Benefits of Taking Health Insurance for Tuberculosis in India

Posted on: Mar 11, 2022 | | Written by:

Benefits of Taking Health Insurance for Tuberculosis in India

Caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB or tuberculosis is a serious condition that affects the human lungs. It is airborne and contagious as well; the disease can spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. Although it infects the lungs first, it can also spread to other body parts, such as the brain, liver, spine, ovaries and kidneys.

Tuberculosis is a potentially life-threatening condition if it is not treated in time. To raise awareness about the consequences of the global tuberculosis epidemic, World Tuberculosis Day is observed on 24th March every year with a theme. The theme of World TB Day 2022 is ‘Invest to End TB. Save Lives’.

There has been a dramatic rise in infectious diseases like TB and other health conditions around the world. Hence, besides taking good care of your health, you mustbuy a health insurance policy for those uncertain times. A health plan covers a range of medical expenses and keeps your savings intact.

Symptoms of tuberculosis

There are two types of TB:

1. Latent TB:

In this, you get infected, but show no symptoms as the bacteria in your body are inactive. This is also called Inactive TB and not contagious. However, if left untreated, Latent TB can turn into Active TB.

2. Active TB:

This is the contagious type that can make you feel sick.

The symptoms of TB can vary from one person to another. Some common symptoms of Active TB are:

• Persistent cough: Coughing for three or more weeks can be a sign of Active TB. Also, coughing up blood or mucous can be because of tuberculosis.

• Fatigue: Feeling tired all day and experiencing breathing issues at the same time can be symptoms of tuberculosis.

• Chest pain:You might experience persistent chest pain or pain when breathing and coughing.

• Weight loss: Loss of appetite and severe weight loss can be due to TB.

• Night sweats, fever and chills:Drenching night sweats, prolonged fever and sudden chills are common symptoms of Active TB.

How much does tuberculosis treatment cost in India?

The treatment of tuberculosis differs from person to person. In case of a severe infection, the treatment can last for months. For active tuberculosis, the patient is prescribed antibiotics for about six to nine months or longer. The length of the treatment and the drugs prescribed depends on your age, your overall health, and the infected body part.

If diagnosed with latent tuberculosis, the healthcare practitioner will prescribe only one or two drugs. However, for active tuberculosis, you will need to take many drugs at the same time. And in case you are diagnosed with drug-resistant tuberculosis, a combination of antibiotics and injectable medications will be prescribed.

The treatment of tuberculosis can be expensive, especially if you are diagnosed with a blood-resistant bacterium. Hence, it is wise to keep health insurance handy. A good health plan covers the entire cost, right from doctors’ consultation charges and diagnostic tests to hospital room rent and treatment. So, as a policyholder, you can opt for the best treatment without worrying about finances.

Tuberculosis testing and diagnosis

The following tests are done to diagnose tuberculosis:

1. TB Skin Test

2. Blood Tests

3. Imaging Tests, like a chest X-ray or a CT scan

4. Sputum Test

5. AFB or Acid-Fast Bacillus Culture

Health insurance for tuberculosis coverage

Serious cases of tuberculosis can require hospitalisation for a long duration, and this can eat up a chunk of your savings. This is when having a good health insurance policy helps.

Here’s what a health plan covers:

• Hospitalisation bills: A health plan covers hospitalisation expenses as well as pre and post hospitalisation costs.

• Doctor’s consultation fees: The policy also covers consultation fees of the doctor before, during and after hospitalisation.

• Cost of diagnostic tests: This includes the cost of diagnostic tests before and during hospitalisation.

• Hospital room rent: The daily room rent up to a pre-defined amount is covered by health insurance.

• Treatment charges: This includes the cost of medicines before, during and after hospitalisation, ICU cost, etc.

Conclusion

Although a serious condition, TB can be cured with timely diagnosis and the right treatment. Hence, if you or a loved one has symptoms of the condition, consult a doctor without delay. Also, take a good health insurance policy and stay covered against medical emergencies. In case of TB or any other health condition, the insurer will cover your hospital bills and other associated expenses and keep financial woes at bay.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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