Integrative cancer care is in demand. Insurance often won’t pay for it. Patients are turning to life insurance policies to cover the gap.
In Irvine, California, Cancer Center for Healing, led by Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy, MD, has built a reputation as one of the country’s leading destinations for integrative cancer care. Patients travel nationwide to seek therapies that combine the best of conventional oncology with holistic medicine.
Dr. Connealy, a pioneer in integrative oncology and the author of The Cancer Revolution, emphasizes whole-person care — treating not just the disease, but the mind, body, and environment of each patient. Under her leadership, Cancer Center for Healing has become widely recognized as Irvine’s premier holistic cancer center, offering personalized programs that blend evidence-based medicine with supportive therapies such as IV vitamin therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, detoxification, nutrition, and mind-body healing.
For many, this represents both hope and choice at a time when conventional options feel limited. But this hope also comes with a challenge: insurance coverage rarely extends to integrative cancer care.
The Financial Reality of Holistic Cancer Care
Conventional insurance may reimburse standard hospital treatments and some diagnostics. Yet patients who pursue integrative care often encounter significant uncovered costs, such as:
- Holistic consultations and individualized protocols
- Specialized testing and labs that fall outside network coverage
- Supportive therapies like hyperbaric oxygen or IV vitamin infusions
- Travel and lodging in Irvine for extended treatment programs
- Nutritional and lifestyle support not included in traditional plans
For many families, these uncovered expenses quickly accumulate on top of everyday financial responsibilities.
A Different Kind of Financial Option
When patients look beyond insurance, they often explore online fundraising or medical loans. But those routes are unpredictable or create new financial obligations.
A viatical settlement offers another path. By selling an existing life insurance policy, a patient with a serious illness can access an immediate cash payout — funds that can be used without restrictions. That means money in hand for treatment at Cancer Center for Healing, lodging nearby, or covering daily living costs while focusing on care.
Unlike loans, there is no repayment. And unlike accelerated death benefits (ADB, or accelerated death benefit), there are no limitations on how the proceeds are used.
Cancer Care Financial: Helping Patients Access Care
Cancer Care Financial, founded by Justin Friedman, specializes in helping cancer patients turn life insurance policies into immediate financial resources through viatical settlements.
“What I hear from patients is that nobody ever told them this was even an option. They’ve been told no by insurance, and suddenly they realize their life insurance policy could actually give them access to the care they want right now. That’s life-changing,” Friedman said.
Cancer Care Financial’s role is to make the process simple and compassionate. Families already facing the weight of a cancer diagnosis don’t need more stress. By guiding patients step-by-step, evaluating each policy quickly, and handling the paperwork, Cancer Care Financial ensures that patients can focus on what matters most: getting the care they’ve chosen.
For many families traveling to Irvine for treatment at Cancer Center for Healing, the ability to convert a life insurance policy into cash means covering both medical costs and the practical realities of treatment — from accommodations and travel to nutrition and supportive care.
What Is a Viatical Settlement?
A viatical settlement is the sale of a life insurance policy by someone with a serious illness in exchange for an immediate cash payout. Unlike waiting for a death benefit or taking a policy loan, a viatical settlement allows patients to unlock the value of their policy today.
The funds are typically tax-free for qualifying medical conditions and can be used for anything: treatment at Cancer Center for Healing, accommodations during extended stays in Irvine, alternative therapies, or everyday expenses. For many patients, this strategy provides a direct financial pathway to integrative care when insurance does not.
A Pathway to Integrative Care in Irvine
Cancer Center for Healing continues to stand out as Irvine’s premier holistic cancer center, blending traditional and alternative approaches under the guidance of Dr. Connealy. For patients who want access to its full range of therapies but face financial barriers, a viatical settlement can provide a solution that traditional insurance does not.
Key Takeaway
Cancer Center for Healing is known nationwide for its integrative, holistic approach. Insurance often does not cover those services — but a viatical settlement from Cancer Care Financial can transform a life insurance policy into immediate funds for care, travel, and living expenses. For patients seeking treatment in Irvine, this option can open doors to therapies they might otherwise be unable to pursue.
People Also Ask
Can life insurance help pay for holistic cancer treatment?
Yes. Through a viatical settlement, patients can sell an existing life insurance policy for immediate funds that can be used for integrative cancer care.
What is the difference between insurance coverage and a viatical settlement?
Insurance often excludes holistic and integrative cancer therapies. A viatical settlement bypasses insurance entirely by converting a life insurance policy into cash.
Can a viatical settlement cover travel and lodging during cancer treatment?
Yes. Funds are unrestricted and can be used for accommodations in Irvine, travel, supportive therapies, or everyday expenses.
Who qualifies for a viatical settlement?
Patients with serious illnesses such as cancer who hold a life insurance policy — typically $50,000 or more in face value — may qualify.
FAQ
Q: What is a viatical settlement?
A viatical settlement is the sale of a life insurance policy by someone with a serious illness, in exchange for an immediate cash payout.
Q: How fast is the process?
Most viatical settlements close within weeks, giving families quick access to funds when needed most.
Q: Are proceeds taxable?
In most cases involving serious illness, proceeds are tax-free. Always consult a financial advisor to confirm your personal situation.
Q: Will I lose my policy completely?
Yes, the buyer becomes the new beneficiary. But you eliminate future premium payments and gain immediate access to funds.
Q: Can the money only be used for treatment?
No. Funds are unrestricted and can be used for treatment, travel, lodging, debt relief, or living expenses.
