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Health Insurance for Diabetes Patients
Diabetes Mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a metabolic disorder affecting your blood sugar levels. Your food gets broken down into sugar, and insulin – a hormone produced in your pancreas, converts this sugar into energy. Being diagnosed with diabetes, type 1, type 2, or gestational, means that the insulin fails to carry out its sugar-to-energy function. Research shows that over 77 million Indians are affected by diabetes. Let‘s look a bit more closely at the main types of diabetes and how health insurance covers this chronic disease
Type 1 Diabetes:In this type, the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. Therefore, for type 1 diabetes, you must manage your insulin levels with regular injections
Type 2 Diabetes:Here, your cells refuse to respond to insulin, like how they would otherwise. You can keep type 2 diabetes in check with proper diet, exercise, oral medication, and resorting to artificial insulin in some cases.
Gestational Diabetes:This type is usually diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. Like Type 1 and Type 2, gestational diabetes causes a rise in your blood sugar levels, affecting pregnancy and the baby‘s health.
If not managed correctly, diabetes leads to numerous long–term health complications such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney diseases, foot ulcers, nerve damage, and cognitive impairment, among other health problems
Health insurance for people with diabetes
Taking appropriate measures to keep your health in check is not an event you can delay, whatever the cost. Since there is no cure for diabetes, all you can do is keep it in check. However, at times, diabetes may cause severe health conditions that require hospitalization and surgeries, and you need an insurance policy that will take care of this expensive affair. Most health insurance companies offer policies that cover diabetes-related hospitalization expenses.
Individuals with pre-existing conditions, i.e., conditions prevailing before the purchase of the policy, are eligible for health insurance as well. Diabetes is a common pre-existing conditions. Other examples include high blood pressure and asthma.
Costs covered under health insurance for diabetic patients
There are many costs involved in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. You have your first stage of testing which is followed by the actual treatment/surgery and then the follow-up health checks. Following are the costs that you can expect your health insurance policy to cover
Before Hospitalization
A health insurance policy covers most pre-hospitalization costs. Diabetes diagnosis tests such as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or haemoglobin A1C and any relevant tests are covered along with the medical costs, within policy limits. Health insurance also covers ambulance costs for transporting the patient to the hospital and back home.
During Hospitalization
Policies cover expenses related to day-care procedures as well as hospitalization over the course of several days or weeks.
Medical expenses that get covered include charges pertaining to the diagnoses, medical practitioner‘s check-up, medicines, injections, IVs, ICU care, blood transfusion, operating room, anaesthesia, and so on. Daily allowance for meals, attendants‘ costs, transportation to the hospital, and other costs are also usually covered.
Health insurance policies also generally cover domiciliary treatment wherein the patient is unable to be moved to a hospital and needs to be treated at home
Individuals can receive alternative treatments under AYUSH in government-recognized hospitals and institutions.
After Hospitalization
Once your treatment is over, your insurance policy will cover the ambulance cost to take you home as well. Furthermore, all health check-ups post hospitalization will also get covered under your health insurance for diabetes, unless your policy states otherwise.
Features & Benefits
Following are the common features that you can find in most medical insurances that can benefit people with diabetes.
Coverage for ambulance service: You do not have to worry about safety while travelling to and from the hospital since companies also cover ambulance costs which can otherwise be quite expensive. Since you want the patient to be comfortable while travelling, this coverage is a real boon
Access to cashless treatment: We often find it hard to arrange for large sums of cash during hospitalization. The availability of cashless treatment really helps make things easier since bills are settled between the hospital and insurer
Enjoy tax benefit: The premiums that you pay for health insurance are also eligible for tax benefits too. You can avail this benefit for premiums on your own health insurance policy as well as premiums you pay for your parents, spouse and children
Eligibility Criteria
Health insurance policies differ slightly between insurers. We have jotted down the standard eligibility to availing of health insurance
Nationality: Resident, as well as non-resident Indians (NRIs), can buy health insurance policies. However, NRIs must take the treatment in India to claim the insurance amount
Age: The minimum and maximum age of entry are 3 months and 65 years, respectively, with lifelong renewability
You may want to ask your insurer what the maximum age is for purchasing coverage.
Things To Remember
Before you go, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Health insurance has a waiting period: Pre-existing diseases attract a waiting period of 4 years after the policy commences. This means that you cannot make any claims for pre-existing conditions like diabetes until the stipulated waiting period has been completed. Also, you need to declare that you have a pre-existing condition when buying the policy to qualify for coverage
Location: The treatment needs to be availed in India. Overseas treatments will not qualify for claim settlement
False information: At the time of purchasing the policy, make sure you declare all pre-existing conditions. If you fail to do so, the insurer may reject your claim later on
Premium Costs: Age is a major factor that determines your premium. You usually pay lower premiums at a younger age. People with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or heart conditions may end up paying higher premium amounts
Conclusion
Without health insurance, diabetes treatment and related surgeries can end up draining your bank account. However, by getting yourself insured, you can protect your finances while getting access to the best treatment. Do make sure to read the health insurance fine print and get all your queries answered before buying coverage.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale
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Health Insurance
6 Healthy Habits For Families
The key to long-term health is to get the entire family involved. Right from making healthy food choices to leading an active lifestyle – incorporating healthy habits in your daily lifestyle can be simple and practical when everyone in the family is working towards the same health goals.
Over here we discuss 6 healthy habits for families. You can add these habits into your daily routine to ensure your family’s good health.
6 Healthy Habits for Families
Eating a healthy diet, together as a family
The easiest of all family eating habits to cultivate is eating together. In today’s hectic world, eating together may be a challenge, but it’s worth making the efforts. There are several benefits of eating together. Eating together will help everyone in your family stick to scheduled meal times. Combine this habit with a healthy diet. Make a variety of healthy food choices, preferably food made at home so that family members, especially children do not look for junk food.
Make meal prep a fun activity
For family health benefits, it is essential to lead by example.Make healthy food choices so that your children can follow suit. A great way to promote healthy eating habits is to invite your children to be part of the cooking process. Help them choose the recipe and shop the ingredients. This will go a long way in inculcating healthy food choices in children.
Have no-phone zones
Apart from instilling good and healthy family habits and practices with regards to meals, it helps to turn meal hours into exclusive family hours with no interruptions. Having no phone zones at the dinner table and in the bedroom can encourage your family members to get moving and spend less time sitting. Encourage your kids to play outside. Planning fun activities like play board games and treasure hunts with your children can prove to be highly rewarding.
Be more active as a family
Staying active as a family doesn’t have to be boring! You can let every family member choose one activity for every week. From taking strolls to doing yoga together, from biking to swimming, many fun-filled activities can help you and your family burn some calories, relieve stress, while forming healthy family habits and practices.
Practice hand hygiene
As a family, make sure everyone follows hand hygiene. Wash hands after going to the restroom, before preparing food, after touching a pet, changing a diaper, blowing your nose, coughing, or handling garbage. You can also make a 20-second song so that children thoroughly wash their hands.
Do not skip medical tests
The importance of keeping track of your health cannot be emphasised enough. By undergoing regular medical check-ups you can help your family make informed health care decisions. It can help you catch health problems in the early stages and make lifestyle changes accordingly. Do include dental and eye checkup for yourself and your children in the annual medical checkup. To reap family health benefits, it’s important to take the right precautions, at the right time and make the right changes to avoid the most common health illnesses
Why is family insurance a must?
Illnesses don’t come knocking on the door. So, it only makes sense to have a backup plan in case you or your family member falls sick or needs hospitalisation in case of an accident or a health condition. With medical expenses skyrocketing, a health insurance policy is the best protection cover for a family. A comprehensive health insurance plan will give you that peace of mind regarding your family’s health and your financial well-being.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
Health Insurance
10 Worst Diseases That Smoking Can Cause
Smoking causes diseases but it is one of the most preventable causes of death worldwide. Every puff of a cigarette exposes the body to many harmful chemicals which can cause serious health problems. As awareness of these risks increases, so does the importance of having a reliable health insurance plan to help manage the financial burdens associated with these diseases.
Health Insurance
12 Foods With More Vitamin C Than Oranges
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, vitamin C is crucial for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It aids in the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, and the proper functioning of the immune system.
Health Insurance
20 Foods High in Vitamin A: A Guide to Boosting Health Through Diet
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining overall health, supporting vision, immune function, skin health, and more. As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin A exists in two main forms: retinoids (found in animal products) and carotenoids (found in plant-based foods). Retinoids are readily usable by the body, while carotenoids must be converted into the active form of vitamin A.
Given its essential functions, maintaining adequate vitamin A levels is crucial for both adults and children. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to significant health problems, underscoring the importance of including vitamin A-rich foods in one’s diet. This article explores the various sources of vitamin A, recommended intake, health benefits, and how to prevent deficiency.
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is essential for several physiological processes. It is found in animal-based foods such as retinol and in plant-based foods as beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Recommended daily intake levels differ based on age and gender. Adult men require approximately 900 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A daily, while adult women need about 700 mcg. Pregnant and breastfeeding women generally require higher amounts to support foetal and infant development.
Role of Vitamin A in Health
Vitamin A is associated with various health benefits, from antioxidant protection to immunity. Below are some of its primary roles:
1. Antioxidant Protection: As an antioxidant, vitamin A helps prevent cellular damage from free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases and ageing.
2. Immunity: Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining immune function, and enhancing the body’s response to infections.
3. Eye Health: Known for promoting good vision, vitamin A helps prevent night blindness and age-related vision problems.
4. Skin Health: Vitamin A supports skin health by promoting cell growth, reducing wrinkles, and addressing acne concerns.
5. Organ Functioning: It aids in the proper functioning of the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
6. Reproductive Health: Vitamin A plays a role in reproductive health and foetal development, making it essential for pregnant women.
7. Foetal Development: It is critical for foetal tissue and organ development during pregnancy.
8. Teeth and Gums: It contributes to healthy teeth and gums, supporting oral health.
Also Read: 6 Key Pregnancy Care Tips You Should Know
Animal Foods High in Vitamin A
Animal-based foods are an excellent source of preformed vitamin A, which is easily absorbed by the body. Here is a vitamin A foods chart showcasing some common animal-based vitamin A sources.
| Name | Particulars |
| Liver (beef, lamb, chicken) | Extremely rich in vitamin A; 100 grams provide more than 6 times the daily requirement |
| Cod Liver Oil | A tablespoon provides up to 4,500 mcg of vitamin A |
| Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Butter) | Source of vitamin A in moderate amounts, especially whole milk products |
| Eggs | Egg yolks contain around 140 mcg per 100 gms |
| Fish | Fatty fish is a good source of vitamin A, particularly retinol. |
| Shellfish | Provides moderate amounts of vitamin A, along with other essential nutrients. |
Vegetables High in Vitamin A
Vegetables, particularly those that are orange, yellow, or dark green, are rich in carotenoids, which the body can convert to vitamin A. Here is a chart listing vegetables that are vitamin A high foods.
| Name | Particulars |
| Sweet Potato | Contains around 1400 mcg per medium potato, providing well over the daily recommended intake |
| Carrot | A single large carrot offers about 1,000 mcg of vitamin A. |
| Spinach | Once cup cooked provides approx. 943 mcg |
| Kale | A cup cooked provides approximately 943 mcg |
| Red Bell Pepper | Provides about 140 mcg per 100 grams |
| Butternut Squash | Offers around 1,000 mcg per cup |
| Collard Greens | Contains 770 mcg per cooked cup |
| Swiss Chard | A good source, with 300 mcg per cup. |
Also Read: Sources of Vitamin D for Vegetarians
Fruits High in Vitamin A
Certain fruits, especially those with orange or yellow pigmentation, are rich in beta-carotene and contribute to daily vitamin A intake.
| Name | Particulars |
| Mango | Contains about 54 mcg of vitamin A per 100 gms. |
| Cantaloupe | A cup of diced cantaloupe provides 270 mcg. |
| Papaya | Offers around 47 mcg per 100 gms. |
| Apricots | Dried apricots are rich in vitamin A, with 96 mcg per fruit. |
| Guava | Contains about 31 mcg per 100 gms. |
| Watermelon | A cup of watermelon offers around 43 mcg. |
Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency and Toxicity
Vitamin A deficiency is relatively common and can lead to symptoms like night blindness, dry skin, poor immune response, and growth delays in children. Severe vitamin A deficiency can cause complete blindness and increase the risk of infections. Here are a few signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency:-
1) Irregular white deposits in eyes
2) Delayed Growth (in children)
3) Infertility
4) Infections
5) Night Blindness
6) Lack of quick healing of wounds
If these signs are observed it is recommended to take the required tests and get medications from a doctor.
On the other hand, excess vitamin A, primarily from supplements, can lead to toxicity. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and even liver damage in severe cases. It’s essential to balance vitamin A intake and avoid excessive supplementation.
Conclusion
Vitamin A is essential for overall health, supporting skin, vision, immune function, and reproductive health. By incorporating a variety of vitamin A sources—such as liver, dairy, carrots, and leafy greens—one can easily meet daily requirements and enjoy a balanced diet. To safeguard long-term health, consider monitoring your diet and explore a health insurance policy that promotes regular health check-ups and preventive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How can I increase my vitamin A?
To boost vitamin A intake, incorporate foods rich in both retinoids (from animal products) and carotenoids (from plants) into your diet. Add liver, dairy, carrots, and leafy greens to your meals regularly.
2) How do you increase vitamin A absorption?
Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, pairing it with healthy fats (such as olive oil or avocado) can enhance absorption. This helps the body more effectively utilise the nutrient.
3) What are the symptoms of low vitamin A?
Signs of vitamin A deficiency include night blindness, dry skin, increased risk of infections, and, in severe cases, complete blindness. Other symptoms may include delayed growth in children and poor wound healing.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
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