Hypertension is a major health concern, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing among rural and urban populations in India. Read this article to find out how individuals with high blood pressure can benefit from a health insurance cover.
Hypertension (often referred to as high blood pressure) is a medical condition, where the blood pressure in the arteries is repeatedly elevated. In other words, it is a state where the force with which one’s blood is pushing against the walls of the blood vessels is persistently very high. According to a report by CADI Research Foundation, hypertension is the most common chronic ailment in the country. Its prevalence ranges from 12% to 17% among rural adults and 20% to 40% in urban adults. The number of people with hypertension is expected to be around 214 million in 2025, the report stated.
Symptoms of Hypertension
Hypertension is usually a silent condition. A person may sometimes not experience any symptoms at all. It can maybe take several years for the condition to reach levels severe enough that symptoms begin to show. Here is a look at some of the symptoms that may be attributed to severe hypertension:
Severe headache
Fatigue
Difficulty breathing
Irregular heartbeat
Pounding in the chest, ears or neck
Vision problems
Chest pain
Blood in the urine
Complications of Uncontrolled Hypertension
Severe hypertension can result in serious damage to the heart. Too much pressure can harden arteries, thus reducing the flow of both blood and oxygen to the heart. This elevated pressure and reduced blood flow can lead to a heart attack or heart failure. Extremely high blood pressure can also burst or block arteries supplying blood and oxygen to the brain, in turn causing a stroke.
If one notices any of the above symptoms, he or she must immediately seek medical attention. The best way to identify if an individual has hypertension is to get blood pressure readings, possibly on a regular basis. Staying aware about the blood pressure levels is a key way to sustain a long and healthy life.
Hypertension and Health Insurance
The rising inflation in the healthcare sector has made it difficult for a lot of people to manage the hefty medical bills for treating such diseases. With a health insurance policy, an individual will be able to safeguard his or her money against these expenses, while ensuring quality treatment and preventive care. It will help save costs in the event of hospitalization, and also cover OPD bills and doctor’s fee.
It is, however, essential to note that high blood pressure is among the diseases that usually have a waiting period clause in health insurance plans. This can be anywhere between two and four years. Thus, it is advisable that one avails a health insurance policy at the earliest, or at least the moment the individual notices a slight increase in his or her blood pressure. The premiums tend to be lower when the ailment is less severe. Also, when opting for health insurance at a young age, the premiums are quite affordable, as the risk borne by the insurer is not considered high.
Coverage Benefits
A policyholder who has high blood pressure can claim the following benefits once the waiting period is over:
Get covered for doctor's consultation
Get covered for diagnostic tests
Get covered for cost of medicines
Get covered for hospitalization expenses
Having a health insurance plan in place is a must for those with stressful jobs or have a family history of high blood pressure. It is always wise to get a comprehensive health policy as early as possible. Refrain from delaying this decision till a time when tragedy actually hits.
Final Word
Hypertension can have a heavy bearing on one’s pockets, but with a comprehensive health insurance plan, this can be mitigated and the individual can focus on becoming well again. There are numerous health insurance plans in the market that offer coverage to people with high blood pressure. Buyers are advised to compare the terms & conditions, features, waiting period and benefits before proceeding to avail an insurance cover.
Along with having a health plan, individuals must strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle - avoiding junk food, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking etc. These measures are key to safeguarding self against hefty treatment costs of ailments that can arise due to high blood pressure.
Recommended Link: Why You Should Opt for Higher Health Insurance Coverage?
