doctor for follow-up appointments or take prescription drugs for cancer treatment, the higher your expenses may be.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedUnder the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums because of pre-existing conditions such as cancer.5 That said, policies differ in their features. Most plans have a "max out of pocket" that covers the deductible, co-payments and coinsurance you must pay annually toward your treatment.6,7 This number varies between providers and plans, so it’s important to understand the specific terms of your plan and keep careful records of your treatment costs.
Treating prostate cancer is expensive, but there are ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. These include:
Cancer care costs may include treatment, medications, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, lab tests, imaging, travel, lodging, and other out-of-pocket expenses, so patients should speak with their care team early to obtain an estimate of expected treatment costs.6
Medicare may cover proton therapy for prostate cancer, but coverage depends on the type of plan. Traditional Medicare coverage generally does not vary by state. However, Medicare Advantage and secondary plans may require prior authorization, and coverage can vary based on the specific plan and benefits.8
Additionally, not all insurance policies cover proton beam therapy because of its higher cost.9
Radiation therapy for prostate cancer can also vary widely in cost, especially depending on whether it is standard external beam radiation, brachytherapy, or proton beam therapy. Proton therapy is much more expensive than traditional radiation therapy and is only available at specialized centers.10
Prostate cancer is relatively common and treatable, but it may cause a financial burden. Supplemental cancer insurance may be worth it if your primary health insurance plan has a high max out-of-pocket. Aflac cancer insurance can help you cover unexpected costs that arise from prostate cancer treatment. However, keep in mind that you must already have coverage before getting a diagnosis. Chat with an Aflac agent today to learn more about cancer insurance and get a quote.
Are you ready to get cancer insurance?
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Let’s dive deeper into what cancer insurance is, how it works, and what it costs so you can decide if this type of policy makes sense for your unique situation.
Cancer insurance can help you pay for cancer-related costs your health insurance doesn’t cover. Learn more about whether insurance covers cancer treatments.
Let’s dive deeper into what cancer insurance is, how it works, and what it costs so you can decide if this type of policy makes sense for your unique situation.
Cancer insurance can help you pay for cancer-related costs your health insurance doesn’t cover. Learn more about whether insurance covers cancer treatments.
1 American Cancer Society – Cancer Facts for Men. Updated May 27, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/understanding-cancer-risk/cancer-facts/cancer-facts-for-men.html. Accessed July 23, 2026.
2 WebMD – The Cost of Prostate Cancer. Updated on September 20, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/cost-of-prostate-cancer. Accessed July 23, 2026.
3 Healthline – Costs of Managing Metastatic Prostate Cancer. Updated on January 30, 2026. https://www.healthline.com/health/advanced-prostate-cancer/what-it-costs-to-treat-prostate-cancer. Accessed July 23, 2026.
4 National Cancer Institute – Financial Burden of Cancer Care. Updated April 2025. https://progressreport.cancer.gov/after/economic_burden. Accessed July 23, 2026.
5 American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network - Cancer Patients & Survivors Strongly Support Maintaining Funding for Medicaid and Protections for Preexisting Conditions. Updated February 12, 2025. https://www.fightcancer.org/policy-resources/cancer-patients-survivors-strongly-support-maintaining-funding-medicaid-and. Accessed July 23, 2026.
6 Breastcancer.org – Managing Your Health Insurance. Updated April 23, 2026. https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/covering-cost-of-care/managing-health-insurance. Accessed August 14, 2026.
7 HealthCare.gov – Out-of-pocket maximum/limit. https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/out-of-pocket-maximum-limit/. Accessed August 14, 2026.
8 UF Health Proton Therapy Institute – Frequently Asked Questions About Proton Therapy. 2026. https://www.floridaproton.org/what-is-proton-therapy/faq. Accessed July 21, 2026.
9 MayoClinic – Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer. 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiation-therapy-for-prostate-cancer/about/pac-20586833. Accessed July 21, 2026.
10 Johns Hopskins Medicine – Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer. 2026. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/prostate-cancer/proton-therapy-for-prostate-cancer. Accessed July 21, 2026.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to ID, NJ, NM, NY, or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions. For availability and costs, please complete the form above.
Coverage underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York:
Cancer/Specified-Disease: In Delaware, Policies B70100, B70200 & B70300. In Idaho, Policies B70100ID, B70200ID & B70300ID. In Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK, B70200OK & B70300OK. Not available in New York or Virgina. A72200 series: In Delaware, Policy A72200. In Idaho, Policy A72200ID. In Oklahoma, Policy A72200OK. In Virginia, Policy A72200VA.
Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company:
Cancer/Specified-Disease: In Delaware, Policy T70000. In Idaho, Policy T70000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T70000OK. In Virginia, policies T70000VA & T70000GVA.
Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Z2500594R1
EXP 9/27
