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Live without Worries and Independently with Woman-Specific Health Insurance Plans

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Published on 15^th Aug 2020 EST Read time 4 Mins

Gender has a huge role to play when it comes to impact on health and wellbeing, thanks to biological and socio-economic differences between the sexes. As noted by the World Bank , more women up to the age of 30 are prone to mortality, when compared to men, in India. Undernourishment, reproductive tract infections, and maternal mortality are some other issues that cannot be ignored. 

Did you know that, as per The George Institute for Global Health India , non-communicable diseases like kidney disease, trauma, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and stroke are the leading causes for death of women worldwide? While some of these diseases are genetic, some are also caused by stressful situations in daily lives. 

When it comes to mental issues, according to WHO , women are almost twice as susceptible to develop depression, when compared to men.Apart from socio-economic differences, the rise in women’s health problems is often attributed to lifestyle changes and stressful environments as well. So, read on to know about how women’s health gets neglected, how rising medical costs discourage them to seek treatment and why women health insurance plans are essential.

Neglect of Women’s Health Due to Family Priorities

It is no secret that in several locations across India, cultural factors prevent women from availing quality health services. Some of the reasons are:

• Financial and social inequality in positions in the family and society

• Social norms that limit education and awareness

• Domestic violence and overt dependence on male members to seek medical help

• Negligence of women apart from recognizing their exclusive reproductive roles

• Cultural taboos mostly associated with reproductive or sexual diseases or mental disorders

Traditional societies continue to embrace the patriarchal approach to family life and healthcare, where women are often expected to prioritise their families over themselves. This can be driven by monetary situations and many socio-economic factors.Such situations often lead to physically and mentally stressful situations where proper care is delayed for the women of the house until it is too late. 

Rising cost of women-related illnesses

In India, critical illnesses like breast cancer, cardiovascular problems, renal problems and AIDS require extremely expensive treatments. As the public healthcare infrastructure is often not adequate to meet the patient’s unique needs, whether it comes to diagnosis, surgery or long-term care, women often have to seek treatment at private hospitals or clinics. Hence, they end up with greater out of pocket expenses.

Also, disparities in the genders when it comes to literacy, financial independence, social status, and stigma associated with certain ailments, discourage women to seek cost-effective yet reliable treatment options. In many families, more is spent on men’s healthcare as they are culturally perceived as providers and breadwinners. In such a scenario, buying women health insurance plans can be a wise move.

Importance of women-specific health cover

In India, very few women are aware of health plansthat are specific to their needs and are either only covered by their spouse’s corporate policies or are entirely without a health cover. 

While it is important to stay secured with comprehensive health insurance plans , womenhealth insurance planscan take care of women-specific diseases, including maternal care, cervical cancer, breast cancer and others. 

Moreover, women tend to live longer than men, which can put them at a higher risk if their partnersare unable to provide for their healthcare. In such situations, individual health care plans play a great role in securing a woman’s health and future, which makes them independent of any third party intervention. 

What should be covered in Women Health Insurance Plans?

Women’s health needs a different medical approach than men and should have a wider range of focus areas, such as:

• Pregnancy and childbirth

• Sexual health

• Birth control, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and gynaecological problems

• Women Specific investigations like Mammography, Pap Smear

• Conditions affecting the function of the female reproductive organs

• Heart diseases

• Menopause and hormone therapy

For these health challenges, preventive care and screenings are required,such as breast cancer screening, hormonal testing for menopause, regular gynaecologicalcheck-ups, bone density testing, immunizations, colon cancer screening, and HIV screening and counselling.

Women health insurance plans should be able to cater to the majority of these health issues and diagnosis, as well as check-ups that are mandatory.

Why choose HDFC ERGO my:health Women Health Suraksha?

HDFC ERGO Women Health Suraksha is a woman-oriented health insurance plan that offers a multitude of benefits.

• Coverage for all the women in the family under a single policy

• Cancer cover for breast cancer, uterine cancer,fallopian tube and major cancerous issues 

• Wellness features like fitness discount on renewal, health Incentive, wellness and health coach for maintenance of good health

• Long term policy options for upto 3 years 

• Comprehensive policy with coverage for women-specific major illnesses like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Lupus Nephritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Severe Osteoporosis, and surgeries like Breast Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Breast Reconstructive Surgery, and many others 

• Coverage for pregnancy and newborn complication

• This insurance also covers loss of jobs and reduced premium benefit

• Option to pay premium in yearly, half yearly, quarterly and monthly instalments

Here are some plans under my: health Women Suraksha by HDFC ERGO

• Women Cancer Plan

• Women Cardiac Plan

• Women Cancer Plus Plan

• Women Critical Illness Essential Plan

• Women Critical Illness Comprehensive Plan

• Women Assault & Burn Plan

This  blog is written by Dr. Kavita Ganesh 
Asst. Vice President, Health & Accident Product Underwriting

About The Expert :  Dr. Kavita Ganesh holds over 15 years of work experience in health insurance industry. She highly recommends buying health insurance for securing finances in case of a medical emergency. Looking at the current pandemic situation, she enforces the idea of having a higher sum insured for covering the entire family.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.UIN my:health Women Suraksha HDFHLIP19025V011920 UID No. D2HI804

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