When you’re building a competitive employee benefits package, health insurance is often the first thing that comes to mind. But in today’s world, many employers in Arizona are going beyond basic healthcare coverage to include supplemental options like cancer insurance. If you haven’t considered adding cancer insurance to your benefits offering, now is the time to take a closer look.
Cancer touches nearly every family in some way. According to the American Cancer Society, over two million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025. In Arizona specifically, tens of thousands of new cancer cases are reported annually, making it one of the most significant health concerns facing today’s workforce.
As a business owner, you have an opportunity to not only support your team during one of the most difficult times of their lives but also create a benefits package that attracts and retains top talent.
What Is Cancer Insurance?
Cancer insurance is a type of supplemental health policy that provides a lump-sum cash benefit or ongoing payments to help cover expenses associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment. This coverage is designed to work alongside your primary health insurance plan and may help with several different costs:
- Out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays
- Non-medical expenses such as travel, lodging, or child care
- Lost income during treatment and recovery
- Experimental or alternative therapies not covered by regular insurance
In short, cancer insurance is about filling the financial gaps so employees can focus on healing without the stress of mounting bills.
Why It Matters for Arizona Employers
You might be wondering—if your company already offers comprehensive health insurance, why add cancer insurance? Here are a few key reasons:
1. Financial Protection for Employees
Even with a solid health insurance plan, cancer treatment can be financially devastating. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 42% of patients deplete their life savings within two years of a cancer diagnosis. Cancer insurance provides an added layer of security that can significantly reduce this financial burden.
Offering this type of protection shows your employees that you value their well-being, not just as workers, but also as people.
2. Improved Employee Morale and Loyalty
When you invest in your employees’ health, they notice. Supplemental benefits like cancer insurance are more than just perks, they’re peace of mind. Employees are more likely to stay with a company that provides real, meaningful support during life’s most challenging times.
In fact, a MetLife survey found that 60% of employees are more loyal to companies that offer wellness and protection benefits beyond basic healthcare. It’s a win-win: you support your employees and reduce turnover at the same time.
3. Attracting Top Talent
The job market remains competitive across Arizona, especially in fast-growing areas like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson. A robust benefits package can set you apart from the competition. Candidates often compare coverage options just as closely as salaries, and cancer insurance can be a major differentiator.
Especially if you’re hiring experienced professionals with families or older employees who are more likely to value cancer-related coverage, this benefit can tip the scales in your favor.
4. Low Cost to Employers
Here’s the good news: cancer insurance is relatively inexpensive, especially compared to the value it provides. You can offer it as an employer-paid benefit, a voluntary employee-paid option, or a hybrid of both. If your budget is tight, making it available through payroll deduction still gives your team access to lower group rates than they’d find individually.
Plus, offering supplemental insurance through your business may also provide tax advantages. A knowledgeable insurance advisor can walk you through the most cost-effective way to structure it.
5. It Supports Business Continuity
A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just impact the individual; it affects your entire team. When employees are faced with the emotional and logistical challenges of a serious illness, productivity and morale can take a hit. Providing cancer insurance may help reduce stress and absenteeism, giving your employees the support they need to return to work sooner and more comfortably.
What Should You Look for in a Cancer Insurance Policy?
If you’re considering adding cancer insurance to your benefits lineup, here are a few features to look for:
- Lump-sum payout upon diagnosis
- Coverage for a broad range of treatment types, including radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy
- Flexible use of funds for both medical and non-medical expenses
- No network restrictions, so employees can see the providers they choose
- Coverage that extends to dependents, if desired
Every policy is different, so it’s essential to compare plans and work with a broker who can tailor the right option for your company’s needs.
The Rising Cost of Recovery Support
Here’s the part nobody talks about—cancer isn’t just about hospital bills. In 2025, the average family spends thousands on recovery-related expenses like mental health counseling, at-home care, and nutritional support. Most of that isn’t covered by standard health insurance. Supplemental cancer insurance helps fill those gaps, making it easier for employees to afford services that actually speed up recovery and get them back to work healthier and sooner.
Younger Employees Are Paying Attention Too
A lot of people assume cancer insurance only matters to older employees, but that’s outdated thinking. In Arizona, cancer is now the second-leading cause of death for people under 45. Younger workers—especially those with families—are increasingly drawn to benefits that provide long-term financial security in case of a major health crisis. Adding cancer insurance to your benefits package signals that you’re planning ahead for everyone, not just older staff.
Voluntary Benefits Keep Costs Low for Employers
Here’s the kicker: you don’t even have to foot the whole bill. Many Arizona businesses are now offering cancer insurance as a voluntary benefit, meaning employees can opt in through payroll deduction at discounted group rates. It’s low-cost for you, high-value for them, and it strengthens your overall benefits lineup without crushing your budget. Basically, it’s a perk that pays off in loyalty and retention without draining company resources.
Partnering With the Right Insurance Advisor
At J.C. Lewis Insurance Services, we specialize in helping Arizona businesses like yours create personalized, cost-effective employee benefit packages. Whether you’re a startup in Phoenix, a family-run business in Sedona, or a growing company in Tucson, we’ll help you understand your options and make choices that support both your bottom line and your people.
We take the time to evaluate your workforce, your budget, and your goals to recommend cancer insurance policies and other supplemental benefits that truly make a difference.
Cancer insurance isn’t just about managing risk. It’s about demonstrating care, foresight, and responsibility as an employer. In a state like Arizona, where the job market is competitive, adding thoughtful benefits like this can elevate your business in the eyes of both current and prospective employees.
If you’re ready to learn more about cancer insurance and how to incorporate it into your benefits package, reach out to J.C. Lewis Insurance Services today. We’ll help you navigate your options and find the right coverage for your team.