Critical Illness Insurance For Stroke

Stroke occurs when a part of the brain loses its blood supply or stops working. It occurs when either the blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel is ruptured within the brain, causing death of brain tissue. It is a medical emergency and has proven to be life threatening, hence treatment must be sought as quickly as possible. In India, nearly one-fifth of patients with first-ever stroke admitted to hospitals have been estimated to be aged 40 years or less (As per, National Center for Biotechnology Information). Risk of Stroke is higher after the age of 55; however it can occur at any stage of life. Most importantly, people with family history are at higher risk of stroke.

Effects of Stroke

On carrying out several tests, the doctor may suggest removal of blood clot in the brain or fix blood vessels. It can affect a patient drastically. A person may either suffer from disability on either side of the body, depending upon the location affected in the brain. Recovery time for stroke can go up to a year or more, depending upon the therapy and treatment offered by doctors and caretakers. Struggling with a brain disease is not easy. And, you will want your family to stand together for you at such a time instead of being caught up in managing funds. Hence, it is advisable to opt for Critical Illness Health Insurance plan that covers medical expenses for treating stroke and related health issues.

Health insurance is an easy way to combat the financial catastrophes arising from health issues, making it a necessity. HDFC ERGO offers a great bouquet of products online that can help meet the health insurance requirements of persons from all walks of life.

Symptoms of stroke could be

1. Severe headache
2. Temporary or permanent paralysis should be included in symptoms
3. Projective vomiting
4. Weakness
5. Confusion
6. Loss of vision
7. Difficulty talking or swallowing and many such symptoms  *Rigid symptoms may lead to coma

There are two major types of stroke

1. Haemorrhagic stroke
2. Ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke: Eighty percent of all strokes are ischemic. It can be caused by narrowing of the large arteries to the brain. When blood cannot get to the brain cells; they die within minutes to a few hours. Doctors call this area of dead cells an "infarct”.

Hemorrhagic strokes involve bleeding: Blood vessels in the brain break because they have been weakened by damage due to high blood pressure, diabetes, and aging.

Why is it important to opt for HDFC ERGO Critical illness Insurance Policy, even if you hold an indemnity health insurance plan?

Critical illness policy is a benefit-plan unlike the conventional indemnity health insurance plans. A lump sum amount (Sum Insured) is paid just upon diagnosis of any of the listed Critical Illness covered in the Policy. In case, your treating doctor recommends a certain line of treatment, critical illness plan by HDFC ERGO will give you a lump sum benefit in one transaction that may be used to pay for the treatment, care, and recovery. The money may also be useful for paying off debts, substituting lost income, or even in adapting to lifestyle changes in some cases. Treating a critical illness may drain away your savings, restrict you from working and earning and affect your routine lifestyle, hence a lump sum benefit in one single transaction up to your opted cover is best for during tough times. Your existing health cover or employee health insurance may cover your medical expenses up to a certain extent, however critical illness cover will offer you a lump sum benefit in one single transaction on first diagnosis or advice issued by a medical practitioner.

Why Choose HDFC ERGO’s Critical Illness Plan for Stroke?

You may concentrate on your health, while HDFC ERGO Critical Illness cover takes care of the funds. Apart from this, the insurer will also offer monetary support to your family, in case you are busy getting a treatment and there is a loss of income. The lump sum amount is paid in one single transaction on the first diagnosis after a survival period of 30 days. This lump sum amount can be utilized for care and treatment, recuperation aids, paying off debts or fund any lost income due to a decreasing ability to earn. Additionally, by opting for critical illness health covers you can also enjoy tax benefits under section 80D.