Health Insurance for COPD: Coverage, Plans, and Benefits

In today's world, the cost of everything is increasing and the expenses of treatment for any disease or illness are on the top of the list. A dangerous lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) makes breathing difficult and gets worse over time. Managing medical expenses is a major concern if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with COPD. This is where health insurance comes into play. It's critical to understand how your insurance may pay for COPD-related costs in order to get the proper care without having to worry about building up excessive bills.

Importance of Health Insurance for COPD Patients

COPD requires continuous medical attention, which includes routine checkups with the doctor, prescription drugs, oxygen therapy, and perhaps even hospital stays. The price of these procedures can go up quickly. As a safety net, health insurance pays for a large amount of these costs and guarantees that patients receive the care they require at a cost that is affordable.

Without health insurance, it might happen that some people skip major and important treatments due to heavy medical bills. This can lead to making the symptoms worse and it can increase the complication. Health insurance provides peace of mind to the insured person and to their loved ones and makes people focus on their health rather than thinking about the bills.

What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease that affects the lungs of the human body and causes complications in breathing. It happens due to injury to the lungs' airways or other structures, which may block airflow due to smoking, air pollution, occupational hazard, and in rare cases, due to genetic issues. Damage to the airways causes swelling and irritation, also known as inflammation, which restricts airflow into and out of the lungs.

Symptoms of COPD

Below given are the symptoms of COPD:

• Trouble breathing, especially during physical activities.
• Wheezing or chest tightness
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Fatigue
• Swelling in ankles, feet or legs.
• Cough with mucus 

Causes of COPD

1. Smoking

Smoking is the biggest reason behind anyone suffering from COPD. As smoking irritates and inflames the lungs, it eventually causes permanent harm, and in reality, 85–90% of cases of COPD are linked to smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.

2. Passive smoking

Passive smoking is equally responsible for COPD because inhaling smoke when another person is smoking a cigarette, cigar or any kind of tobacco can cause lung infection similar to smoking directly.

3. Pollution

Pollution is increasing day by day and it is affecting the human body badly. Pollution is also one of the main reasons why anyone suffers from COPD. For some people, living in polluted environments can aggravate the symptoms of COPD, making it harder to breathe.

4. Occupational Hazard

People who work in industries that generate dust, chemicals, and fumes (such as mining, construction, or manufacturing) are more likely to catch the illness. Repeated inhalation of these toxins might harm the lungs.

5. Genetics

COPD can sometimes be caused by a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. This disorder affects the production of a protein that protects the lungs. When AAT is absent or insufficient, the lungs are more open to harm from irritants such as smoke or pollution. People with this genetic disease may develop COPD even if they have never smoked or been exposed to dangerous environmental factors.

Essential Coverages of Health Insurance for COPD Patients

There are some essential coverages that should be considered while purchasing health insurance for COPD. Go through the below coverage before purchasing the health insurance plan:

1. Coverages

Always go through the coverage the company is providing. Read the policy documents carefully to know the base cover provided by the company and the benefit of addons you have taken.

2. Premium

Always check the premium of the plan before purchasing. Choose the plan with a low premium so that it does not become a burden on your head and you can easily pay the premium on time without any difficulties.

3. Annual Health Checkups

Always choose the plan that gives coverage for annual health checkups. It will help you to get your full body checkup and will diagnose any health issues early. This will save you a lot of money on tests and diagnosis every year.

4. Cashless hospitalisation

Choose the plan with cashless hospitalisation and the number of network hospitals insurers have. It will help you to get cashless treatment at the network hospital and you do not have to worry about cash during hospitalisation.

5. Waiting period 

Check the waiting period for COPD and choose the plan accordingly. Always go for the plan with a shorter waiting period so that you can claim your treatment as soon as possible. 

Top Health Insurance Companies and Plans Offering Coverage for COPD

There are a few top health insurance companies in India that offer health plans to COPD patients. Here is the list of the companies offering health insurance to the COPD patient:

Inclusions and Exclusions Under COPD Health Insurance Plans

There are certain inclusions and exclusions which are available in the policy document.

FAQs

Ques 1. Is COPD covered in health insurance?

Ans. Yes there are plans available for COPD from different insurers in which they offer coverage for COPD treatment.

Ques 2. Will my premiums be higher if I have COPD?

Ans. Yes, a pre-existing ailment such as COPD might result in higher insurance premiums. However, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on pre-existing diseases.

Ques 3. Can I get health insurance if I’m diagnosed with COPD later in life?

Ans. Yes, you can still get health insurance after a COPD diagnosis. The ACA restricts insurance companies from refusing coverage based on pre-existing diseases, such as COPD.

Ques 4. What should I look for in a health insurance plan if I have COPD?

Ans. Look for a plan that covers a wide range of COPD treatments, has low copays for specialist appointments, covers the medications you require, and provides access to pulmonary rehabilitation or oxygen therapy as required

Ques 5. How does smoking affect my health insurance if I have COPD?

Ans. Smoking can cause higher insurance premiums. Many insurance plans provide smoking cessation programs, which can help reduce smoking-related health risks and may enhance COPD management.