CION Ameerpet
Paediatric Cancer · Cost & Support
Cost of leukemia treatment for a child — transparent, phase-by-phase
A leukemia diagnosis is overwhelming enough. Not knowing what it will cost makes it harder. At CION, we give every family a written, phase-by-phase cost estimate before treatment begins — because decisions for healing, not billing start with honest numbers.
- Written cost estimate — given before treatment starts, broken down by phase
- Aarogyasri / PMJAY assistance — our billing team checks your eligibility at the first visit
- EMI and payment plans — spread cost over the treatment period, no upfront lump sum required
- Up to 50% off diagnostics — essential tests at reduced cost so diagnosis is never skipped
Medically reviewed by CION Paediatric Oncology Team · Last reviewed June 2026
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ALL treatment cost child · blood cancer cost kids
What shapes the leukemia treatment cost for a child?
When a parent hears "your child has leukaemia," the mind immediately goes to two questions: Can my child be treated? and Can we afford it? Both questions deserve honest answers. Leukemia treatment for children in India is a long journey — usually two to three years — and cost is not a single number. It changes with each phase.
Type of leukaemia matters most. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is by far the most common blood cancer in children. It responds well to chemotherapy in the majority of cases, and most children with ALL do not require a bone marrow transplant. Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is less common, typically more intensive, and may have a higher overall treatment cost. Your oncologist will confirm the type and discuss what the treatment plan involves before any cost estimate is given.
Risk group drives intensity — and therefore cost. Paediatric oncologists assign each child to a risk group (standard, high, or very-high risk) based on age, initial blood counts, and the genetic features of the leukaemia cells. Higher-risk children receive more intensive protocols, more frequent hospital admissions, and sometimes additional medicines — all of which affect the total cost.
The three phases have very different cost profiles. Induction (the first four to six weeks) is the most intensive phase — often involving hospital admissions and intravenous medicines. Consolidation continues over several months with periodic clinic visits. Maintenance (one and a half to two years) is largely oral medicines given at home, so the monthly out-of-pocket cost drops significantly. Families who plan for all three phases are rarely caught off guard.
Diagnostics are separate from treatment. The upfront diagnostic workup — bone marrow biopsy, flow cytometry, genetic and chromosomal panels — is essential for correct diagnosis and risk-grouping. These tests are billed separately but CION offers up to 50% discount on diagnostics. Never skip or delay diagnostics to save money; an incorrect risk-group assignment can lead to under-treatment that costs far more to correct later.
Support medicines add to the bill. Treatment is not only chemotherapy. Anti-nausea medicines, antibiotics and antifungals to prevent infection during low-immunity periods, growth-factor support, and nutritional supplements are all part of the care plan. Your estimate from CION will include the major supportive medicines expected at each phase so there are no surprises.
Indicative ranges — confirm with CION billing team
Typical cost ranges by treatment phase (childhood ALL, Hyderabad)
The figures below are indicative ranges for standard-risk ALL. High-risk ALL, AML, or cases requiring transplant will differ. Your written estimate from CION will reflect your child's specific plan.
| Treatment Phase | Typical Duration | Key Cost Components | Setting | Monthly Cost Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Workup | 1–2 weeks | Blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, flow cytometry, genetic panels, imaging | Outpatient / Day-care | One-time upfront cost; up to 50% discount at CION |
| Induction | 4–6 weeks | IV chemotherapy, hospital admissions, supportive medicines, daily blood count monitoring | Inpatient + Day-care | Highest monthly spend of the entire treatment |
| Consolidation | 3–6 months | Periodic IV chemotherapy, intrathecal (spinal) procedures, clinic visits, blood tests | Day-care + Outpatient | Moderate; fewer admissions than induction |
| Maintenance | 18–24 months | Oral chemotherapy (taken at home), monthly clinic visits, regular blood counts | Mostly outpatient | Lowest monthly cost of all phases; mostly medicines + tests |
| Bone Marrow Transplant (if needed) | 4–8 weeks admission + follow-up | Conditioning regimen, transplant procedure, isolation ward, post-transplant medicines and monitoring | Inpatient (specialised ward) | Substantial additional cost; discuss with oncologist if transplant is recommended |
* All ranges are indicative for guidance only. Actual costs depend on risk group, complications, length of hospital stay, and medicines used. Request a personalised written estimate — Book a free consultation or call 1800 202 8726.
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Meet the Specialists
17+ senior cancer specialists. One panel for your case.
Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Mohammed Imran
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
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You deserve a clear answer on cost — before you commit to anything
Our 45-minute consultation includes a face-to-face meeting with a specialist, a review of your child’s reports, and a written cost estimate broken down by phase. No rushed decisions. No billing surprises.
Cost support options
Ways to reduce the financial burden of ALL treatment cost for your child
No family should have to choose between their child’s life and their finances. Here are the avenues available to families in Hyderabad and Telangana.
Government scheme
Aarogyasri & Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY)
Telangana’s Aarogyasri scheme and the national PMJAY programme cover hospitalisation, certain chemotherapy protocols, and surgical procedures including bone marrow biopsy for eligible families. Our billing team checks your card at the first visit and tells you exactly what is covered and what is not. Bring your Aarogyasri or Ayushman Bharat card to the consultation.
Private insurance
Health insurance & employer Mediclaim
Most health insurance policies cover in-patient hospitalisation and chemotherapy for cancer. Some policies have sub-limits or waiting periods for cancer claims — check your policy document carefully. CION’s billing team can assist with pre-authorisation paperwork for cashless treatment at empanelled insurers. CGHS and ECHS beneficiaries (government employees and defence families) should bring their cards.
Flexible payment
EMI and phase-linked payment plans
Because leukemia treatment runs for two to three years, paying in phases is both practical and fair. CION’s patient-support team can structure a payment plan linked to the treatment phases — higher payments during induction when costs are highest, lower during maintenance. Zero-cost and low-cost EMI options through health-financing partners are also available. Ask our billing team at the first visit.
Diagnostics discount
Up to 50% off essential diagnostic tests
CION offers up to 50% discount on diagnostics, including bone marrow biopsy, flow cytometry, and genetic panels. These tests are non-negotiable for accurate diagnosis — but they do not need to be expensive. Ask for the diagnostic discount when you book your first visit. Our team will tell you exactly which tests are clinically necessary and which can wait.
NGO & charity support
NGO grants and patient-assistance programmes
Several NGOs in Hyderabad and national patient-assistance programmes provide financial grants specifically for children with cancer. CION’s social-work team can connect you with the right organisations based on your family’s financial situation. Support may cover medicines, travel costs, or accommodation near the treatment centre during intensive phases. No family is expected to navigate this alone.
Second opinion
Free written second opinion — included
A second opinion is not a delay — it is a right. At CION every free consultation includes a written second opinion from our tumour board. This ensures your child’s treatment plan is reviewed by medical, surgical, and haematology oncologists together. A correct plan from the start avoids expensive changes mid-treatment. Get a second opinion at CION Paediatric Cancer Centre today.
How it works
Your cost-planning journey at CION
From first call to written estimate — here is what to expect at every step. We walk this journey with you.
Book a free 45-minute consultation
Call 1800 202 8726 or fill the form on this page. Our team will confirm a slot at the nearest CION centre. Bring all available reports, scans, and biopsy slides — or we will advise on what is needed if diagnosis has not yet been confirmed. The first consultation is free.
Report review and risk-group assessment
A paediatric haematology oncologist reviews the blood reports, bone marrow findings, and genetic panel results. If any tests are missing, our discounted diagnostic pathway can complete them quickly. The risk group — standard, high, or very-high — is assigned here. This step is the foundation of the cost estimate.
Tumour board discussion
At CION every child’s case is discussed by the full tumour board — medical, surgical, and haematology oncologists together. This is a standard part of our process, not an extra. The board confirms the treatment protocol and identifies any adjustments for your child’s specific situation. No single doctor’s opinion drives the plan.
Insurance and scheme eligibility check
Our billing team runs through your insurance policy, Aarogyasri / PMJAY card, CGHS or ECHS eligibility, and any employer Mediclaim. We identify which components of the treatment plan are covered and which are out-of-pocket, and we initiate pre-authorisation where applicable. You receive a clear breakdown — covered vs uncovered — before treatment begins.
Written cost estimate handed to you
Before treatment starts, you receive a written cost estimate broken down by phase — induction, consolidation, and maintenance — with the major cost components listed separately. If a payment plan or EMI is needed, we agree the terms at this stage. Nothing surprises you mid-treatment. Decisions for healing, not billing.
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Common questions
Your questions about leukemia treatment costs for children — answered
What is the approximate cost of leukemia treatment for a child in Hyderabad?
The total cost depends on the type of leukaemia (ALL or AML), the risk group, and the length of treatment. For childhood ALL, the most common type, treatment runs for two to three years across three phases. Diagnostic workup (blood counts, bone marrow biopsy, genetic panels) is usually a separate upfront cost. Chemotherapy medicines and hospital stays during the intensive early phases represent the largest share of cost. The maintenance phase, which is the longest, involves mostly oral medicines and regular outpatient blood tests, so the monthly cost is much lower. At CION we provide a written cost estimate before treatment begins, broken down by phase, so you can plan ahead. Call 1800 202 8726 to request an itemised estimate.
Does Aarogyasri or PMJAY cover childhood leukemia treatment?
Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) and Telangana’s Aarogyasri scheme cover several cancer treatments, including some components of childhood leukaemia care. Coverage typically includes hospitalisation, some chemotherapy protocols, and surgical procedures like bone marrow biopsy. The scope of coverage depends on the specific scheme package your family is enrolled under and the procedures required. Our billing team will check your card eligibility at the first visit and walk you through exactly which costs the scheme covers and which are out-of-pocket. Please bring your Aarogyasri / Ayushman Bharat card to the consultation.
Can we pay for treatment in instalments (EMI)?
We understand that leukaemia treatment is a long financial commitment and that paying everything upfront is not always possible. Our patient-support team can discuss payment plans that spread cost over the treatment period. Many families also use zero-cost or low-cost EMI options available through health-financing partners. We will share the options available at your centre at the first billing discussion. Our priority is that cost never becomes a reason a child cannot complete their full course of treatment.
Is a bone marrow transplant always needed and does it add significantly to the cost?
Most children with the most common form of leukaemia — ALL — are treated successfully with chemotherapy alone and do not need a bone marrow transplant. Transplant is considered in high-risk cases, in children whose disease comes back after initial treatment, or in certain subtypes that do not respond adequately to standard chemotherapy. A transplant involves a separate, substantial cost — the transplant procedure itself, the conditioning regimen, and the extended hospital stay. If a transplant is likely to be needed, your oncologist will discuss this with you early so you can plan financially. Many families explore government schemes, NGO support, and employer medical insurance to cover transplant costs.
Are the diagnostic tests (bone marrow biopsy, FISH, flow cytometry) included in the treatment cost?
Diagnostic tests at the start of treatment are usually billed separately from the treatment itself. These tests — including bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, flow cytometry to characterise the leukaemia cells, and genetic panels — are essential for accurate diagnosis and for assigning the correct risk group, which in turn determines the treatment plan. Skipping or cutting corners on diagnosis can lead to under-treatment or over-treatment, both of which increase total cost in the long run. At CION we offer up to 50% discount on diagnostic tests, and our team will tell you upfront exactly which tests are essential and why.
What ongoing costs should I plan for during the two to three years of treatment?
The first few months — the induction and consolidation phases — are the most intensive and the most expensive, often involving hospital admissions, daily clinic visits, and intravenous medicines. The maintenance phase (roughly one and a half to two years) is much lighter: mostly oral medicines given at home, with clinic visits every two to four weeks for blood count checks and medicine adjustments. Ongoing costs to plan for include clinic visit fees, monthly blood tests, supportive medicines (anti-nausea, anti-infection), and nutrition support. Some families also find it helpful to plan for travel costs if their centre is not local, and for income loss if a parent needs to be with the child during hospitalisation. Our care team can connect you with social-work support for financial planning.
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