Health Insurance for Stroke Patients in India

Symptoms of Stroke

Here are the most common symptoms of stroke:

• Severe headache
• Facial drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Sudden vision problems
• Loss of balance

Why Stroke Patients Need Health Insurance?

Here’s why purchasing health insurance is necessary for stroke patients:

• Stroke treatment leads to sudden and costly medical expenses, including hospitalisation and ICU care.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage reduces the financial burden, allowing patients to receive quality treatment.
• Health insurance makes you eligible to receive cashless treatments at network hospitals, so the bills are directly settled with the hospital.

Common Myths about Stroke-related Coverage

Here are common myths about stroke-related health insurance coverage:

Myth 1: Health Insurance does not cover stroke

Fact: Most Indian health insurance companies provide stroke-related coverage under critical illness insurance.

Myth 2: Policy coverage excludes pre-existing stroke

Fact: If you’ve had a stroke before purchasing health insurance, you may have to wait for 3 years. However, after this period, some insurers may cover related expenses.

Myth 3: Stroke patients cannot purchase health insurance.

Fact: Most insurers in India offer customised plans for individuals with a history of stroke, though premiums may be higher.

Myth 4: Health insurance policies only cover hospitalisation expenses

Fact: Stroke health insurance provides comprehensive coverage, including pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses and ambulance cover.

Key Features of Stroke Health Insurance

Some of the primary features that get covered under stroke health insurance include:

In-patient Hospitalisation

Covers expenses including ICU charges, room rent, doctor’s fees, medicines and other stroke treatment-related expenses

Pre and Post-Hospitalisation

Takes care of medical expenses such as diagnostic tests, consultations, and medicines before hospital admission and follow-up visits after discharge.

Ambulance Cover

Ensures timely care without reducing the financial burden of transportation expenses.

Who Should Buy Health Insurance for Stroke?

Individuals falling under any of the following categories should consider purchasing health insurance for stroke:

• Stroke survivors seeking medical protection
• Individuals with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and family history
• Senior citizens are at a higher risk of stroke
• Individuals seeking comprehensive coverage for critical illness

Things to Consider Before Buying Health Insurance for Stroke

Here are the top factors you should consider before purchasing health insurance for stroke:

Comprehensive Coverage

Before finalising the policy, ensure that it offers a wide range of coverage, including in-patient care, ambulance cover, pre- and post-hospitalisation and long-term support.

Waiting Period

Ensure that the waiting period is clearly specified in the policy terms and conditions to avoid any surprises during the claim process.

Pre-existing Disease Coverage

While comparing multiple policies, check which one offers coverage for pre-existing diseases such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, as these are common risk factors for stroke.

Hospital Network

Opt for an insurer that offers a vast network of hospitals, so you can avail of cashless treatment without worrying about paying upfront.

Sub-limits and Co-payment

Carefully review the policy terms and conditions to check for any co-payment clauses or sub-limits, as they may increase out-of-pocket expenses.

Additional Benefits

Look for a plan that offers valuable additional benefits you can utilise during times of need.

Exclusions of Health Insurance for Stroke

While Care Health Insurance offers extensive financial protection against stroke-related medical expenses, certain conditions are not covered under the policy, including:

• Pre-Existing Stroke or Related Illnesses: Any stroke that existed before the policy purchase is not covered during the waiting period.
• Self-Inflicted Injuries or Substance Abuse: Stroke arising due to alcohol consumption, self-harm and drug abuse is excluded from the policy coverage.
• Unproven or Experimental Treatments: Any treatment not recognised by the Medical Council of India or global health authorities is not covered under the policy.

Why Choose Care Health Insurance?

Here are some solid reasons for choosing Care Health Insurance as your insurance provider:

Easy Claim Process

At Care Health Insurance, we understand the importance of a seamless claim process. Therefore, we strive to make it as smooth as possible.

24/7 Support

From the time of policy purchase to the claim settlement process, our customer service team stays available to make your moments of distress bearable. You can rest assured that you can reach us anytime.

Network Hospitals

With a vast network of more than 21700 hospitals, we ensure access to exceptional, affordable healthcare.

Additional Benefits

Securing medical coverage from Care Health Insurance enables you to enjoy valuable benefits, including global coverage, air ambulance services, and more.

How to Buy Health Insurance for Stroke?

Purchasing health insurance for stroke requires a careful evaluation of coverage, waiting periods and exclusions. Here’s how you can choose the right coverage:

Understand Your Health Needs

If you’ve had a stroke before or are at risk, look for plans providing coverage for pre-existing conditions after a specific waiting period. Even if you’re healthy, consider health insurance plans that include stroke coverage under critical illness.

Compare Different Plan Types

Generally, there are two types of health insurance plans: a comprehensive health insurance plan (provides coverage for hospitalisation expenses related to stroke and a critical illness plan (provides coverage upon the diagnosis of stroke).

Check Coverage for Stroke and Related Conditions

Before purchasing, ensure the plan includes hospitalisation, post-hospitalisation, ambulance charges, daycare treatment and more.

Check the Insurer’s Network Hospital and Claim Settlement Ratio

Choose an insurer with a high claim settlement ratio and a vast network of hospitals for cashless treatment.

Choose the Right Sum Insured

Stroke treatment can be expensive. Therefore, choose a policy with a minimum sum insured of 10 to 20 lakhs.

Buy Directly from the Insurer

Visit the website and choose a suitable health insurance plan. Click on ‘Get Quote’, then enter basic information such as age, location, and the number of members to be insured. Provide medical details, upload reports, and complete payment via card, UPI, or net banking.

Claim Process for Health Insurance for Stroke

If you get hospitalised due to a stroke, the claim can be made either cashless or through reimbursement. Here are the steps:

Cashless Claim Process

• Locate a network hospital and be admitted there.
• Notify us at least 48 hours before planned admission or within 24 hours in case of emergency hospitalisation due to stroke.
• Fill out the cashless claim request form at the hospital’s insurance desk. The hospital desk will forward it to us for approval.
• Once approved, our team will directly settle the bill with the hospital.

Reimbursement Claim Process

• Pay the hospital bill upfront.
• Gather all original medical bills, discharge summary, prescriptions and any other relevant documents.
• Send the documents to us. Our claim settlement team will verify your documents and, upon approval, reimburse the eligible amount directly to your bank account.
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