Hospital Information: Insurance Information

Health insurance coverage is a major concern for cancer patients and their families.

You may be wondering if medical care at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center will be covered by your insurance policy. The following information is intended to help patients understand insurance coverage at Memorial Sloan-Kettering and to make it as easy as possible to become a patient at our hospital.

If you want to become a patient at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, your first step is to contact Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Patient Referral Service at 800-525-2225, between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The service is staffed by clinical and financial experts who can discuss your specific cancer diagnosis, as well as any insurance and financial concerns you may have.

Understanding the Details of Your Insurance Policy

Each insurance policy is different, so take the time to know and understand your plan.

The amount of coverage your plan will provide for care at Memorial Sloan-Kettering varies depending on:

  • your insurance company
  • the amount of coverage that is part of your healthcare benefits package
  • your specific policy

Patients may be required to obtain authorization from their insurance company before they can receive treatment. It is a patient's responsibility to obtain all necessary authorizations from their insurance company.

To find out the details of your policy, contact the Customer Service or Member Services Department at your insurance company (the phone numbers are on your insurance card or in your benefits book). They should be able to tell you about your in-network and out-of-network coverage for care at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, as well as what your financial responsibility will be if you become a patient at our hospital. Many insurance companies limit payments to medical providers using their own fee schedule of usual, customary, and reasonable (UCR) rates so ask about this. We have developed a list of questions that may be helpful in your discussion with the insurance company.

How We Help

Memorial Sloan-Kettering patients have access to financial counselors who are committed to working with you, your physician, and your insurance company so that you can receive care at our hospital. These counselors are available to help verify your coverage, answer billing questions, and help address any concerns you may have.

Insurance Questions: Contact Us

If you are a new patient and have not yet had an appointment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, please call 646-497-9176 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday.

If you are a current patient, please call 646-227-3228 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday.