Health Insurance Policies For Autoimmune Diseases
Updated On Jan 18, 2022
Table of Contents
What exactly are autoimmune diseases? Autoimmune diseases are illnesses or conditions in which the immune system attacks the body's own cells by mistake. When a person has an autoimmune disease, the immune system misidentifies some parts of the body, such as the skin and joints, as foreign cells. Autoantibodies are produced as a result, attacking healthy cells.
Autoimmune illnesses are substantially more common in women than in men. According to India's National Health Portal, women account for nearly 75% of people who suffer from autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are also more frequent in young adults and middle-aged people. People with a family history of autoimmune illnesses are more vulnerable. Autoimmune diseases can occur in people who have been exposed to bacterial and viral illnesses, as well as drugs and metals like silver, mercury, or gold. To understand more health insurance for autoimmune diseases, read on.
Treatment Of Autoimmune Diseases
Most autoimmune illnesses have similar early symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle aches, hair loss, skin rashes, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, and so on. Furthermore, the majority of autoimmune diseases are difficult to detect with a single test. As a consequence, utilising a combination of tests and a long-term evaluation of symptoms, a doctor can diagnose an autoimmune disease.
The majority of autoimmune diseases are, unfortunately, incurable. The medication prescribed by the doctor can only moderate the immune system's overactive reaction and provide symptom relief. Medicines can aid with swelling, pain, and rashes, but they won't be able to heal the problem.
Do Health Insurance Policies Cover Autoimmune Diseases?
Yes. A range of autoimmune diseases are covered by health insurance coverage in India. The coverage amount might range from Rs 1 lakh to more than Rs 1 crore, depending on the plan. Some autoimmune diseases are covered by specialised insurance, while others are covered by critical illness insurance. Several insurance companies, for example, provide Type 1 diabetes-specific coverage. Critical illness plans for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Addison's disease, on the other hand, are available from a variety of insurers.
Hospitalisation, outpatient therapy, day care treatments, diagnostic test expenses, and road ambulance fees are all covered by autoimmune disease health insurance coverage. Critical illness plans pay out a lump sum payment when the condition is initially diagnosed. However, one health insurance company's coverage may differ from another's. As a consequence, it is essential to evaluate the types of autoimmune illnesses as well as the coverage benefits before acquiring a health insurance policy. Before selecting a health insurance policy that covers autoimmune diseases, be sure to shop around.
Waiting Period Under Health Insurance Policies
Awaiting periods may apply to autoimmune disease coverage under health insurance policies. Regular health insurance packages that offer coverage for autoimmune disorders include a 30-day waiting period. This means the insured may have to wait at least 30 days before submitting an autoimmune disease claim. There will be a 90-day waiting period followed by a 30-day surviving term if the consumer obtains critical illness coverage.
If the insured has an autoimmune illness at the time the policy is acquired, the condition will be deemed pre-existing. After a two- to four-year waiting period, most Indian health insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions. In the policy's terms and conditions, the policyholder can find the suitable waiting period.
Endnotes
Autoimmune diseases have become rather common in India. Since the disorders are incurable, constant treatment is required to keep the immune system and symptoms in check, resulting in hefty medical expenses. Autoimmune disease coverage in health insurance policies can assist policyholders reduce their financial burden and obtain the care they need when they need it.
You may also like to read - Do Health Insurance Cover Othopaedic Surgery?
Survival Period In Health Insurance
Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.