Health insurance – A must-have for diabetics

India is considered the diabetes capital of the world, thanks to the ever-increasing number of diabetics in the country. Most patients suffer from this metabolic condition due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as inactivity, lack of exercise, stress and excessive consumption of junk food. And if the condition is left untreated, it can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases, nerve damage, kidney and eye problems, and more. While diet and medication are important to keep the condition in check, diabetes health insurance also plays an important role in this regard.

Why should diabetics opt for health insurance?

Being a chronic condition, diabetes calls for regular treatment and care. While this can be an expensive affair, having an adequate health insurance policy helps. It will not only take care of high hospital bills related to diabetes and the associated conditions, but also help you avail top quality treatment.

While many health insurance companies offer diabetes cover in their regular policies, the long waiting period (from 12 months to 4 years) can make things difficult. If you are looking for immediate coverage, a diabetes-specific plan is the right choice. The plan promises adequate and comprehensive coverage to policyholders with zero waiting period.

Things to keep in mind when choosing a diabetes health insurance policy

Anideal diabetes health policy should cover diabetes, hypertension and other diabetes-related conditions. You must also check the following features and benefits before zeroing in on one:

1. The plan should cover annual health check-ups
2. It should cover pre and post-hospitalisation expenses of the insured
3. It should offer cashless treatment to policyholders
4. The health insurance policy should come with lifelong renewability
5. It should offer tax benefits on the premium amount

Why is diabetes health insurance a must-have for a diabetic?

Diabetes health insurance offers many benefits and is a must-have for those dealing with diabetes, hypertension and other conditions. Here are some reasons to choose the same:

• Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses: The plan covers both pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, including the cost of diagnostic tests, investigation, medicines, and more. Most insurers cover 30 days of pre-hospitalisation and 60 days of post-discharge expenses.
• Hospitalisation expenses: Apart from covering diabetes-related hospitalisation expenses, such health insurance covers hospitalisation due to other illnesses and injuries as well.
• Day-care procedures: Even if a treatment requires less than 24 hours of hospital admission, this health insurance will take care of the expenses.
• Lifelong coverage: A good diabetic health policy offers lifelong renewability on break free renewals.
• Emergency road ambulance cover: The plan also covers road ambulance costs in case of an emergency.
• HbA1C benefit: A diabetes health insurance policy covers the costs of HbA1C tests up to a certain amount. The policyholders can also get wellness tests and complete health check-ups done on a cashless basis and as per policy terms and conditions.
• Renewal premium discount: Depending on the results of certain medical tests, such as blood pressure and cholesterol, policyholders can enjoy up to 25% discount while paying the renewal premium.

Apart from these, a good diabetes health policy also provides cashless treatment at network hospitals, personalised health coach, wellness support, wellness incentives, and more.

Conclusion

A diabetes health insurance policy is a wonderful option for those suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, hypertension and other associated conditions. Although living with diabetes can feel tough at times, regular medication, healthy lifestyle choices and professional support can help. What’s more, having a good insurance policy will give you the confidence to avail the best treatment without worrying about the medical bills.

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