Can You Get A Health Insurance If You Have Asthma?

Posted on: May 6, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Can You Get A Health Insurance If You Have Asthma?

According to Lung India, asthma is among India’s two most common breathing diseases. As of 2022, over 280 million people worldwide are affected by this disease, and India contributes about 35 million. With these numbers steadily on the rise, it is essential to remember that asthma affects one’s lifestyle and also regularly impacts medical expenses.

As we approach World Asthma Day, it is vital to spread awareness so that asthma can be better managed. This article focuses on helping you understand, diagnose, and manage asthma. We will also cover the advantages and challenges of health insurance, which are instrumental in protecting you and managing the expenses involved. So, let’s dive right in.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a lung disease where the passage that carries air to and from your lungs becomes inflamed or swollen. This state makes the airways highly sensitive and prone to allergic reactions.

As of now, asthma does not have a cure.

How Asthma is Diagnosed

A confirmed diagnosis is vital before even thinking about treatment or health insurance. This condition is often detected in early childhood, however, sometimes it might get picked up in adulthood. Here are four key tests that are used to detect asthma.

▪ Nitric Oxide Test

Nitric oxide in your breath is a sign of inflammation. This test measures nitric oxide levels in air passages by asking the patient to breathe into a machine designed to detect asthma.

▪ Allergy Testing

Studies suggest that the cause of asthma could be allergens from the environment, genetics, or both.

This method involves diagnosing asthma by subjecting a skin or blood sample to various environmental allergens and understanding its reaction.

The Asthma Action Plan for Effective Self-Care

If you or your child is diagnosed with asthma, it is vital to have an action plan in place to avoid a panicked hospital visit.

A popular and effective self-care method is the Asthma Action Plan, which involves classifying the situation or severity in its zone and taking action. Your doctors define self-care actions based on your asthma type (severity, allergen-specific, or genetic), but you must know which zone to act in.

1. Green Zone:

This is a safe zone. The green zone means you can breathe without issue and have no symptoms.

2. Yellow Zone:

Your or your child’s condition enters the Yellow Zone when symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and problems breathing surface on occasion.

3. Red Zone:

Your condition enters this zone when asthma attacks and breathing problems become severe and affect daily life.

Choosing a Comprehensive Protection Plan

Since treating and managing asthma is a constant process, health insurance is essential to managing costs, stress, and unexpected events. It allows you to focus on managing the condition without stress.

With that in mind, here are some tips for choosing a comprehensive health insurance plan that meets your needs,

▪ Discuss It With Your Doctor

To determine an appropriate coverage size and plan, make sure you discuss expenses, action plans, and treatment options with your doctor.

▪ Double Check Terms and Inclusions

Check the terms and conditions for exceptions or coverage limits. Ensure that the plan you choose covers asthma inhalers, nebulizers, and medication specific to your condition.

▪ Review The List of Network Hospitals

It is vital for the health insurance plan you choose to have a top network of hospitals, pulmonologists, and respiratory care technologies within easy reach.

▪ Extend Your Coverage Period

Health insurance for asthma patients usually lasts a year. Look for extended coverage periods to reduce expiration worries and get bulk discounts.

Challenges You Will Face As an Asthma Patient

With these tips, you can round down to the best coverage plans. That said, here are the key challenges you may face in your search.

• Waiting Periods:

Many health insurance plans insert waiting periods or exclusions for pre-existing conditions like asthma. It is quite challenging to find a health insurance plan that covers your condition immediately after purchase.

• High Premiums:

As an untreatable condition, asthma may incur higher premiums due to the potential for more healthcare use.

• Limited Coverage:

Asthma patients spend a lot on outpatient department (OPD) expenses like doctor visits and nebulizer treatments, which many plans don't cover. Plans may also exclude specific asthma conditions.

Protecting Your Ability to Breathe

Asthma has the potential to deter your lifestyle and spike up medical expenses. Yet we can confidently say that if you are aware and equipped with the best ways to protect yourself, this disease cannot control you. Yet, finding the right health insurance for asthma patients alone can be challenging. However, talking to an insurance expert can help you choose the right health insurance if you have asthma.

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

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