Diabetes is a long-term illness affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic disease that arises when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high. It can be caused by the body not producing enough insulin or not using insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose. Hyperglycaemia, also called raised blood glucose, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to body systems.
Managing diabetes involves regular medical care/ check-ups, diet, exercise, medications, lifestyle adjustments, and many more. Many people wonder whether their health insurance covers diabetes treatment or not. The good news is that most health insurance policies do provide the best health insurance policy for diabetic patients, but the extent of coverage depends on the specific policy.
Symptoms of diabetes might occur suddenly. Individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. In type 2 diabetes, the symptoms can be mild and can take years to be noticed.
Some symptoms are as follows:
- Feeling thirsty
- Urinary frequency
- Unintentional weight loss
- Blurred/Hazy vision
- Infections (especially gum, skin, and vaginal infections)
- Numbness in hands and feet
Understanding Health Insurance policy for diabetic patients
Diabetes is a frequent ailment that affects people of all ages. There are multiple forms of diabetes. It can give rise to blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation. The best health insurance policy for diabetic patients typically covers the cost of hospitalization, medications, and diagnostic tests. The level of coverage depends on aspects such as the type of policy, pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, and exclusions.
Essential components of Diabetes Coverage:
- Medical Expenses: Many health policies offer hospital stays related to diabetes complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, foot ulcers, and cardiovascular issues.
- Coverage for OPD Coverage: Most of the policies cover doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and medications for diabetes management.
- Pre-existing Condition Coverage: If you are diagnosed with diabetes before buying a policy, the insurer may impose a waiting period before covering diabetes-related expenses.
- Critical Illness add-on: Some policies cover complications, especially kidney failure, heart disease, or stroke.
- Daycare Procedures: Treatments like dialysis, insulin pump therapy, etc, can be covered under daycare procedures in select policies.
Best Health Insurance Policy for Diabetic Patients
Finding the best health insurance for diabetics in India requires evaluation of features, coverage, waiting periods, exclusions, and premium costs.
- Star Health Diabetes Safe Policy – This is a health insurance policy from Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited that covers diabetes and its complications. It is specially designed for individuals with diabetes and available for people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes between the ages of 18 and 65.
Features:
- Diabetes Cover: Specially tailored for individuals diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Enrolment Age: Individuals aged between 18 and 65 years.
- Type of Policy: This policy can be availed either on an Individual or Floater basis. The floater basis is only for a family of 2 members.
- Customizable Plan: Flexible Plan With pre-acceptance medical examination or without pre-acceptance medical examination.
- Elements to keep in mind while selecting Diabetes Health Insurance:
- Pre-existing Disease Waiting Period: Before choosing any policy, check the waiting period before diabetes-related expenses are covered.
- Coverage for OPD and Medicines: Confirm the policy covers the cost of insulin, medications, and regular check-ups.
- Premium Affordability: Compare premiums across different policies to find the most cost-effective option.
- Wellness Benefits: Some insurers provide incentives for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Lifetime Renewability: A policy with lifetime renewability guarantees uninterrupted coverage throughout your entire life.
- Type 2 diabetes health insurance
Type 2 diabetes health insurance is the most common form of diabetes-related insurance and requires long-term necessities. Type 2 diabetes health insurance is widely accessible, but it comes with firm conditions and limitations.
Coverage Options for Type 2 Diabetes Patients:
- Standard Health Insurance Plans: These may cover diabetes treatment after a waiting period of 24 months to 48 months.
- Diabetes-Specific Policies: Specially designed for diabetic patients. These plans may offer immediate coverage for diabetes-related problems.
- Health Insurance for Group: Some employers offer group health insurance with diabetes coverage for employees.
3.Type 1 Diabetes Health Insurance
Type 1 diabetes health insurance is specifically tailored for those with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition that needs lifelong insulin therapy and routine checks. Selecting type 1 diabetes health insurance can be tough, but multiple policies cater to this need.
Coverage Options for Type 1 Diabetes Patients:
- Diabetes-Specific Health Insurance Plans: Policies like Star Health Diabetes Safe provide coverage for type 1 diabetes health insurance patients.
- Employer Group Insurance: Some employers include type 1 diabetes health insurance in group health policies.
- Government Schemes: Certain public health programs offer coverage for insulin therapy and diabetes-related complications.
Conclusion
Handling diabetes can be financially incredibly challenging, but opting for the right health insurance at the right time can protect you from draining away your savings. Many companies offer tailored plans for diabetic patients, when picking the best health insurance policy for diabetic patients, it is essential to compare different options. Whether the individual is in search of the best health insurance for diabetics in India, type 2 diabetes health insurance, or type 1 diabetes health insurance, considering the benefits can help you make a good decision.
