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According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer at some point, making it the most common form of cancer.1 Luckily, skin cancer is treatable if caught early, which is why The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends annual full-body skin cancer screenings by a dermatologist.2 But without health insurance, these screenings can be costly. Here, we explore the costs of skin cancer screening without insurance, and how supplemental cancer insurance (additional coverage for expenses not covered by your primary insurance plan) can help offset your out-of-pocket costs.
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A dermatologist performs a visual skin cancer screening by examining unusual lesions on your body. If they detect a potential skin cancer lesion, they’ll order a biopsy to determine whether it’s cancerous and, if so, identify the type, such as melanoma.
The AAD reports that about half of melanomas are self-detected, which is why it’s important to inspect your own skin regularly.1 Before you schedule an annual skin cancer screening, take some time to inspect your skin for irregular new spots, changes in skin texture, moles, or skin lesions. Make note of changes in color, size, or shape using the acronym “ABCDE,” which means:5
Basal cell carcinoma and other superficial cancers rarely spread, so removing a cancerous lesion typically completes the treatment. More serious cancers, like large squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma, may require additional procedures.
The AAD offers free skin cancer screenings throughout the United States. You can find a free skin cancer check by using their online search tool. Otherwise, the average cost of a body check ranges between $120 and $300.3 Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on the dermatologist’s office.
Health insurance policies often cover annual preventative screenings, but not always. Typically, Medicare does not cover screenings unless they’re ordered by a doctor.4 Your health insurer could follow the same policy, requiring a referral to help cover the exam. Although the screening may not be covered, services and tests related to diagnosing and treating skin cancer usually are.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedHealth insurance policies often cover annual preventative screenings, but not always. Typically, Medicare does not cover screenings unless they’re ordered by a doctor.4 Your health insurer could follow the same policy, requiring a referral to help cover the exam. Although the screening may not be covered, services and tests related to diagnosing and treating skin cancer usually are.
Aflac’s supplemental cancer insurance can help cover expenses before, during, and after a diagnosis, including screenings. Our policies pay a cash benefit, so you can use the money for whatever you see fit, including:
This flexibility is one of the major advantages of cancer insurance, and can make this policy worth it if you have a family history of skin cancer or you’re concerned about financial difficulties if you receive a diagnosis. Keep in mind that you must purchase a policy before a diagnosis to get coverage. Additionally, Aflac’s Initial Diagnosis Benefit is not payable for the diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Skin cancer is very common, and although it’s often treatable, a diagnosis can cause financial stress and peace of mind. Getting annual skin cancer exams is recommended to reduce your likelihood of a serious diagnosis, and cancer insurance from Aflac can help pay for these screenings if they’re not covered by your insurance. But it can also give you peace of mind by helping with many more medical and non-medical expenses if you receive a covered diagnosis. Speak to an agent today to learn if cancer insurance is right for you and get a quote.
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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.
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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.
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1 American Academy of Dermatology Association – SKIN CANCER. Accessed May 8, 2025. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer.
2 Skin Cancer Foundation – Annual Exams. Accessed May 8, 2025. https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/annual-exams/.
3 Bettercare – How much does a dermatologist cost? Updated April 11, 2025. Accessed May 8, 2025. https://bettercare.com/costs/dermatologist-cost.
4 Healthline – Does Medicare Cover Skin Cancer Screening? Updated September 13, 2024. Accessed May 8, 2025. https://www.healthline.com/health/medicare/does-medicare-cover-skin-cancer-screening.
5 Skin Cancer Foundation – Melanoma Warning Signs. Updated September 3, 2024. Accessed May 8, 2025. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-warning-signs-and-images/.
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.
Cancer insurance is also known as specified-disease insurance in some states.
Cancer/Specified Disease plans - B70000 series: In Delaware, Policies B70100DE, B70200DE & B70300DE. In Idaho, Policies B70100ID, B70200ID, B70300ID, B7010EPID, B7020EPID. In Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK, B70200OK, B70300OK, B7010EPOK, B7020EPOK; A75000 series: In Virginia, policies A75100VA–A75300VA. This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Plans and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact plans and riders for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions. For availability and costs, please contact your local Aflac agent/producer.
Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
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