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Health Insurance For Heart Patients
Cardiac ailments, commonly known as heart diseases, are on the rise. Several research studies have confirmed that such ailments are on the higher side in India.
Heart disease being a lifestyle disease, not all health insurance companies offer Mediclaim policy for heart patients. So, it is always beneficial to get a health insurance policy when you are young and healthy.
Of late, some insurers have started offering medical insurance for heart patients. In this article, we will talk about policies that are solely meant for heart patients.
What is a health insurance policy for health diseases?
As is in other health insurance policies, medical insurance policy for heart patients is a simple contract between the policyholder and insurance company, wherein the insurers promise to cover the health medical expenses incurred of the policyholder if he/she pays premium on time. Health insurance policies for heart patients exclusively meant for those who have already been diagnosed with such an ailment. For health Insurance Policies for heart patients, the premium amount, waiting period and other terms and conditions are usually different from normal health policies. Not all health insurance policies offer such specific health insurance policies.
Such ailments are not rare among senior citizens and several senior citizens buy this policy. However, do not mistake it for senior citizen health insurance policies. The two policies are different from each other.
Note that if you are diagnosed with a heart ailment after buying a policy, then your health policy would be treated as a regular policy.
Income tax benefit: If you buy such specific policies, you are eligible for income-tax benefit under the Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
Things to remember while buying a heart disease insurance: First thing first, if you have been diagnosed with a heart ailment and have been scouting for such a specific health plan, then first confirm with your insurer that they have such specific products. It is important to be clear with the insurance company regarding pre-existing illnesses. In cases of any miscommunications between the two parties, the health insurance company might deny coverage for such ailments.
Check the benefits offered by the insurance policy: While buying a health insurance policy, it is essential to understand the benefits offered by the company. This holds true for heart disease insurance policies too.
In-patient hospitalisation: When the policyholder is admitted to the hospital for more than 24 hours, then it is termed as in- patient hospitalisation. This is the basic criteria for claiming health insurance benefit, so all health insurance provide cover for in-patient hospitalization – mostly 100%. However, if you have a special policy, do not forget to check if there are any specific clauses or terms and conditions for it.
Pre- and post-hospitalisation : All health insurance policies cover pre- and post- hospitalisation expenses. This is usually one month for pre-hospitalisation and three months for post hospitalisation. Check for the time period specified by your health insurance company.
Domiciliary hospitalization : When a patient cannot be moved, often medical care needs to be given to him or her at their home. Such treatments are known as domiciliary hospitalisation. Heart diseases are critical illnesses and often patients might require such a line of treatment. Confirm with your health insurer whether such treatments are covered by the health plan.
Check the terms and conditions: The terms and conditions for such policies are widely different for policies meant for others. So read them carefully. For example, there might be a waiting period. Check with your insurer how long is that hibernation period. Lower the waiting period, the better as such treatments are quite expensive and do need constant monitoring.
Secondly, there might be a condition specifying when you can buy the policy. For example, some policies say that you can buy a policy only after 6 months to one year if you have gone through an angioplasty. For example, if you have gone through an angioplasty in January 2021, then you can buy a policy on July 1, 2021 or January 1, 2022, as per the terms and conditions mentioned in the fine print.
Then some companies also put a time limit on the maximum period for buying such a policy. For example, if there is a time limit of maximum five years, then you cannot buy such a policy if you have gone through an angioplasty in 2015.
Check the hospitals covered : It is extremely essential for all policyholders to check whether the hospitals preferred by you are covered by your health insurance company. And this is more so those who are undergoing treatment for critical illnesses like cancer, heart ailments.
For example, if you have been diagnosed with a critical ailment like heart disease, you must be consulting a specific doctor. Also, for such specialist treatment, only few hospitals in a particular city. It is extremely necessary to check with your health insurer whether it covers these hospitals and doctors.
Check if any riders are offered with your health policy: Rider is an additional benefit that you get for your insurance policy on paying a nominal amount. For example, you can buy an accidental benefit rider with your life insurance policy, third party accident benefits with your car insurance policy or child birth benefit with your health insurance policy.
Similarly, if you are buying a health plan specific to heart patients, check if the insurance company offers any rider with it.
Why is it essential to buy a critical health insurance rider with your health insurance policy?
All health insurance companies offer critical health insurance riders with the policy. The critical health insurance rider includes diseases like cancer, heart ailment, kidney diseases etc. If you have bought health insurance with such a rider, then on being diagnosed with one of the diseases listed in it, the health insurance company will pay you a lump sum amount. This is over and above the coverage amount for the treatment.
For example, let’s suppose you have a health insurance policy with a critical illness rider of Rs 1 lakh. Now, unfortunately, you have been diagnosed with heart ailment and the treatment cost during the hospitalisation is Rs 1 lakh. Then the insurance company will pay you Rs 2 lakh. That is, Rs 1 lakh for the insurance coverage for the hospital treatment, and another Rs 1 lakh for the critical insurance rider. Such riders are also available with life insurance policies as well.
Also, critical illness policies can be bought separately. These policies give cover as high as Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh, and the amount is paid in lump sum on being diagnosed with one of the critical illnesses mentioned in the policy.
You have a comprehensive understanding now about health insurance policies for heart patients. Keep the above factors in mind while choosing such a special policy.
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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