The age-old adage that ‘health is wealth’ applies to all stages of life. Sometimes, people realise this a little late, only once health issues have already setin. While it is recommended to get a health insurance policy from a young age, it’s never too late to get insured. Here’s a handy guide to understanding the role of health insurance in managing chronic heart conditions.

Introduction to Health Insurance for Heart Patients in India

Several lifestyle-based health issues are on the rise in India. Whether these are cardiac and stress-based issues, diabetes , or obesity,a large part of that is attributed to lifestyle issues like a sedentary lifestyle, irregular sleep, high-stress levels, lack of or inadequate exercise, inconsistent diet, and other factors. Making lifestyle changes tocombat these has become the need of the hour. One factor in this changed lifestyle includes choosing the right insurance. It should cover your specific requirements of insurance for heart patients.

Heart conditions, whether because of genetic factors or lifestyle issues, rarely come with a warning sign. Most often, it takes a heart attack for people to understand that they need to care for themselves and their health. People usually need to pay more attention to the importance of health insurance for heart patients, which is a mistake.

What Is Heart Health Insurance?

This type of insurance covers your health requirements, including heart-related ailments. It can be a regular health insurance policy with related add-ons or a separate critical illness cover.

The Importance of Health Insurance for Heart Patients

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. These ‘are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and other conditions’. Managing heart conditions involves various expenses like doctor’s visits, medications, diagnostic tests, and even hospitalisations in severe cases. These costs can add up quickly, causing severe financial strain on patients and their families. This makes health insurance for heart patients all the more important for planning against any eventuality.

Benefits of a Health Insurance Policy for Heart Patients

• Tax benefits: you are eligible for income-tax benefits on premium payments under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
• Financial security: When it comes to heart issues and general illnesses, people don’t like thinking about this. They would hate to think that they were saving for future health issues. However, investing in medical insurance for heart patients is akin to keeping in the face of future uncertainty. You have planned for future health issues, allowing you to enjoy the present in peace.
• Expenses: When you need hospitalisation, it provides financial protection by covering your hospitalisation expenses for heart-related treatments, surgeries, and medications. These can be expensive, and insurance for heart patients can reduce the financial burden on the patient and their families.
• Loss of income: Sometimes, heart issues can lead to periods where you may not earn money. Specific policies also cover loss of income if the insured person is the family’s sole earning member.
• Preventive care: Some health insurance for heart patients also covers preventive care such as screenings, tests, and regular check-ups. These help in the early detection and treatment of heart conditions.

What is Covered Under Cardiac Health Insurance Plans?

Every insurance plan is different, and it is essential to see which one fits all your specific requirements for medical insurance for heart patients. However, essentially they cover:

• In-patient hospitalisation: If you need to be admitted to a hospital for treatment or surgery, health insurance for cardiac patients definitely comes in handy.
• Ambulance: Most often, a cardiac arrest happens without any warning. In such cases, it is essential to be taken safely to the hospital as soon as possible. Most policies cover road and air ambulances (up to a set limit).
• Pre- and post-hospitalisation: If you have had to undergo hospitalisation, your health insurance generally covers the period before and after, with some specific limits. This is usually one month for pre-hospitalisation and three months for post-hospitalisation.
• Domiciliary hospitalisation: When a patient cannot be moved, medical care often needs to be given to them at home. This is called domiciliary hospitalisation. Heart disease patients will likely require this, so the policy will mostly cover it.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance for Heart Patients

• Coverage: If you already have a health insurance policy and, as yet, do not have a pre-existing health condition, then you are likely already covered for any cardiac eventuality. Suppose you are getting health insurance or a critical illness policy after a cardiac episode or the onset of a cardiac illness. In that case, you need to check the specifics of the policy for a waiting period for pre-existing diseases.
• Riders: Certain policies have riders. A rider is an additional benefit that you get for paying a nominal amount for your insurance policy.
• Include check-ups: Annual check-ups are the key to early identification and timely management of any illnesses you may have.
• Hospitals covered and cashless facilities: If you have a preferred hospital, like one near where you are staying, you should check whether this hospital is covered under your policy and if it is covered under the cashless option. Speed and proximity are key factors to consider during a potential cardiac issue to lessen potential hassles during already trying times.

List of Heart Diseases Generally Covered Under Health Insurance

The specifics of whether your insurance policy covers your heart condition and to what extentyou will have to check your policy. However, generally, the following are covered under health insurance:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
• Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Arrhythmias
• Cardiomyopathy
• Valvular Heart Diseases
• Congenital Heart Diseases
• Hypertensive Heart Disease
• Angina
• Rheumatic Heart Disease
• Heart Transplantation
• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
• Atrial Fibrillation
• Peripheral Artery Disease
• Acute Coronary Syndrome
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
• Heart Valve Replacement
• Heart Aneurysm
• Heart Tumours

This list is indicative and should not be considered exhaustive. Check your policy document in case you are looking for any specific requirements, or speak to an expert to ensure that a policy you are considering for your heart patient insurance covers what is needed.

Secure Your Heart Health with Manipal Cigna Health Insurance

The older you get, the higher the premium you pay for insurance. Having your insurance in place from a young age is a good idea to avoid paying excessive costs later while looking for medical insurance for heart patients. However, it’s never too late to get insured. Depending on your circumstances and preferences, you can choose from the ManipalCigna Pro Health health insurance or the ManipalCigna Lifestyle Protection critical care coverage. ManipalCigna Pro Health has various plans suitable for your budget, inclusion requirements, and add-ons. Peace of mind from knowing that you are protected is far more invaluable than any wealth. Invest in peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones by choosing the best health insurance for heart patients.