In today’s fast-paced world, people often tend to neglect lifestyle choices and take their health for granted. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a leading cause of death globally taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year.

CVDs refer to a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. This includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure etc. While it’s not possible to completely overhaul one’s lifestyle overnight, it’s essential to begin considering preventive steps. This is where health insurance becomes crucial, serving as a safety net by offering financial support for medical treatments, routine checkups, and emergency care.

The Price of a Heart Attack

A heart attack often strikes unannounced, bringing with it an unimaginable treatment cost. Without health insurance, these expenses can become overwhelming. For instance, life-saving procedures like bypass surgery or angioplasty can range from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh or more. For the average person, gathering such large sums in a short time without health insurance is nearly impossible.

While heart attacks are unpredictable, regular health check-ups can make all the difference. Routine screenings are key to detecting cardiovascular issues early. Tests such as ECGs, stress tests, and cholesterol checks help identify potential risks before they become serious. Health insurance plays a crucial role here, often covering these essential screenings, keeping individuals informed about their heart health. Additionally, health insurance eases the financial strain of unexpected medical costs, allowing individuals to focus on recovery and prevention, rather than the weight of medical bills. By prioritizing health insurance, individuals empower themselves to stay on top of their cardiovascular health.

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Health Insurance: Securing Your Heart’s Future

Health insurance serves as a reliable ally in safeguarding your heart health. It plays a vital role by ensuring access to preventive care, regular check-ups, and essential treatments. By covering screenings such as ECGs and cholesterol tests, health insurance enables early detection of potential issues, helping to ward off more serious cardiovascular conditions. Moreover, with the advancement of policies, many now offer critical illness coverage, providing additional support for those dealing with heart-related health challenges.

But what exactly is Critical illness insurance?

Critical illness insurance are add-ons to standard health insurance policies that provide additional financial protection for serious health issues. When it comes to heart conditions, these riders can be particularly beneficial, For eg: The Lump-Sum Payout facility when an individual is diagnosed with a covered critical illness, such as a heart attack, stroke, or coronary artery disease, provides a lump-sum payment that can be used for medical expenses, rehabilitation, or even day-to-day living costs during recovery.

Another feature of these health policies is the Specific Coverage for Specific Heart Conditions.

Many health insurance providers now offer plans specifically designed to cover heart-related illnesses. These plans often include coverage for treatments like angioplasty, bypass surgery, and other cardiac procedures, along with follow-up care, medications, and consultations with specialists.

These are just some of the features available. Today, numerous health insurance companies offer critical illness riders or standalone policies, ensuring policyholders have the necessary financial support when facing serious health challenges.

Urgent Need to Prioritize Heart Health

Protecting your heart health has never been more important. Heart disease rates are steadily increasing and can affect anyone, regardless of age, lifestyle, or gender. While it’s impossible to completely prevent heart disease, taking preventative measures and being prepared can make all the difference. Awareness, along with understanding the significance of health insurance, puts individuals in a better position to manage potential risks effectively.

As Indians, we always aim to maximize the value of our investments, and health insurance is no different. The routine check-ups and health screenings offered through these plans encourage individuals to prioritize their well-being, often leading them to seek medical evaluations they might otherwise overlook.

It is essential to actively focus on heart health by securing the right insurance coverage. This not only ensures access to necessary medical services but also promotes a proactive approach to managing one’s health. Regular screenings enable early detection of potential risks, making treatment more efficient and less costly. By investing in health insurance, individuals take a critical step toward protecting their cardiovascular health and overall well-being. A healthy heart is the foundation of a fulfilling life, and making informed choices about health coverage today can pave the way for a healthier and more secure future.

(By Shashank Chaphekar, Chief Distribution Officer, ManipalCigna Health Insurance)

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