What is the ruling on subscribing to a cancer treatment insurance program at a specialized hospital, where the subscriber pays a specific annual amount in exchange for a defined treatment ceiling, without an intermediary (insurance company or bank) between the subscriber and the hospital?
Commercial health insurance, such as paying an annual sum in exchange for potential treatment at a greater cost, is forbidden due to its inclusion of (excessive uncertainty) and (gambling), whether it is affiliated with a bank or an insurance company. Its prohibition becomes even stronger if it involves riba (usury). However, some scholars have permitted it in cases of dire necessity, such as when a patient is unable to afford treatment without insurance, because what is prohibited due to gharar may be permitted out of necessity. But this permissibility is specific to a patient in need of treatment and does not apply to a healthy person who has no justification for falling into what is forbidden.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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