In today's age, India is recognised globally for providing high-quality medical care at affordable prices. But even these relatively affordable costs may prove to be substantial for some families. A sudden medical emergency–like a heart condition, may grip anyone at any time. That is why it is best to be aware of various costs, including the cost of a heart surgery.
When it comes to heart surgery costs in India, being aware allows you to prepare for worst-case scenarios, in terms of both treatment and funds. In this blog, we will explore the various costs associated with different heart surgeries in India and discuss how health insurance policies and critical illness insurance can help make informed decisions.
What is Heart Surgery?
Heart surgery is the surgery conducted to improve or fix heart functions. It involves a procedure performed on the heart or its connecting blood vessels to treat blockages, correct structural issues, replace or repair valves, or deal with other cardiac concerns.
When is Heart Surgery required?
Heart surgery may become necessary when certain symptoms, such as persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs or abdomen, irregular heartbeat, and fainting episodes, occur. A sudden emergency, like a heart attack, will also call for a quick response in terms of surgical procedures.
Common Heart Surgery Procedures Available in India
The multiple heart surgeries available in India are as follows
| Type of Heart Surgery | Description |
|---|---|
| Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) | Considered the most common type of surgery, also known as open heart surgery, CABG is used to bypass blocked arteries using grafts to help restore blood flow to the heart muscles. |
| Heart Valve Repair or Replacement | Involves repairing the damaged valve to ensure it opens and closes in the right way, or replacing it with an artificial one to ensure proper blood flow in the right directions within the heart. |
| Heart Transplant | In case of end-stage heart failure, the failing heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a donor. |
| Arrhythmia Surgery | It helps correct irregular or abnormal heart rhythms using pacemakers or defibrillators in order to bring the heartbeat back to normal. |
| Aneurysm Repair | A procedure that repairs fatal ruptures or weakened sections of arteries or heart walls by using grafts or artificial parts. |
| Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery | Involves the use of specialised instruments and small incisions in the chest for lesser trauma and quicker recovery, compared to open heart surgery and is also known as keyhole heart surgery. |
Cost Range of Heart Surgeries in India
The heart surgery cost in India differs based on different reasons, such as location, expertise of the surgeon, hospital, surgery type and severity of the condition
| Type of Heart Surgery | Benefits Post Surgery | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) | Increases the flow of blood in a blocked artery and reduces angina | ₹ 1.8 - 3.6 lakhs |
| Heart Valve Repair or Replacement | Restores the normal function of valves within the heart | ₹ 2.4 - 5.7 lakhs |
| Heart Transplant | Guarantees a proven method to restore a healthy heart in patients. | ₹ 18 - 25 lakhs |
| Arrhythmia Surgery | Increases the flow of blood by removing the plaque buildup in the blocked artery; it can also be used to prevent the risk of stroke. | ₹ 2.4 - 4.5 lakhs |
| Aneurysm Repair | Helps remove any surrounding scar tissue and the aneurysm. Also reduces symptoms of angina and ensures the heart pumps blood better. | ₹ 5.6 - 11.5 lakhs |
| Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery | Ensures lesser trauma wounds and quicker recovery, compared to open heart surgery. | ₹ 2.4 - 4.8 lakhs |
Factors Affecting Heart Surgery Cost in India
Take a look at certain factors that may have an impact on the cost of your heart surgery in India:
Type of Hospital
Private hospitals will cost you more than government hospitals.
Location
Metropolitan cities will be more expensive than smaller towns.
Type of Surgery Procedure
Depending on the procedure, surgery that takes a longer time for recovery will cost more.
Surgeon Expertise
If the surgeon is reputable and has years of expertise behind them, then based on their skills and competency they will charge more.
Role of a Health Insurance Policy For Heart Surgery Costs
Due to rising medical costs, investing in a health insurance policy is vital. This ensures better preparedness, especially in terms of sudden medical emergencies. A standard health insurance policy will cover hospitalisation and surgical expenses, based on the terms and waiting periods of the policy. However, a critical illness insurance will leave you with a lump sum compensation upon diagnosis of a heart condition, providing you with additional financial protection for treatment, recovery or other needs.
1. Standard Health Insurance Policy
Provides reimbursement for actual medical expenses related to heart surgery, including hospital bills and treatment costs or even post-surgery care expenses.
2. Critical Illness Insurance Policy
Provides a lump sum payment upon diagnosis or treatment of major heart conditions like heart attack or bypass surgery. This payout can be used for both medical and non-medical expenses, such as income replacement during recovery.
Final Thoughts
In all, it is essential to be aware of the costs of medical care in India, especially in terms of heart surgery costs. Conditions of the heart can be sudden and need proper treatment to help prevent the risk of cardiac ailments, and enhance people’s life expectancy. Heart surgery costs may differ on the basis of hospital, surgery type, location, and even the severity of the condition. That is why choosing to invest in a proper health insurance policy and considering critical health insurance can enhance financial protection, assuring you of quality and timely care.
Coverfox, an IRDAI-approved platform, provides a user-friendly and convenient online platform to compare and purchase either a comprehensive health insurance policy or critical illness insurance, so you can receive the best possible care–without the burden of financial stress.
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Is heart bypass surgery covered by health insurance in India?
Frequently Asked Question
Is heart surgery expensive in India?
Heart surgery is generally affordable in India than in other countries, but may still be substantial in amount. It ranges between ₹1-25 lakhs, depending on factors like the type of surgery, location and hospital.
Will my health insurance cover heart surgery?
Yes, most health insurance policies in India do cover heart surgery, subject to terms and conditions, which may include hospitalisation and surgical expenses. However, if it is not adequate in terms of sum insured, critical illness insurance ensures additional financial support for heart conditions.
How much does a heart bypass surgery cost in India?
The average cost of heart bypass surgery in India generally ranges between ₹1.8 to 3.6 lakhs.
How much does open-heart surgery cost in India?
In India, open heart surgery generally costs between ₹1.8 to 4.8 lakhs.
