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 set in. 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, an inconsistent diet, and other factors. Making lifestyle changes to combat 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.
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 Hospitalization
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-Hospitalization
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 Hospitalization
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
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 extent you will have to check your policy. However, generally, the following are covered under health insurance:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
A condition where the arteries supplying blood to the heart narrow or block, often requiring long-term treatment and, in some cases, surgical intervention.
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
A sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle that needs immediate medical attention and hospitalization.
Congestive Heart Failure
A chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to fatigue, breathlessness, and fluid buildup.
Arrhythmias
Disorders that cause irregular heartbeats, which may require medication, monitoring, or specialized procedures.
Cardiomyopathy
A disease of the heart muscle that affects its ability to pump blood and can progress over time if not managed.
Valvular Heart Diseases
Conditions that affect one or more heart valves, potentially disrupting blood flow and requiring surgical repair or replacement.
Congenital Heart Diseases
Structural heart defects present from birth that may require lifelong monitoring or corrective procedures.
Hypertensive Heart Disease
Heart damage caused by prolonged high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and other complications.
Angina
Chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, often signaling underlying heart disease.
Rheumatic Heart Disease
Heart valve damage resulting from rheumatic fever, usually requiring long-term medical care or surgery.
Heart Transplantation
A major surgical procedure where a diseased heart is replaced with a healthy donor heart in advanced cases.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
A surgical procedure that improves blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked coronary arteries.
Atrial Fibrillation
A common heart rhythm disorder that increases the risk of stroke and often requires ongoing treatment.
Peripheral Artery Disease
A condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, often linked to broader cardiovascular disease.
Acute Coronary Syndrome
An umbrella term for emergencies caused by sudden reduced blood flow to the heart, including heart attacks.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
A non-surgical procedure, commonly known as angioplasty, used to open blocked coronary arteries.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
A condition where the heart muscle thickens abnormally, making it harder for the heart to pump blood.
Heart Valve Replacement
A surgical procedure to replace a damaged heart valve with a mechanical or biological substitute.
Heart Aneurysm
A bulging or weakened area in the heart wall that can affect heart function and may require intervention.
Heart Tumours
Rare growths in or around the heart that may interfere with normal heart function and require specialized care.
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.
Conclusion
Heart conditions don’t just impact your health, they can quietly take over your savings, your routine, and your family’s peace of mind. That’s why having the right health insurance for heart patients isn’t just a “good to have.” It’s practical planning.
If you already have a policy, it’s worth checking your coverage, waiting periods, and network hospitals now, before you’re forced to make decisions in a rush. And if you’re buying one after a cardiac event, focus on the fine print: what’s covered, what comes with a waiting period, and what support you’ll actually get during claims..
FAQs
Why is health insurance important for heart patients?
Because heart-related care is rarely a one-time expense. Between doctor consultations, tests, medicines, and possible hospitalizations or procedures, costs can build up quickly.
Which heart conditions are usually covered?
Most comprehensive health insurance plans cover a wide range of heart conditions, but coverage depends on the plan, your disclosure, and whether the condition is pre-existing.
Commonly covered areas (plan-dependent) may include:
- coronary artery disease and heart attacks
- arrhythmias and heart failure
- surgeries and interventions such as bypass surgery or PCI (angioplasty/stent)
- valve-related conditions and replacements
It’s always best to cross-check your policy wording for inclusions and exclusions.
Does health insurance cover heart surgery expenses?
In many cases, yes, heart surgeries are typically covered under inpatient hospitalization benefits, subject to the sum insured, waiting periods (especially if it’s a pre-existing condition), room rent limits or sub-limits (if applicable), and network hospital rules (for cashless claims)
Are preventive check-ups covered for heart patients?
Some health insurance plans include preventive health check-ups, either as an in-built benefit after a certain number of claim-free years, or a feature available at defined intervals
How does Manipal Cigna support heart patients?
Manipal Cigna offers health insurance options that can support heart patients through coverage for hospitalization and related expenses, as per policy terms, access to network hospitals for cashless treatment, and plan choices and add-ons based on your needs and budget.
