Protect yourself from Respiratory Diseases with Health Insurance
As winter sets in each year, the rise in the air pollution levels becomes a yearly phenomenon affecting normal lives for people, especially those living in the National Capital Region. Health experts believe that breathing polluted air is an invitation to numerous health problems, including various respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses on a large scale. As per the State of Global Air 2020, long-term exposure to outdoor and household air pollution has led to over 1.67 million annual deaths from stroke, heart attack, diabetes, lung cancer, chronic lung diseases, and neonatal diseases in India in 2019. Pollution has been one of the leading risk factors for death among the health risks. The report also stated that over 1.16 lakh infants lost their lives in their first month of life in 2019 owing to outdoor pollution and poor air quality due to household particulate matter.
Young children and senior citizens are people who are most vulnerable and face pollution-related health risks. So, it hints at the need to take precautionary measures to protect loved ones for mitigating the harmful effects of pollution. As the toxic smog continues to obstruct your path towards a healthy life, you must stay well-protected by wearing anti-pollution masks, installing air purifiers at your home and most importantly, buying the best mediclaim policy to safeguard yourself in any medical emergency is undoubtedly a positive step.
We discuss below the features of health insurance plans that you must consider before buying a policy for yourself and your loved ones this winter season. All these plans listed below provide specific coverage for the various medical expenses you could incur due to illnesses caused by the dangerous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
OPD Cover
After Diwali, there is a rise in cases where most people report respiratory problems, such as chest infection, cough, and sneezing. These are some common symptoms exhibited by patients who do not even have any pre-existing disease. It is the magnitude of the damage caused by pollution that can lead to out-of-pocket expenses. The common pollution-triggered ailments that usually require OPD treatment include dry throat, breathing difficulty, and irritation of the eyes.
Therefore, you must pick the mediclaim policy that offers you a good OPD cover. Family Floater Policy offered by Care Health Insurance includes cover for doctor consultations, pharmacy and diagnostic tests.
Cashless Mediclaim
In severe cases, constant exposure to polluted air can lead to asthma attacks, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and heart attacks. And this requires immediate hospitalization of the patient.
In case of emergency hospitalization of a person affected by a pollution-related ailment, the family need not go through the hassle of procuring liquid money if they have a cashless mediclaim facility. Hence, buying family health insurance with a cashless claim facility is recommended for every family. Even in the case of planned hospitalization, cashless insurance proves to be highly beneficial.
Do remember to check the list of network hospitals where you could avail of the medical facility.
ICU Charges
Individuals who are highly vulnerable to the negative effects of air pollution include senior citizens, children, new-borns, and pregnant women. A recent study by the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that around 6 Lakh children die every year as a result of inhaling toxic air. Furthermore, research experts reveal that new-borns are more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit in worst-case scenarios. Moreover, the harmful effects of air pollution might also include a stroke or a heart attack, leading to emergency ICU admissions. Being prepared for any such eventuality is necessary. The best mediclaim policy also comes with the benefit of ICU expenses cover. Make sure you thoroughly read the policy details before opting for a health insurance plan.
Critical Illness Cover
Those suffering from pre-existing diseases like diabetes and hypertension need to be cautious during the time when air pollution is at its peak as the toxic atmosphere could worsen their condition. It is particularly true in the case of elderly patients.
Choosing affordable health insurance that provides protection against critical illnesses can help minimize financial risks during medical emergencies. Some features that a critical illness cover include are ambulance cover, air ambulance, organ donor cover, and alternative treatments.
Conclusion
With the mounting pollution levels, it is crucial to take preventive healthcare measures. At the same time, it is important to be rational and stay ready with a health insurance plan to deal with any unexpected medical situation without worrying about the inevitable expenditures associated with it. A medical insurance policy will provide comprehensive cover for various medical expenses and save a person from spending lakhs of rupees on medical bills from one’s hard-earned savings. Moreover, by opting for a health insurance policy, the insured is eligible for tax deductions on the premium paid under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
Care Health Insurance provides coverage for 32 major critical illnesses with high coverage for a low premium. Opt for it now and stay protected.
Disclaimer: Underwriting of claims for respiratory diseases is subject to policy terms and conditions.
Home
Diseases
