Health Insurance for Thyroid Patients

What is Thyroid?

Thyroid is an important endocrine gland in the body that produces hormones to regulate the speed of metabolism. It controls the production and release of hormones like T4, T3, and RT3 to optimally utilize the energy created from consuming food. However, any abnormality in the functioning of the thyroid can lead to thyroid disease.

When the thyroid malfunctions, it produces excess or too little of these hormones, disturbing the metabolic function of the body. As it obstructs the way our body uses energy, it results in visible weight fluctuations, depression, low energy levels, fatigue, anxiety, hair loss, etc. Moreover, thyroid problems can lead to serious health issues, such as obesity, hypertension, infertility, sexual dysfunction, etc.

Types of Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease can be majorly divided into two types:

1. Hyperthyroidism - When the metabolic levels in the body speed up due to excessive production of the thyroid hormone, a person is said to have developed Hyperthyroidism.
2. Hypothyroidism - When the metabolic levels of the body slow down, it is called Hypothyroidism.

However, lack of iodine in the body can result in enlargement of the thyroid gland, also known as goitre.s

Symptoms of Thyroid Disease

Check out some of the most common symptoms of the thyroid disease:

• Slow or rapid heart rate
• Difficulty in tolerating heat or cold
• Fatigue
• Unexplained body weight fluctuations
• Anxiety and depression
• Heavy, scanty or irregular periods
• Frequent bowel movements
• Changes in skin and hair texture, like extremely dry or sweaty
• Muscle and body pain
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Increased sweating

Who Should Buy Health Insurance for Thyroid Problems?

The following people must buy a thyroid insurance policy:

• Women
• People with a family history of thyroid disease
• People above the age of 65 years
• Those consuming medicines with high iodine content
• People with Turner syndrome
• People with an iodine deficiency
• Those who have received radiation therapy for their neck and/or head
• People who have type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
• People with autoimmune disease, especially celiac disease, Addison’s disease, pernicious anaemia, lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome

Benefits of Buying Health Insurance for Thyroid Problems

Here are some of the compelling reasons to buy health insurance for thyroid patients:

1. High Incidence of Thyroid Problems in India

   Thyroid problems are extremely common in India. As per reports, around 42 million people in India have thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Moreover, women are at a higher risk of developing thyroid problems as compared to men. Considering these numbers, it is only prudent to buy a mediclaim insurance policy that safeguards against any potential thyroid-related medical expenditures in future.

2. Expensive Treatment of Thyroid

   Curing a thyroid disease involves regular treatment, medical tests and medications. Typically, this can cost an arm and a leg, as medical inflation in India is at its peak. Even a brief hospitalization due to thyroid can cost lakhs of rupees. Besides, the cost of regular doctor consultations, diagnostic tests and medicines can add to these medical costs. However, buying a health insurance policy can limit out-of-pocket expenditures and protect savings, as the insurance company will pay for the treatment expenses of the thyroid.

Health Insurance for Thyroid Patients

Take a look at the fhealth insurance for thyroid problems 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 Thyroid Patients

The following coverage are included in thyroid insurance plans:

• In-patient hospitalization expenses
• OPD treatment
• Diagnostic tests cover
• Pharmacy cover
• Ambulance charges
• Pre-hospitalization expenses
• Post-hospitalization expenses
• Non-medical expenses
• Health check-ups
• Day care procedures

Exclusions of Health Insurance for Thyroid Patients

Health insurance for thyroid patients comes with the following exclusions:

• Non-allopathic treatments
• Unproven treatment
• Obesity and weight-control procedures
• Dietary supplements
• Artificial life maintenance
• Treatments taken outside of India

Tips to Reduce the Risk of Thyroid Disease

Here are some essential tips to reduce the risk of thyroid disease:

• Eat less of foods that are high in sugar
• Exercise regularly to improve your thyroid function
• Reduce the consumption of highly processed foods
• Practice yoga and meditation to keep your stress levels low
• Increase consumption of probiotics to improve digestive health
• Quit smoking to prevent toxins from affecting your thyroid
• Get optimum sun exposure to increase your Vitamin D levels
• Avoid eating excess soy and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.

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