Kidney disease is a serious medical condition that can have long-term health issues. If you are suffering from a disease, you may be worried about whether or not you can get health insurance.
Don't worry, you are not alone. There are many people with kidney disease who are still deciding their options when it comes to getting health insurance coverage. While it can be difficult for those with pre-existing conditions like kidney disease to opt for a traditional health insurance policy, the good news is that there are still ways to get the coverage you need. Read on to know more.
Kidney Ailment and Health Insurance
If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease or/ and are currently undergoing dialysis, you will be able to go for a health plan with a pre-existing illness. The terms and conditions of such health policies would be slightly different from that of a regular health plan. You would also have to pay a higher premium as compared to someone who does not suffer from any ailment.
However, do not let a higher premium dissuade you from getting a health plan. The premium you pay would be much more affordable than having to go bear the treatment expenses from your pocket. To get an idea of the treatment costs related to kidney issues, take a look at the average expenses:
- Nephrologist consulatation fee: INR 1,000 to INR 3,000
- Radiology tests: INR 3,000 to INR 12,000
- Dialysis: INR 12,000 to INR 20,000
- Kidney stones: INR 1 lakh to INR 2 lakh
- Post-surgery: INR 3,000 to INR 7,000 a month.
Transplantation
- Pre-transplantation costs: INR 1 lakh to INR 1.5 lakh
- During transplantation: INR 1 lakh to INR 1.5 lakh
- Transplantation cost: Up to INR 5 lakhs
- Post transportation: INR 30,000 to INR 35,000 a month.
Things to Know When You Opt for a Health Insurance Plan with Kidney Disease:
Getting the right insurance plan for an existing kidney disease requires you to be well informed of all the details. So, here are a few points that you must know if you are planning for a health insurance plan with kidney disease coverage:
Informing your insurer is crucial: Whenever an individual purchases a health insurance policy, it is their duty to inform the insurer about any existing diseases. For instance, if you already have kidney disease and you are looking for a health insurance plan, you must inform your insurer without fail. Any fraud or misinformation may lead to the cancellation of the policy and even legal actions.
Be aware of the co-payment clause: Co-payment refers to the percentage of the claim amount that is borne by the insured/policyholder. Suppose you agree to a co-payment clause of 10% at the time of purchasing the policy. Now, when you raise a claim of, say, INR 2 lakh, then 10% of INR 2 lakh (i.e. INR 20,000) will be paid by your own pocket, and the rest of the admissible charges will be covered by the insurer.
Understand the waiting period: It is crucial to carefully check the waiting period, especially when you have a pre-existing disease. Until the waiting period is over, you cannot raise a claim for any medical expense. Pre-existing diseases may have a longer waiting period.
Your premium would be higher: The premium charged for a pre-existing disease is generally higher than for those with no pre-existing ailment. So, make sure the premium is within your budget and you get the best deal available.
Read the offer document carefully: Before you proceed with the formalities, it is vital to carefully read all the wording of the fine print. Before you sign, it is important for you to know all about your health insurance policy.
Avail of tax benefits: Section 80D of the Income Tax Act of 1961 offers health insurance policyholders to enjoy tax benefits. Citizens below 60 years of age can claim a tax deduction of up to INR 25,000, whereas those above 60 years of age can claim a tax deduction of up to INR 50,000.
Compare all your options: Do not rush, or you may miss the best deal. Take your time and search actively. Compare all the available options online and shortlist the ones offering the best coverage for pre-existing kidney disease. Once you are satisfied with the plan, make the payment to purchase it.
Conclusion
It would be a relief to many that health insurance plans are available to those with pre-existing medical conditions, even if it is kidney disease. Just make sure that at the time of buying the policy, you are completely honest with your insurer. Do not try to hide any information, as it can not only lead to claim rejection but also put you in legal trouble.
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