World Heart Day: Protecting Your Heart with Right Insurance Coverage

Written by Siddharth Singhal:

The World Health Organization deems cardiovascular diseases to be the leading cause of mortality, and with good reason. Responsible for an estimated 17.9 million deaths every year, heart diseases are becoming increasingly common amongst the young and the old alike. Conditions like coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and rheumatic heart diseases are making their way into our lives.

More than 80 per cent of CVD deaths are caused by heart attacks and strokes, with several of these fatalities occurring prematurely in people as young as 35-40. While the rise of imbalanced diet, long hours of sedentary jobs and smoking or drinking habits are a significant reason behind this, involuntary factors like air pollution also play a huge role here. This World Heart Day is a good time to take stock of your health and to also be financially prepared for any unforeseen eventuality that endangers your heart.

Health insurance: The safety shield for your heart

While it’s important to make healthier choices, this doesn’t guarantee prevention of heart diseases, as it is evident by now. Young people with healthiest lifestyles also unpredictably suffer a sudden health scare. So, it’s equally important to safeguard yourself against financial burden that could arise due to the high costs of treatment for heart disease and related conditions. Health insurance plays a crucial role in protecting you from the financial strain of medical expenses and ensures you have access to essential care when you need it the most.

By securing comprehensive health coverage, you not only invest in your physical well-being but also in your overall financial security. The cost of heart related procedures continues to soar, raising concerns about affordability and accessibility for many. A bypass surgery in India costs anywhere from ₹3,50,000-4,00,000, while a heart valve replacement operation can go up to ₹6,00,000. A heart angioplasty can range from ₹1,75,000-3,00,000, especially in tier 1 cities.

With these rising costs, having comprehensive health insurance becomes essential for individuals and families. It provides financial protection and ensures access to necessary medical treatments without the burden of exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses.

Here are some plans that one can consider:

Long-term treatment for heart disease often entails pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, as well as ambulance charges. Health insurers provide plans for heart patients or critical illness insurance that cover a range of heart ailments, including acute heart diseases. Some of the critical illnesses covered include First Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction), Open Chest CABG (Coronary Artery Disease Requiring Surgery), stroke resulting in permanent symptoms, surgery of aorta etc. These plans provide cover for minor, moderate and major stage heart related conditions.

Features of plans covering heart ailments

A comprehensive health insurance plans offer several key features and benefits, such as coverage for cardiac treatment costs and associated expenses, apart from hospitalization cost. This can help you take care of both medical and other incidental costs like travel expenses for a second opinion and treatment, rehabilitation, nursing at home and counseling costs post treatment, especially if you also opt for an OPD cover.

These plans offer sum insured up to Rs 1 crore and above along with life-long renewability, health check-up, riders for reduced waiting period for pre-existing ailments, day care treatments, in-patient care, ambulance care and alternative treatment. These plans also offer optional benefits including OPD care, home care, international second opinion etc. on payment of additional premium. The policyholder can utilize the sum assured for treatment of the disease, lifestyle changes, donor expenses or a planned treatment outside India etc. Keeping affordability in mind, insurers are also offering the flexibility of paying the premium in monthly or quarterly mode instead of annual lump sum payment, which makes it easier on the pocket for many.

In conclusion

It’s crucial for individuals with heart conditions to carefully explore their options and select an insurance plan that meets their specific needs. Before finalizing a plan, it’s advisable to review details such as sub-limits, co-payments, additional coverage benefits, outpatient expenses, and the total sum insured. Make an informed choice that empowers you to manage your heart health effectively, ensuring that you and your loved ones can face the future with confidence.

(The author is head-health insurance, Policybazaar.com)