Medical emergencies come unannounced. Thus having Health Insurance to avoid any financial burden at the time of a medical emergency has become a necessity.
Moreover, the prevailing sedentary lifestyle leads to deteriorated health conditions, which makes it even more important to be prepared with protection for unforeseen medical emergencies.
When it comes to heart-related diseases Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have now become the leading cause of mortality in India where Ischemic heart disease and stroke are the predominant causes and are responsible for >80% of CVD deaths.*
*World Health Organisation
Further to this, as per the Indian Heart Association, 50% of all heart attacks in Indian men occur under 50 years of age and 25% of all heart attacks in Indian men occur under 40 years of age.*
*Indian Heart Association
Another challenge that one may face while getting treated for any heart-related disease is the treatment costs. Over the years, Heart Care Treatment costs have increased exponentially and most of the treatments are not even affordable for the general public.
For example, the cost of an open heart surgery ranges from Rs 1.75 lakh to 4.25 lakh. Coronary angiography is likely to cost around Rs.10,000 to Rs. 15,000. Moreover, valve surgeries could easily cost you between Rs 2.5 lakh- 4 lakh. Hence having Health Insurance for Heart patients becomes the biggest support during any such emergency.
In order to safeguard yourself & your family against rising healthcare costs, Insurance designed specifically for Cardiac Care has become indispensable. Read more to find out more:
If we go by the above figures, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are one of the primary causes of mortality in India. Therefore, to help people cope up with the exorbitant heart treatment cost, General Insurers in India has introduced Health Insurance for cardiac patients. Such plans offer coverage against the expenses arising due to hospitalization and treatment procedures for the cardiac conditions of the Insured person.
Take a look at the below table mentioning some of the Health Insurance companies that cover the expenses incurred due to cardiac ailments.
Take a look at the below table where we have mentioned some of the Health Insurance companies that cover the expenses incurred due to cardiac ailments.
Comprehensive Coverage
Having Cardiac Health Insurance will allow the policyholder to get treatment coverage for an extensive list of cardiac conditions and procedures.
Fixed Lump Sum Payout
The policyholder is eligible to avail of the fixed lump sum payment, irrespective of actual expenses incurred for diagnosis/procedure.
Coverage for Income Loss
Under this type of Health Insurance plan, you will be compensated for the loss of your income as the claim amount can be used to incur household expenses too.
Tax Benefit
Like all other Health Insurance plans, under Cardiac Health plans, you are eligible for Tax Deductions under Income Tax Act.
Following treatments are generally covered under a Cardiac health insurance plan:
**Note:The above procedures may vary from Insurer to Insurer. Before buying a Cardiac Health plan, you must check with your Insurer about the coverage of these procedures.
Following treatments are not covered under a Cardiac health insurance plan:
Often people get confused about how their regular Health Insuranceis different from specific Cardiac Health insurance. Well, though it's true that your regular Health Plan will cover all the Hospitalisation Expenses (Pre & Post). However, there is a certain sub-limit that comes when coverage is offered against any Critical Illness such as cardiac ailments or cancer.
Moreover, considering the rising incidences of Cardiac Diseases in India, it is better to be prepared in advance for any uncertainties. Having a Cardiac Health plan will ensure that you have a customized fixed benefit health planthat only caters to conditions related to the heart.
Earlier it was a notion that people above 40 or with obesity were at the risk of getting a cardiac attack. However, with the habits we have or the lifestyle we are leading, cardiac ailments can affect anyone in any age group.
Moreover, the treatment for heart-related ailments are on a constant rise and can cost one his life-long savings.
Thus it is recommended to have Cardiac Health Insurance if you have a sedentary lifestyle which makes you prone to lifestyle diseases including cardiovascular ailments such as heart attacks, heart failure, etc.
With adequate Cardiac cover, one can avail of the best treatment and lead a healthy life without worrying about the cost of the treatment.
To buy Health Insurance for Heart patients online, you can follow two options:
1. Is Angioplasty covered under the plan?
Yes, Angioplasty is covered under the plan.
2. Which policy is the best for Heart patients?
Various companies offer specific Health Insurance plans for Cardiac patients. There is no one specific best plan. Rather, the plan which meets your requirements is the best plan for you. You must conduct thorough research before investing in a plan.
3. Is heart failure expenses covered under the policy?
This completely depends upon the Insurer & the plan you choose. Therefore, you must read the policy brochure for clarity.
4. What are the Sub- Limits under Cardiac Health Insurance?
Depending upon your Insurer & the Insurance plan, there can be Sub Limits.
5. Are Heart Mediclaim policies available under the 'Floater' option?
No, a Heart Mediclaim policy cannot be availed as a 'Floater' Plan.
6. Can Health Insurance for Cardiac patients be renewed?
Yes, it comes with the option of Lifelong Renewability.
7. Why do I need to buy Cardiac Health Insurance Plans?
With the continuous increase in healthcare services, getting treatment for cardiac ailment can sweep away all your savings and put your family in emotional and financial distress. Thus, In order to handle such medical emergencies without any financial stress, it is important to have Cardiac Health Insurance.
8. Do I need Health Insurance for Heart patients if I don't have any family history of Cardiovascular Ailments?
Our sedentary lifestyle nowadays plays a major role in deteriorating our health. Thus, if you have such an unhealthy lifestyle or suffer from high Blood Pressure or high cholesterol, it is recommended to opt for Cardiac Health Insurance regardless of your family history.
9. Which is the Best Health Insurance for Heart Patients in India?
With the availability of several mediclaim policies for heart patients, choosing the best one is quite a difficult task. Therefore, before choosing your ideal plan, do thorough research on your requirements, compare the coverage provided by all the plans, get a premium estimate, and then choose your best Health Insurance for Heart patients.
10. I have an Individual Health Insurance policy. Do I still need separate Health Insurance for Cardiac Patients?
Buying separate insurance for Heart patients along with an Individual health policy solely depends on your requirements. If you feel that the coverage provided by your existing health insurance is insufficient for treating a cardiovascular ailment, then you can opt for a cardiac Health plan as well.
Naval Goel is the CEO & founder of PolicyX.com. Naval has an expertise in the insurance sector and has professional experience of more than a decade in the Industry and has worked in companies like AIG, New York doing valuation of insurance subsidiaries. He is also an Associate Member of the Indian Institute of Insurance, Pune. He has been authorized by IRDAI to act as a Principal Officer of PolicyX.com Insurance Web Aggregator.