Can I Get Health Insurance If I Have Kidney Disease?

Posted on: Sep 22, 2023 | | Written by:

Can I Get Health Insurance If I Have Kidney Disease?

Published on September 22, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Dealing with kidney disease and its many challenges can bring your life to a halt. The treatment goes way beyond keeping track of what you eat, taking medicine on time, or undergoing dialysis on a regular basis. And along with that treatment comes the financial strain. That’s where health insurance comes into play. Let’s break down the ins and outs of getting health insurance when you’re dealing with kidney issues.

Kidney Ailment and Health Insurance

People with kidney disease usually face a complex journey toward maintaining their health. From regular check-ups and dialysis sessions to a possible transplant, it can really add to their medical expenses. For instance, routine dialysis sessions and laboratory tests come with a hefty price tag. And let’s not even get started on the costs of transplant procedures in India. Therefore, securing appropriate health insurance for kidney patients becomes pertinent. A healthcare plan can provide a safety net by helping to manage the often-substantial costs associated with kidney disease treatments. Being aware of the considerations for obtaining health insurance or critical illness insurance when you have kidney disease can help you bag the best deal available.

Cost of treatments related to kidney issues

The expenses associated with kidney disease treatments can be huge and can disturb your budget significantly. This may cause a substantial financial burden not only on individuals but also on their families. Procedures from dialysis to kidney transplantation, along with expenses related to surgery, medications, and post-transplant care, can keep the bills mounting. While health insurance for kidney patients can help you manage these costs, the terms and conditions of such customised healthcare policies can be slightly different from that of a regular health plan. You may have to pay a higher premium as compared to someone who doesn’t suffer from any kidney-related ailment. If you think premiums are steep and the policy is not worth buying, you need to think about the financial troubles in the absence of a policy with adequate coverage.

Things to Know When You Opt for a Health Insurance Plan with Kidney Disease:

• Pre-existing Condition Coverage

Many healthcare plans cover pre-existing conditions, but the scope of coverage can vary. Some plans might exclude coverage for specific treatments or medications related to pre-existing conditions for a certain period from the date of policy purchase. Understand the clauses surrounding waiting periods and limitations well before selecting health insurance for kidney patients.

• Network and Specialists

Pick an insurer with an extensive network of healthcare providers and specialists, as kidney patients often need specialised care and access to experienced nephrologists.

• Coverage for Treatments

Choose a plan that covers outpatient treatments like dialysis and exclusions and sub-limits like room rent capping, deductibles, or co-payment. Also, check whether the insurance plan covers the medications prescribed by your healthcare provider. Read the policy documents thoroughly and clarify all doubts.

• Informing your insurer is necessary

As a policyholder, you must notify the insurer about any existing diseases. If the pre-existing ailment is disclosed during the claim request, the claim will get rejected. Any fraud or misinformation may even lead to the cancellation of the policy.

Conclusion

It’s recommended to thoroughly research available options, compare coverage details, and consult with insurance experts if needed. By being well-informed about the coverage, limitations, and costs, individuals with kidney disease can make informed decisions that support their health and overall well-being by choosing the right health insurance for kidney patients. You can buy standalone critical illness insurance or add it to your existing individual health insurance policy.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Critical Illness Insurance for Organ Transplant

7 Reasons why you should get medical insurance before you turn 30

All You Need To Know About Health Insurance with Organ Transplantation Cover

Medical Conditions Generally Not Covered Under Health Insurance

Critical Illness Diseases Covered By HDFC ERGO