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Sometimes you only realise the importance of a healthcare policy after facing a health emergency. However, with insurers coming out with policies covering pre-existing diseases, you need not worry more. You might be surprised to know that due to the rise in heart ailments, hypertension, etc., a condition that would have ruled you out a few years back, can now be considered for further coverage. You can now opt for health insurance after heart surgery.
Coronary artery diseases at an early age have surprisingly increased in the past few years, especially post-COVID. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO) report, almost 45 million people in India suffer from Cardiovascular ailments and the first heart attack age is now less than even 50 years. Hence, public and private insurance companies have launched new and improvised heart healthcare schemes to capture the market with pre-existing ailments and surgeries. This coverage for pre-existing medical history is of course subject to certain terms and conditions.
What are Pre-existing Heart Conditions?
In insurance parlance, pre-existing heart condition is a health condition that the insured has suffered before buying a health insurance plan. Pre-existing heart conditions include myocardial infarction or heart attack, chronic congestive heart failure, previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, and percutaneous coronary intervention. Generally, under the circumstances, the insurer asks the insured for a waiting period before he/s can enjoy the benefits of the policy. This period varies from 2 to 4 years depending on the insurance company and the condition of the insured.
How does Pre-existing Heart Condition Impact on the Heart Health Insurance?
Since there is already a medical condition that the insurance company is aware of, there are 2 factors that impact majorly while buying health insurance after bypass surgery, angioplasty, or heart valve surgery:
Comparatively Higher Premium
Since insurance companies are taking a risk by covering your existing conditions, the premium charged will be higher depending on the severity of the heart condition.
The increase in premium amount entirely depends on the type of policy and the insurance company.
Waiting Period
In case of a pre-existing condition, there is a waiting period to serve before claiming your heart insurance. The waiting period varies from company to company but an average of 3 to 4 years can be expected in general. However, this does not mean that your claim for any newly diagnosed condition will be rejected. The cover for anything that does not come under pre-existing illness will be duly covered as per the policy amount.
Factors to Keep in Mind while Choosing a PED Health Insurance Policy for Herat Patients
Factoring the below-mentioned tips while buying heart health insurance will help you ensure the right coverage:
Know Policy Terms and Conditions
If you want to go for health insurance after bypass surgery, or any other serious heart ailments or procedures, be sure to read the terms and conditions thoroughly before choosing the policy. The issuing procedure, the waiting time, the list of pre-existing illnesses covered, type of coverage will vary according to the policies and insurance company. The company might feel comfortable only after a thorough medical check-up, considering your age and the severity of your pre-existing condition.
Disclosing Pre-Existing Conditions is Mandatory
Always disclose any pre-existing conditions, in case you have had any heart valve surgery or even angioplasty while purchasing the heart health policy. Any declaration found to be untrue can lead to cancellation of policy even if it covers a pre-existing condition that you have.
Waiting Period for Pre-Existing Conditions
This is applicable to across all health policies and is even more significant in the case of pre-existing illness. For instance, if you have just recovered from a heart ailment and want to purchase health insurance after heart valve surgery to cover the recovery period or any further cardiovascular distress in the near future, you might not be able to do it immediately. There is a substantial waiting period of almost 3 to 4 years, post which you will be eligible to enjoy the benefits.
Flexibility of Waiting Period
This may happen in extremely rare cases when insurance companies might offer to reduce the waiting period based on a higher premium depending upon the severity of the pre-existing condition. But this is entirely dependent on the insurance company or the policy you’ve opted for.
Heart Health Insurance after Angioplasty
An angioplasty procedure is required when the arteries fail to carry blood to the heart due to the deposition of cholesterol or ‘plaque’ giving rise to atherosclerosis.
A balloon or stent is placed to manually clear the blockage and open up the arteries for a smooth blood flow. A balloon angioplasty may cost from 1 lakh to 1.7 lakhs in a tier 1 city.
Most of you might be thinking, what if I do not have any insurance currently, can I get health insurance after angioplasty? Yes, You can!
You will be relieved to know that one of our prominent policies ‘Care Heart - The Heart Health Insurance for Heart Patients’ is custom-made for those who are already suffering from cardiac diseases, or has undergone any heart surgery in the last 7 years.
To Summarise
It is important to choose the right policy if you are looking for health insurance after a bypass surgery, a valve surgery, or a heart attack. As getting a heart health insurance with PED conditions are not impossible now, all you require is to explore more.
If you are looking for a comprehensive heart insurance plan and yet not satisfied with the available options or getting one with higher waiting period, you can consider buying Care Heart. Apart from offering comprehensive coverage up to INR 10 lakh, the policy comes with no pre-policy medical check-up and a waiting period of 2 years for PED coverage, which is comparatively a lower term. Feel free to connect with our experts for more information about the policy benefits and other terms and conditions.
>> Also Read: What is the Cost of Open Heart Surgery in India
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
