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The future of healthcare holds marvellous innovations. Undergoing a revolution, healthcare has incorporated a lot of advanced technologies like robots, nanotechnology, VR/AR, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence to level up the treatment procedure. Modern technologies are also improving the quality of life for patients with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), heart strokes, or spinal cord injuries. Considering the growing number of heart illnesses, it is a blessing in disguise that we have various modern treatments for heart disease today.
More than ever, treatments are now becoming personalised, proactive, and convenient. Naturally, as humans, we all want to take advantage of the finest opportunities. That is what has led to discoveries of various modern treatments of heart diseases, especially in the last few years.
However, the complexity and cost of treatments rise drastically with their advancement. Because of this, modern treatments are generally quite costly. So, the question is, does modern treatment get covered by health insurance? Let's look into it all!
Different Types of Heart Diseases
Any condition that affects the cardiovascular system is referred to as heart disease. Heart diseases come in a variety of forms and each leaves a strong impact on the blood vessels. Below are 7 common heart diseases that may require modern treatment.
1. Coronary Artery Disease
It appears when plaque builds up in the arteries. These blockages cause the plaque to burst, stopping blood flow and leading to a heart attack.
2. Congenital Heart Defects
A congenital heart defect is a condition that has existed since birth. Symptoms include significant structural defects, such as the lack of a ventricle or unusual connections between the main arteries leaving the heart.
3. Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat. It happens when there is a malfunction in the electrical impulses that synchronise the heartbeat, leading to a life-threatening consequence.
4. Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Under this, the heart muscles stretch and become thin, causing the heart chambers to dilate. Common causes include toxins, arrhythmia, genetics, and a history of heart attacks.
5. Myocardial Infarction
Also known as heart attack, this condition stops the flow of blood to the heart. This can possibly damage or destroy a part of the heart muscle.
6. Heart Failure
Untreated coronary artery disease, hypertension, arrhythmias, and other disorders can lead to heart failure. Such conditions affect the heart’s capacity to contract or relax effectively.
7. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
This condition appears when the heart muscle is impacted by a hereditary issue. It's possible that there are no symptoms, and many people go undiagnosed. However, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can deteriorate over time. Patients will need modern treatment for heart disease.
What is a Modern Treatment for Heart Disease?
Treatments classified as ‘modern’ include stem cell therapy, robotic surgery, oral chemotherapy, and other procedures that implement extremely sophisticated technology. Modern treatments on heart disease have enabled treatment for conditions that were previously regarded as incurable.
Till some time back, severe asthma was incurable. However, modern treatments like bronchial thermoplasty have changed the narrative, and treating severe asthma is possible. However, the only flip side of these modern treatments is that they are extremely expensive. These are treatments that use ultra-advanced technologies. Keeping pace with science and embracing the latest tools, modern treatment of heart disease seeks to cure the incurable.
>> Also Read: What is a Dangerous Heart Rate?
What are the Various Modern Treatments of Heart Disease?
Depending on the type of heart disease, there are a variety of treatment choices available. However, some common tactics include taking medications, seeking information about various modern treatments for heart disease, and changing one's lifestyle. Let's have a closer look.
Medications
Heart conditions can be treated with a variety of medications. The primary choices include:
- Antiplatelet therapies
- Anticoagulants/blood thinners
- Digitalis
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- Calcium channel blockers
- Cholesterol-lowering medications
Surgery
Undergoing heart surgery treats the blockages and heart problems when medications fail to work or are effective. Although coronary artery bypass surgery is the most common treatment, below listed are 5 modern treatments for heart disease.
1. Coronary Angiography
This surgery widens the blocked/narrow coronary arteries. Angiography comes with the insertion of a wire mesh tube (stent), that enables smooth blood flow.
2. Device Implantation
Balloon catheters, pacemakers, and other devices help to regulate the heartbeat, thus supporting blood flow.
3. Maze Surgery
This creates new paths for electrical signals to pass through. Maze surgery helps in treating atrial fibrillation.
4. Valve Replacement or Repair
Under this, a value can be replaced or repaired if it is not functioning accurately.
5. Laser Treatment
Transmyocardial laser revascularisation helps in treating angina.
Do Health Insurance Cover Modern Treatments for Heart Disease?
Yes. Advancements in medical science have led to a plethora of advantages. As per the guidelines set forth by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority on India (IRDAI), modern treatments are covered by health insurance providers in India under the "Modern Treatment Benefit." These treatments receive coverage of up to 50% of the sum insured.
There are several modern treatment therapy options accessible. However, the coverage may depend on the company policies of your health insurance provider. Also, keep in mind that your insurance provider will only pay for the modern treatment if the given criteria are met. Make sure you read your policy documents carefully to understand the scope of your coverage and any related conditions.
Who Should Buy Cardiac Health Insurance for Heart Disease?
Heart conditions are becoming more common and can afflict people of any age. The lengthy course of treatment can affect anyone’s savings substantially. Consequently, individuals who are predisposed to lifestyle diseases, such as cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks, heart failure, etc., or who require some heart surgery/procedure should choose cardiac health insurance coverage.
Individuals who have pre-existing heart conditions or a family history of cardiovascular diseases are encouraged to explore the option of acquiring a cardiac health insurance policy. It is advised that people who already have heart problems or who have a family history of cardiovascular diseases should consider getting a cardiac health insurance policy.
With modern treatments costing a fortune, heart patients can afford to live healthy lives free from financial stress by receiving the finest treatment possible for their conditions, provided they have proper health insurance coverage in place.
To Sum it Up
Modern treatments are entirely based on ultramodern medical technologies. It is likely that your savings can be negatively impacted by the high cost of maintaining and using such equipment. However, you can only reduce this financial burden by obtaining the best health insurance plan that covers modern medical procedures.
This is significant because, even if the plan you are looking for may cover a single disease (modern treatment), any ideal health insurance plan must act as a solid safety net to protect your money from any medical emergencies.
With Care Heart Mediclaim policy, you can get coverage for 16 heart illnesses with up to INR 2 crores of the sum insured. Some of the unique plan benefits include doctor on call, global coverage, air ambulance, international second opinion etc. along with the basic policy coverage. To know more, kindly connect with our experts or visit the official website.
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
