Health Insurance in Gwalior

Health Statistics of Gwalior

Following are some of the current health statistics of Gwalior:

• Gwalior contributes to every 11th case of oral cancer in India.
• Anaemia affects 78% of children and 62% of women in Gwalior.
• Gwalior reported the highest number of dengue cases in Madhya Pradesh by September 2024.
• Over 1.29 lakh women in Gwalior suffer from hypertension.
• Gwalior was the most polluted city in Madhya Pradesh in November 2023.
• 26% of women in Gwalior are overweight/obese.

Why Do You Need Health Insurance in Gwalior?

Here are some of the reasons why purchasing health insurance in Gwalior is a good idea:

1. Increasing Lifestyle Diseases

   Lifestyle diseases like obesity/overweight and hypertension have a huge burden in Gwalior. As per the National Family Health Survey-5, more than 1.6 lakh women in Gwalior, falling in the age group of 15-49 years, are overweight/obese. Moreover, 20% of women in the same age group are affected by hypertension. Treating severe lifestyle diseases can strain your finances, but with a mediclaim insurance plan, you can access quality treatment without depleting your savings.

2. High Incidence of Cancer

   Cancer is a significant health issue among Gwalior residents. According to National Center for Informatics and Disease Research (NCDIR) data, 19% of men in Gwalior are suffering from oral cancer. Cancer treatment is often prolonged and expensive. If you do not wish to exhaust your savings, it is ideal to buy health insurance for cancer patients so that your insurer covers all your treatment expenses.

3. Poor Air Quality

   Gwalior has one of the worst air quality levels in Madhya Pradesh. In fact, central and state pollution control board officials have warned that if the situation does not improve, it could become as severe as Delhi's air pollution crisis. According to the official report, Gwalior recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 338 in November 2023. Poor air quality can lead to a rise in respiratory illnesses in the city. Since hospitalisation for such diseases might be expensive, buying the best health insurance plan can help you cover the medical costs with ease.

4. Prevalence of Vector-Borne Diseases

   Gwalior regularly faces outbreaks of vector-borne diseases, especially dengue, during the monsoon season. As per official data, Gwalior has reported more than 500 dengue cases in 2024 as of September 23. While mild cases can be cured at home, severe cases may require ICU admission, which can be expensive. Opting for a dengue health insurance plan allows you to get the necessary treatment on time without any financial stress.

5. Rise in Medical Costs

   Medicare in Gwalior is expensive due to the limited availability of quality healthcare facilities. For instance, the minimum cost of a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery in Gwalior is around ₹1.27 lakh. Such high medical expenses can be overwhelming for many residents. However, with health insurance plans offering coverage between ₹5-10 lakh, your insurer can take care of these high medical costs.

Major Health Problems in Gwalior

Check out some of the health problems prevalent in Gwalior:

1. Anaemia

   Anaemia is a prevalent health issue among women and children in Gwalior. As per the NFHS-5 data, over 4 lakh women aged 15-49 years and around 1.5 lakh children below the age of 5 are anaemic in Gwalior. The primary causes of anaemia in the city include a lack of iron-rich and vitamin C-rich foods in daily diets.

2. Hypertension

   Hypertension is another cause of concern in Gwalior. As per the fifth rough of the National Family Health Survey, more than 1.29 lakh women in Gwalior, falling in the age group of 15-49 years, are suffering from hypertension. Such a high number of hypertension cases in the city are due to unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles.

3. Cancer

   The incidence of cancer, especially among men, is rising in Gwalior. According to the NCDIR data, every 11th oral cancer patient in India is from Gwalior. Factors such as high tobacco use, alcohol consumption, pollution, and obesity are most likely contributing to this surge in cancer cases in the city.

4. Asthma

   Asthma has become a common respiratory problem in Gwalior. A news report from May 2022 highlighted a 20% increase in asthma cases in Gwalior over the past five years. The rising air pollution levels in the city are majorly responsible for this increase.

5. Obesity/Overweight

   Obesity/Overweight is also becoming a growing concern in Gwalior, particularly among women. The NFHS-5 data shows a 12% increase in obesity/overweight rates among Gwalior women aged between 15-49 years. This increase is largely due to poor dietary habits, stress, and a lack of physical activity.

6. Dengue

   Dengue remains one of the most widespread vector-borne diseases in Gwalior. According to official data, 246 dengue cases were recorded in Gwalior in just 18 days of September 2024. The rise in dengue cases is attributed to inadequate sanitation, stagnant water, and a surge in mosquito breeding.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage Do You Need in Gwalior?

As per experts in the insurance industry, health insurance coverage should be at least 50% of your yearly income.Furthermore, it is advisable to choose a medical policy that can handle the high costs of treating critical illnesses like stroke, cancer, kidney failure, etc., especially if they are common in your area.

Due to the escalating healthcare costs in Gwalior, individual mediclaim insurance with a sum insured of ₹5-10 lakh is suitable. For your family's medical needs, a family health insurance plan with coverage of at least ₹20 lakh is recommended. Moreover, elderly residents in Gwalior must purchase a senior citizen health insurance policy that offers a minimum ₹15 lakh coverage.

Health Insurance in Gwalior for NRIs

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from Gwalior can buy health insurance from any insurer in India. Whether they visit Gwalior for a short duration or decide to stay for a longer period, this health insurance for NRIs policy will cover all medical expenses throughout their stay. In fact, if NRIs wish to settle back in Gwalior after a few years, they can continue using the same policy without worrying about serving any extra waiting periods.

NRIs can also purchase health insurance for parents living in Gwalior to protect them from the financial burden of covering unexpected medical costs. Moreover, NRIs are eligible to receive an 18% GST refund on health insurance premiums paid in India, provided they comply with the tax regulations in their country of residence.

Is Government Health Insurance Enough to Cover Medical Expenses in Gwalior?

No.

The Madhya Pradesh government launched the Deendayal Antyodaya Upchar Yojana in September 2004 to provide financial support for low-income families in the state, including those in Gwalior. This scheme aims to offer free medical treatment and diagnostic services at government hospitals to its beneficiaries. However, it does not cover all the medical expenses of Gwalior residents.

Refer to the table below to learn why the Deendayal Antyodaya Upchar Yojana is not sufficient to meet all your healthcare needs in Gwalior:

Wellness and Prevention Tips in Gwalior

Take a look at the wellness and prevention tips in Gwalior:

• Use mosquito repellents and wear long-sleeved clothing, especially during the rainy season in Gwalior.
• Keep your home dust-free and avoid exposure to smoke and pollution.
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption to reduce cancer risks in Gwalior.
• Include iron-rich foods, like spinach, jaggery, and lentils, in your diet.
• Keep water storage containers covered to prevent mosquito breeding in Gwalior.
• Reduce salt intake and avoid processed foods in Gwalior to manage blood pressure.
• Engage in daily physical activity for at least 30 minutes.
• Use air purifiers at home to minimise indoor air pollutants in Gwalior.
• Include vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits to improve iron absorption.
• Practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation, in Gwalior.