Health Insurance for Asthma Patients

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the respiratory tract (the passage carrying air to & from the lungs). The narrowing of the respiratory tract due to excess mucus production restricts the passage of air, eventually leading to difficulty in breathing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and coughing. Moreover, the inflamed or swollen airway becomes extremely sensitive to any type of irritant and, hence, increases the risk of allergic reactions.

Asthma is one of the most common lifestyle diseases in India, affecting adults and children alike. For some people, the disease may be a minor inconvenience, but for others, it can be life-threatening. Although asthma has no cure, its symptoms can be controlled through medication and lifestyle changes.

Symptoms of Asthma

Check out some of the most common symptoms of asthma:

• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in chest
• Coughing
• Wheezing while inhaling
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulty in talking
• Rapid breathing
• Coughing and wheezing attacks worsened with the common cold

How to Handle an Asthma Attack?

An asthma patient can create an Asthma Action Plan with the help of their doctor. The plan helps to keep track of things to avoid, medicines to take, and when to take them. An Asthma Action Plan has three different zones:

• Green Zone - In this zone, people can breathe normally without any difficulties, and no symptoms of asthma surface.
• Yellow Zone - In this zone, people start experiencing some asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, problems breathing, etc.
• Red Zone - In this zone, asthma symptoms and attacks start affecting the day-to-day life and normal activities of the patient, as breathing becomes extremely difficult.

Benefits of Buying Health Insurance for Asthma Patients

Here are a few important reasons why buying an asthma health insurance plan is a good idea for an asthma patient:

1. High Incidence of Asthma

   Asthma has a massive presence in India. As per the Global Asthma Report 2022, about 35 million people have asthma in India, with children comprising of a sizeable percentage. The changing lifestyle and climatic conditions are some of the major factors triggering asthmatic conditions. Besides, severe cases of asthma may require extensive hospitalization, resulting in a financial burden. Buying a health insurance plan is the only way to pay for asthma treatment expenses without exhausting their savings.

2. Expensive Asthma Treatment Cost in India

   Medical expenses are rising constantly, making it difficult to manage asthma treatment cost in India. Since asthma requires ongoing medication and regular check-ups, it can create a substantial financial liability. Even a brief hospitalization due to asthma can churn a medical bill worth lakhs, making it difficult for most people to afford. However, investing in health insurance for asthma patients can help them significantly reduce their out-of-pocket expenses, as the insurance company will take care of the medical bills.

List of Health Insurance for Asthma in India

Take a look at the ideal health insurance for asthma in India:

*Disclaimer: The list mentioned is according to the alphabetical order of the insurance companies. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. This list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website www.irdai.gov.in.

Inclusions of Health Insurance for Asthma Patients

The following coverage are available under health insurance for asthma patients:

• In-patient hospitalization
• OPD treatment
• Road ambulance charges
• Day care treatments
• Modern treatments
• Non-medical expenses
• Home care treatment

Note: The coverage may vary from one asthma health insurance plan to another.

Exclusions of Health Insurance for Asthma Patients

Asthma insurance coverage excludes the following expenses:

• Domiciliary hospitalization
• Non-allopathic treatment
• Unproven treatments
• External medical equipments and devices
• Treatments availed outside of India
• Rest cure, rehabilitation and respite care
• Artificial life maintenance

Tips to Prevent an Asthma Attack

Given below are some important tips to prevent an asthma attack:

• Identify what triggers your asthma, such as air pollution, pollen, cold air, etc., and take steps to avoid them.
• Make sure to follow your asthma action plan created in the presence of your doctor.
• Get vaccinated for influenza and pneumonia to prevent them from triggering your asthma.
• Take your prescribed medications correctly and in the correct dosage.
• Learn to identify warning signs of an impending asthma attack, such as wheezing, slight coughing, etc.
• Monitor your breathing regularly at home using a peak flow meter.
• Treat an attack early to prevent it from turning into a severe one.

FAQs