Health Insurance for Arthritis in India: Coverages And Benefits
Arthritis is a medical condition that causes inflammation and tenderness in one or more joints. The most common symptoms of arthritis are pain and stiffness in joints, which become worse as the person ages. There are different types of arthritis, and the treatment aims to improve the quality of life of the affected person. In this article, we will understand about arthritis, its types, and the importance of health insurance for those who are suffering with this condition. We will also know about the types of health insurance plans that people with arthritis can opt from. So, let’s know more about it.
Table of Contents
Types of arthritis
Check out the table below to know about the types of arthritis in detail:
|
Type of arthritis |
Description |
Causes |
Symptoms |
Risk factors |
|
Osteoarthritis |
This is the most common form of arthritis. Also, known as "wear and tear" arthritis. |
Degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone, usually due to aging or repetitive stress on the joints. |
Pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints along with decreased range of motion are some of the symptoms. |
These include obesity, age, joint injuries, repetitive use, and genetic predisposition. |
|
Rheumatoid Arthritis |
This is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium. Synovium is the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. |
The exact cause is unknown, but it involves genetic and environmental factors that trigger an autoimmune response. |
Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and sometimes fever. It often affects the same joints on both sides of the body, such as the wrists, knees, and hands. |
This is more common in women. Other risk factors include age (typically begins between 40 and 60), family history, and smoking habit. |
|
Psoriatic Arthritis |
This type of arthritis affects some people with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by red patches covered with silvery scales. |
This is caused by an autoimmune response where the immune system attacks the skin and joints. |
Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, along with skin symptoms of psoriasis. It can affect any part of the body, including fingers and spine. The symptoms range from mild to severe. |
Risk factors include age (typically between 30 and 50), Psoriasis, and family history. |
|
Ankylosing Spondylitis |
This is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, leading to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. |
Primary cause of this type of arthritis is believed to be genetic, particularly the HLA-B27 gene. |
Pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity. |
This is more common in men. Other factors include age (often starts in late adolescence or early adulthood), and family history. |
|
Gout |
A form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in joints. |
Accumulation of urate crystals in the joint due to high levels of uric acid in the blood. |
Intense joint pain, usually in the big toe, but it can occur in any joint. The pain is often accompanied by swelling, redness, and warmth. |
Diet rich in meat and seafood, alcohol consumption, obesity, certain medical conditions (such as hypertension and diabetes), and genetic factors. |
Arthritis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Though pain, stiffness, and inflammation of joints are the common symptoms in each type of arthritis, they still have different characteristics, as mentioned in the above table. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to manage arthritis and improve quality of life.
Diagnosis of arthritis generally involves a combination of:
- Physical Examination: This is done to assess the symptoms and joint movement.
- Imaging Tests: These include X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI, etc. to visualise joint damage.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests are done to identify specific markers associated with different types of arthritis.
Importance of Health Insurance For Patients with Arthritis
A health insurance policy provides you financial support during times of health emergencies. Treatment and management of arthritis can be costly and include medications, frequent doctor visits, etc. Having a health insurance policy is important as it will allow you to focus more on your health rather than taking any financial stress.
Types of Health Insurance Plans For Arthritis
There are many health insurance companies in India that provide coverage for arthritis, but with certain conditions. Some of the popular health insurance plans in India are:
1. HDFC ERGO Health Insurance
You can find different plans under HDFC ERGO, such as my:health Women Suraksha and my:health Critical Illness, which offer coverage for rheumatoid arthritis. The sum insured can range from ₹ 1 lakh to ₹ 1 crore. The entry age varies according to the plan.
2. Care Health Insurance
This is a good health insurance company that offers plans that covers osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout after a waiting period of 24 months. The sum insured can range from ₹ 3 lakhs to ₹ 6 crores.
3. Aditya Birla Health Insurance
Aditya Birla Health Insurance offers multiple plans that cover different types of arthritis, including spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis, after a 24-month waiting period.
4. Niva Bupa Health Insurance
Niva Bupa offers multiple plans for arthritis whose sum insured value can range from ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 10 crores with a network of 10,000+ hospital networks across India. The minimum and maximum entry age will depend upon the plan you purchase.
Coverages and limitations of Health Insurance for Arthritis
A health insurance plan typically covers your surgery and related costs. If you have the OPD feature as well, then it will also cover the costs of doctor visits and medications.
For pre-existing disease, the limitation of waiting period is there. Also, the coverage of the plan might be limited to certain hospitals or healthcare providers. Check your plan details thoroughly before buying it.
Factors to consider before buying Arthritis Health Insurance
- Why to buy: A health insurance plan acts as a financial shield in times of health emergencies.
- How to claim: You can file your claim online or you can reach out to your insurance provider with all the necessary documentation.
- Renewal: You can renew your plan annually by providing the right details to your insurance provider. You can do this online as well as by visiting your policy insurer.
- Customer support: You can reach out to the customer support of your health insurance provider in case of any queries. If you have bought your plan from InsuranceDekho, you can always contact us via email or contact number.
Conclusion
Arthritis is a painful condition that requires timely attention and treatment. A health insurance policy helps the person manage this problem without having any financial strain. Multiple health insurance packages are available in the market, from which you can choose the best for you depending upon your need and affordability. Before you buy a health insurance plan, always do comprehensive research and understand all the terms and features of your plan in detail.
FAQs
Ques 1: Does insurance policy cover arthritis?
Ans: There are many insurance plans that cover arthritis and provide coverage for that.
Ques 2: What if I have a pre-existing arthritis condition? Will I be covered?
Ans: Certain insurance providers offer plans for pre-existing diseases with a specific waiting period. Check your plan details before buying it.
Ques 3: Should I buy an insurance policy if I have arthritis?
Ans: A health insurance policy covers your expenses and thus provides you financial help when required. Therefore, you should buy the right health insurance policy for you.
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