A coma is a medical state of a human being that is dreadful to witness. Even with the advancement in the medical sector, not many doctors can state how long a person can be in a coma or when they would get back to their senses.
Coma is one of the most difficult illnesses to understand and deal with. The exact reason why a person slips into a coma is varied and no one particular reason can be pointed out. In the event of a medical emergency, the patient and their family undergo emotional as well as financial stress. If the patient slips into a coma then the medical care and treatment becomes extensive as round-the-clock monitoring is required. Additionally, experienced expert consultation is needed to understand the future of recovery.
Due to such complex situations, the cost of treatment for coma patients rises exponentially. In this article, we will understand the type of insurance needed for a coma patient.
What is a Coma?
A coma is a serious medical condition wherein the patient is unconscious. It is also referred to as a state of partial death as the patient is unaware and non-responding to external factors. In a coma, the patient is not awake and does not react or understand anything as other normal human beings. The state of coma is caused often due to severe head injury, prolonged illness, or neurological irregularities. Coma patients require utmost care and constant monitoring as they are unable to move, communicate, or respond to their surroundings.
Coma is a serious condition and it cannot be predicted accurately as to when the patient can come back to consciousness. Some of the patients show positive signs and regain senses while some might slip into a vegetative state where the brain shows limited or no activity at all. The severity of coma depends upon the underlying cause, the extent to which the brain is damaged, quick and effective medical intervention, and the health of the patient.
How is a Coma diagnosed?
Coma is diagnosed or assessed through various diagnostic tests, brain scans, and imaging using CT and MRI, assessment of the brain activity, and monitoring of the vital signs of the patient. For treating a coma patient a team of expert neurologists, intensivists, nurses, physical therapists, and other proficient healthcare providers are required. With prompt and comprehensive care the chances of recovery can be increased.
The following are the symptoms of a coma patient:
The patient showed no signs of response to the surrounding
No response refers to no sign of eye movement, no response to pain, etc.
When patient cannot breathe on their own and need life support to keep their body working
When patients show no association with verbal communication or exhibit movements of any sort.
Having irregular and/or abnormal breathing
Irregularities in blood pressure readings
The following table showcases top health insurance plans that offer insurance coverage for coma patients
| Name of the Insurance Plan | Entry Age | Sum Assured | Number of Critical Illnesses covered including Coma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aditya Birla Capital Active Secure Critical Illness Health Insurance | There are 3 plans under it so the age criteria change for all. The minimum age at entry for Plan One and Plan TWO is 5 years while the minimum entry age for Plan 3 is 18 years. While the maximum entry age for all the 3 plans is 65 years. | INR 1.00 Lakh to INR 1.00 Crore | Plan 1: 20 Illnesses including Coma, Plan 2: 50 Illnesses, Plan 3: 64 Illnesses |
| Bajaj Allianz Criti Care Policy | Minimum entry age for adults is 18 years to 65 years, For children, it is 3 months to 30 years | INR 1.00 Lakh to INR 2.00 Crores | 43 illnesses critical illnesses covered |
| Future Generali Criticare Insurance Plan | The age criteria are 6 years to 65 years | INR 1.00 Lakh to INR 2.00 Crores | Covers max up till 12 Illnesses |
| SBI Critical Illness Insurance Plan | The age criteria are 18 years to 65 years | INR up to 10.00 Lakhs | Covers max up to 13 Illnesses |
| HDFC Ergo My Health Critical Suraksha Plus Plan | The age criteria are 18 years to 65 years | INR 1.00 Lakh to INR 5.00 Crores | 59 plus illnesses |
Benefits and features of insurance cover for Coma
Let's have a look at the benefits offered by the insurance cover for coma patients:
Waiting period: Like all other critical illness insurance cover the coma insurance also comes with a waiting period where the insured has to wait for a pre-specified time frame to receive the insurance cover. During the waiting period, the insured does not get any insurance coverage. There are 3 categories of waiting period namely: Initial wait period, waiting period for a specific illness, and waiting period for pre-existing conditions. Ensure that you read the policy document carefully before investing.
Financial support: Coma is a sensitive and expensive treatment causing your savings to drain. So it is best to avail a plan that offers insurance coverage in the event of a medical emergency like a Coma.
Payment: Read about the payment option that the insurer offers in the event of a coma. Some insurers offer lump sum payments as per the insurance coverage opted. This payment then can be opted for treatment.
High insurance cover: Normally all insurance companies offer a high insurance cover option as the treatment for coma is expensive.
Survival period: It is important to not overlook the terms and conditions of the survival period while opting for insurance coverage for coma.
Flexibility: one of the biggest advantages of health insurance plans that offer insurance coverage for critical illnesses like coma is that they offer flexibility in terms of choice of insurance coverage, premium paying term, premium payment method, frequency, etc.
Under the following circumstances, claim settlement issues arise:
Cases of suicide or attempted suicide
Coma is caused due to over-intake of items like drugs, alcohol, etc.
Diseases transmitted sexually
Congenital abnormalities or disabilities
Coma as a result of committing an illegal act
Complications arise due to pre-existing conditions.
Conclusion
Understanding the terms and conditions of your health insurance plan is important. Opt for insurance coverage that takes care of all your needs and offers financial support in times of need.
