Cost of Proton Therapy in India: A Complete Guide to Affordable Cancer Treatment
Finding out that you or your loved one has cancer not only stresses you mentally but also creates financial stress. Many patients have a hard time dealing with the cost of treatment.
Some even skip proton therapy because it’s too expensive for them. But why delay or skip life-saving decisions in fear of hefty hospital bills, unclear pricing, and insurance complications?Â
The cost of proton therapy in India is much lower than in the US and other countries. There is an increase in treatment centers, financial aid options, and cost-effective alternatives in the country that will make proton therapy pocket-friendly for you.Â
In this guide, we will break down the cost options you will get in India. It will help you make a confident decision for your treatment.

What is the Cost of Proton Therapy in India?
Coming to India is an excellent idea if you want high-quality, low-cost cancer care. Proton therapy is known for its accuracy and minimal side effects, and it is offered in many specialist clinics in the country.Â
The cost of proton therapy in India is much lower than in other countries. A full treatment cycle in the US may cost you around $200,000 (approx. ₹17,00,000). But in India, it can range between $45,000 and $65,000 (approximately ₹4,000,000 to ₹4,550,000). The cost may vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the number of sessions required. Hospital facilities will also impact the cost.

Cost of Proton Therapy for Brain Tumor
A brain tumor needs highly precise treatment to protect the healthy surrounding tissues. That’s why proton therapy is particularly beneficial for brain tumors because of its targeted approach. The cost of proton therapy for brain tumors can be between $50,000 to $70,000 (approximately INR 43,16,000 to INR 560,00,000).
This cost may vary depending on tumor complexity and treatment duration.Â
Here are some benefits of proton therapy that will help you in both health and finance.
- PT’s precise targeting helps ensure that there is little to no radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy brain tissues.
- There will be fewer side effects, which will lower the risk of neurological and cognitive damage.
- It is also effective for pediatric cases. It reduces the chances of long-term side effects, which can impact the child’s developing brain.Â
- It has a higher success rate and it offers better tumor control while reducing secondary cancer risks.

Cost of Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer
The cost of proton therapy for prostate cancer will vary depending on factors like the location of the treatment center and the number of sessions. The cost can be anywhere between INR 20,00,000 (approximately USD 23,000) to INR 50,00,000 (approximately USD 59,000).
Other factors that will impact the cost are:
- Whether the facility is a private cancer center or a research hospital. Private cancer centers generally charge more than research centers.Â
- Many insurance companies cover proton therapy, but the coverage may vary.Â
- Out-of-pocket expenses like travel costs and deductibles.
Proton therapy is a cost-effective option for prostate cancer due to its major benefits:
- The number one benefit is its precision. It minimizes surrounding tissues.
- Because of the precision, there’s less impact on the bladder and rectum.
- When less radiation reaches the rectum, there are lower chances of diarrhea and rectal bleeding.
- Lower radiation on nerves means reduced chances of erectile dysfunction.
Proton therapy may be more expensive than traditional therapies, but it offers better long-term treatment outcomes for prostate cancer and other cancers.

Proton Therapy vs Radiation Therapy Cost Comparison
Both proton therapy and traditional radiation therapy are effective options for cancer treatment. Now let’s talk about the cost of them. Here’s a quick comparison:Â
Proton therapy is a newer and more advanced treatment; because of that, it is more expensive than traditional radiation therapy. These expenses can be higher depending on Factors like the type of tumor, treatment complexity, and several sessions.
In proton therapy, hypofractionation means a higher radiation dose is delivered per session (fraction), but there will be fewer total treatments. It can consist of 5 fractions or sessions.
In full fraction, a total of 33 fractions are delivered throughout treatment.Â
Here’s a breakdown of it:
- Hypo fraction (for 5 fractions) cost is 18,49,000 INR ( 21500 USD)
- The full fraction (33 fractions) cost is 59,34,024 INR (69000 USD)
In comparison, radiation therapy costs are:Â
- The average cost of radiation therapy (per session) in India is between 60,000 INR (approximately 700 USD) and 3,00,000 INR (3,500 USD).

Takeaway
The cost of proton therapy in India is lower than in most countries across the world. Proton therapy’s precision minimizes side effects, long-term complications, and radiation-related damage. It also lowers the chances of a second cancer and cancer recurrence.Â
Its benefits make it a better investment in terms of a healthier future. If you are planning to come to India, you are saving a hefty amount of money because it is much more affordable in the country.
MedicoExperts bridges the gap between you and top-quality healthcare. What’s more, it offers you options that fit your budget.

Call us today to get the best proton therapy in India under your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. How much does 6 weeks of radiation cost in India?
A. It costs around 60,000 INR (approximately 700 USD) and 3,00,000 INR (3,500 USD) per session.
Q2. Which is more expensive, radiation or chemotherapy?
A. Chemotherapy is costlier than radiotherapy. Chemotherapy costs 3000 INR (35 USD) to 2,00,000 INR (2300 USD) per session, and radiation therapy costs 60,000 INR (approximately 700 USD) and 3,00,000 INR (3,500 USD) per session.
Q3. Is 5 days of radiation enough?
A. For some cancers, 5-day radiation can be enough. Early-stage breast cancer is one such situation. But it is not for all cancers. The amount of radiation will depend on the cancer type, its location and stage.
Q4. Is the cost of proton therapy in India covered by insurance?
A. The cost of proton therapy in India may be partially or fully covered by some private insurance providers. Coverage depends on your policy and the medical necessity of the treatment. It’s advisable to check with your insurer beforehand.
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Author Bio:
Dr. Yashashree Joshi – MBBS, MD (Philippines)
Dr. Yashashree Joshi, MD, is a globally-trained oncologist with a robust academic background and extensive experience in pioneering cancer treatments. Dedicated to patient-centered care, she continually integrates the latest advancements in oncology to provide her patients with innovative and personalized treatment plans.
Content Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board