Everything About Health Insurance for People with Heart Diseases

There are various health insurance plans one can go for when it comes to selecting suitable insurance coverage. Individual plans, family floater plans, critical illness plans, and senior citizens' plans are some of their examples. While each policy is designed keeping in mind a specific use case, the selection of the right policy must be based on your requirements.
A concerning statistic presented by the Indian Heart Association reports that over half of heart attacks are experienced by people under the age of 50.
Further, half of these heart attacks are faced by those who are under the age of 40. With these unsettling numbers, the need for cardiac health insurance plans seems more important than ever, even for the youth.
Among the several ailments that are covered under various insurance plans, heart ailments are also covered by health insurance policies. As a result, policyholders can keep up with the rising medical costs and seek timely treatment for the different kinds of heart diseases.

Importance of Health Insurance for Heart Patients in India

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of hospitalisation and medical expenses in India. Having health insurance tailored for heart patients ensures timely access to treatment without worrying about high costs. It also reduces out-of-pocket expenses for surgeries, check-ups, and emergency care, making it crucial for individuals with a history or risk of heart disease.

Features of Cardiac Health Insurance Plans

Cardiac-specific health insurance plans are designed to provide extensive financial support for heart-related conditions. These plans often include:

• Coverage for angioplasty, bypass surgery, and other major heart procedures
• Pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses
• Coverage for diagnostic tests and follow-ups
• Renewal benefits for continued care
• Optional add-ons like wellness programs or cardiac rehabilitation support

Some plans also provide lump-sum payouts upon diagnosis of specified cardiac conditions. Policies from Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company offer flexibility in choosing sum insured, add-ons, and lifetime renewability.

Read More: Health Insurance for Diabetes: A Detailed Guide

What are the Advantages of Buying Cardiac Health Insurance Coverage?

If you or someone from your family is facing a heart condition, the following are the advantages of choosing a cardiac health insurance plan:

1. Hospitalization Coverage

Hospitalization coverage as part of your cardiac health insurance helps to cover the treatment costs that are required for a heart-related ailment. Since treatment for a cardiac ailment is critical, timely hospitalization will help save the life of the patient. Many health insurance plans provide pre- as well as post-hospitalization coverage helping not just provide for the treatment, but also for the situations before and after the treatment, which involve some necessary tests and checkups. *

2. Lumpsum Payment

The very nature of critical illness insurance is that it provides a lump sum payment to the policyholder on the diagnosis. With a lump sum payout, the policyholder can decide how to use the funds appropriately for treatment. *

3. Coverage for Loss of Income

A critical illness plan comes in handy in covering the loss of an income source during hospitalization in case the policyholder is the sole breadwinner of the family. *

4. Financial Coverage

Having a cardiac policy helps in having peace of mind, knowing that the various treatments required for heart conditions like a heart attack are covered by the insurance plan. You need not take the financial stress of the treatment and instead focus on the recovery. *

5. Deduction for Payment

Apart from the health benefits of a critical illness plan, a deduction is also allowed in the income tax returns. The amount of deduction is subject to the prevailing tax laws. You must remember that tax benefits are subject to change in tax laws. If you have a family history of cardiac ailments, you can even opt for health insurance for senior citizens that covers heart conditions to keep your parents protected at all times.

How Does Heart Health Insurance Work?

Heart health insurance works similarly to regular health insurance but is tailored to cover cardiac-specific medical events. Upon diagnosis or hospitalisation for a covered heart condition, the insurer pays the treatment cost as per policy terms. Some plans offer lump-sum benefits, while others operate on cashless or reimbursement models.

For example, in a health insurance plan by Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, you may be eligible for pre-approved cashless hospitalisation at over 18,400+ network hospitals across India, ensuring quality treatment without financial delays.

What is Covered Under Heart Health Insurance?

Most cardiac health insurance plans cover:

• Angioplasty, bypass surgery
• Hospitalisation due to heart-related conditions
• ICU/NICU charges
• Pre- and post-hospitalisation (typically 30-60 days)
• Diagnostic and lab tests related to heart conditions

What is Not Covered Under Heart Health Insurance?

Exclusions usually include congenital heart defects, cosmetic procedures, non-cardiac ailments, and conditions arising within the waiting period. Pre-existing cardiac conditions may be covered after a specific waiting period.

Why is Health Insurance Critical for People with Heart Ailments?

The instances of cardiovascular ailments like heart attacks, strokes, and high cholesterol are growing in India due to a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, and mounting stress. While a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle with exercise are essential, the probability of a heart ailment cannot be nullified completely. Thus, a health insurance plan, more specifically, a critical illness insurance plan that covers these treatments is essential to combat the soaring cost of medical treatments. In this policy, the coverage is primarily aimed at providing coverage for heart diseases and facilitating financial protection for treatments like coronary bypass surgery, stents, and so on.

*Standard T&C Apply

Who Should Consider Buying Cardiac Health Insurance Plans?

Cardiac conditions are becoming increasingly common and can affect people of all ages. The long-term treatment and care required for heart-related issues can be financially burdensome. Therefore, cardiac health insurance plans are particularly beneficial for individuals at risk of lifestyle diseases, including cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks, heart failure, and other heart procedures. If you have a family history of heart disease or are already living with a heart condition, it’s wise to consider purchasing a cardiac health insurance policy. With the rising costs of heart treatments, having the right coverage can ensure you receive the best care without the financial strain, allowing you to focus on your recovery and maintaining a healthy life. In today’s world, where cardiac treatments can be expensive, a dedicated cardiac health insurance plan offers peace of mind, providing financial protection when you need it most.

Read More: Waiting Period in Health Insurance

FAQs

Does critical illness insurance cover heart-related conditions?

Yes, many critical illness plans include coverage for major heart-related conditions like heart attack, coronary artery bypass, and more.

Are expenses related to heart failure included in cardiac health insurance plans?

Yes, hospitalisation due to heart failure is generally covered, subject to policy terms and waiting periods.

What are the eligibility criteria for buying a cardiac health insurance policy?

Eligibility usually includes age limits and health checks. Those with existing conditions might face longer waiting periods or higher premiums.

Do cardiac health insurance plans have sub-limits on treatments or procedures?

Some plans may apply sub-limits on procedures like angioplasty. Always review policy documents carefully before purchase.

* *Standard T&C Apply You must have heard that health is the real wealth and protecting it using a health insurance policy is the safest bet to live your life. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.