Health Insurance Plan for Asthma - Coverage and Benefits

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
Written by Rajath R Prabhu, last updated on 13 March 2023
Health Insurance Plan for Asthma - Coverage and Benefits

Asthma has become a common disease among most people in the wake of unhealthy lifestyles and increasing air pollution. Caused by severe airway inflammation, it can be a life-threatening respiratory problem if not treated in time. Regular doctor visits and necessary tests can often result in high medical expenses. This is where health insurance for asthma comes into the picture. 

Not all patients have a readily-accessible pool of funds to leverage to keep up with their treatment. Asthma life insurance can help patients, and their families better deal with the situation and provide the required medical assistance. Continue reading to discover all the details about health insurance coverage for asthma. 

What is Asthma?

A study report shows over 37.9 million asthma patients in India out of 300 million people worldwide. It is a severe respiratory disease where the air passages in the lungs narrow. This leads to muscle tightening and shortness of breath. 

Wheezing, consistent coughing and tightness in the chest are some of the most common symptoms of asthma. Patients may experience trouble concentrating and getting sound sleep if asthma is left untreated. Season changes, exposure to strong perfumes, or prolonged viral infections can further trigger asthmatic attacks that require dedicated treatment. 

Getting health insurance for asthma is crucial to safeguard the patient’s life. With one’s need for regular inhalers and consultations with doctors and hospital facilities for oxygen support, asthmatic patients pose a significant need for assured money. 

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Need for Health Insurance for Asthma

Patients suffering from asthma require regular checkups to ensure their condition is under control. During severe asthma attacks, having asthma life insurance can be of great help for patients to deal with expensive treatments. Below are some of the most common reasons why one needs health insurance for asthma:

  1. Helps the patient to get easy hospitalisation facilities (asthma medications and treatment)
  2. Ensures timely diagnostic tests.
  3. Allows patients to get dedicated expert consultations for their treatment.
  4. Minimises financial burden when dealing with a severe asthma condition.
  5. Having health insurance can provide peace of mind knowing that you have coverage for your asthma-related healthcare needs.

Financing Options for Asthma

Bearing the cost of asthma treatments can be overwhelming for most patients. The need for timely diagnostic tests, dedicated consultations, and expensive medication can all add to one’s financial burdens. 

There are several financing options for asthma. Some may provide coverage for regular diagnostic tests, while others might be focused on facilitating the treatment. 

  1. Health insurance: Getting health insurance coverage for asthma can help finance the cost and reduce the sudden monetary liability. Many health insurance plans cover asthma treatments, including inhalers, nebulisers, and prescription medications. 
  2. Medicaid or Medicare: If you have a low income, you may be eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. Both of these government-funded programs can help cover the cost of asthma treatments.

It is best to speak with the insurance provider and understand the nuances of different plans.

Factors Affecting Asthma Life Insurance

One’s asthma life insurance can be influenced by a number of factors. These can affect the total coverage amount and the extent to which other facilities are offered. Some of the most important factors affecting asthma life insurance include the following:

  1. Age: The overall asthma insurance coverage can vary depending on the patient's age.
  2. Occupation: Patients with high-risk jobs tend to pay more premiums due to the increased responsibility taken by the insurance provider. 
  3. Smoking Habits: The insurance provider will likely charge a higher premium if the patient smokes. This is due to the additional risk borne by the provider. 
  4. Severity of asthma: Asthma life insurance is also dependent on the severity of one’s asthma and ongoing treatments. Patients with serious asthmatic conditions will likely get more coverage to better deal with the costs. 
  5. Other health conditions: Life insurance companies will consider other health conditions or lifestyle factors that may increase the risk of premature death, such as obesity, diabetes, or hazardous occupations.
  6. Family history: Your family history of asthma and other health conditions can also impact your ability to obtain coverage or the cost of your premiums.

Exclusions and Inclusion Criteria

Asthma life insurance comes with multiple exclusion and inclusion criteria that influence the benefits and facilities offered by the provider. Below are the most crucial criteria that the patients must consider:

Inclusion Criteria

  1. Well-controlled asthma: Life insurance companies may consider individuals with mild to moderate asthma who are well-controlled with medication and do not have frequent flare-ups.
  2. No hospitalisations or emergency visits: Companies may consider individuals who have not been hospitalised or had emergency room visits related to asthma in a certain period of time (e.g., 1-2 years).
  3. Non-smoker: If the individual with asthma is also a smoker, it may affect their ability to get coverage or the cost of their premiums.
  4. No other serious health conditions: Life insurance companies will also consider other health conditions or lifestyle factors (such as obesity or hazardous occupations) that may increase the risk of premature death.

Exclusion Criteria

  1. Suicide or an unhealthy way of living: Individuals may also be excluded from coverage if they have a history of suicide attempts or are living an unhealthy life.
  2. Narcotic consumption or intoxication: Usage of narcotics can increase the risk of premature death and may lead to higher premiums or exclusion from coverage.
  3. Past medical conditions: If an individual has past serious health conditions that may increase the risk of premature death, such as heart disease or cancer, they may be excluded from coverage or have higher premiums.

Coverage Offered By Asthma Life Insurance

When it comes to opting for a dedicated insurance plan for asthma, it is integral to understand its coverage. Patients can change the standard insurance plans to suit their financial needs more. Below are the most integral coverages that one can avail with health insurance coverage for asthma:

  1. Hospitalisation Costs: Inflammation in the respiratory tract can pose a huge threat to unexpected asthmatic attacks, making breathing difficult for the patient. Such a situation calls for immediate hospitalisation and comprehensive medical intervention. 
    1. Uncovered asthma patients can find it more difficult than ever to deal with the financial taxing that comes with these circumstances. Insurance plans can help people bear the costs of visiting hospitals during emergencies.  
  2. Costs of Diagnostic Tests: Another significant expense that most asthma patients and their families have to deal with is the cost of diagnostic tests. These are important to understand the exact degree of the disease and choose the best course of treatment for the person. 
    1. Allergy testings, nitric oxide tests, chest X-rays and other routine checkups can add up to vast sums of money that patients may find difficult to pay. Health insurance coverage for asthma patients can effectively help pay off medical bills. 
  3. Consultation Expenses: Asthma is a condition that requires consistent follow-ups with the doctor. Patients must visit their doctors to gauge the extent of the disease and discover how to manage their health during an attack best.
    1. Insurance can help patients bear the cost of a doctor and continue with their required medical follow-ups. 

Types of Health Insurance Plans for Asthma Patients

Different types of health insurance allow patients to get the necessary coverage for their asthma issues. However, exploring and finding the best one that is perfect for a person's needs is essential. Following are some of the most popular insurance plans that asthmatic patients can avail of:

  1. Group Health Plans: Many employers offer group health insurance policies that provide an array of covers to safeguard the employee’s health. These often have essential asthma insurance coverage for helping patients during emergencies. 
  2. Details and Comprehensive Health Plans: Family health insurance plans offer essential asthma covers. While these usually have longer waiting periods, one can choose a suitable family insurance plan to safeguard their health. 
  3. Standalone Asthma Covers: Considering the growing need for reliable financial support, insurance companies now offer standalone health insurance for asthma covers that are dedicated and designed to assist in availing specific coverage for asthma.

List of Insurance Companies That Offer Health Insurance for Asthma

Dedicated insurance companies provide coverage for asthma that helps patients deal with expensive treatments. Having asthma insurance also safeguards one from getting timely medical assistance.  The provider tends to offer coverage based on multiple factors like the severity of the condition and the patient's age. Below is a comprehensive list of insurance companies that provide health insurance for asthma:

  1. Niva Bupa Health Insurance
  2. ICICI Lombard Health Insurance
  3. SBI Health Insurance
  4. Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance
  5. Star Health Insurance
  6. Care Health Insurance
  7. Tata AIG Health Insurance
  8. Apollo Munich Health Insurance

Claim Process for Asthma Life Insurance

One can claim asthma life insurance by submitting necessary medical reports and stating the need for the claim.  The claim process for asthma life insurance is similar to other life insurance policies. Here are the general steps:

  1. Notify the insurance company: The policyholder need to notify the insurance company to start the claim process. This can typically be done by phone, email, or online.
  2. Submit the necessary documentation: The insurance company will require certain documents to process the claim, such as a treatment bills or doctor’s prescriptions, the original policy document, and proof of identity of the beneficiary.
  3. Wait for the claim to be reviewed: The insurance company will review the claim to ensure that it meets the terms of the policy. This may involve an investigation and the circumstances surrounding the policyholder's health at the time of application.
  4. Receive the payout: If the claim is approved, the insurance company will issue a payout to the beneficiary or beneficiaries named in the policy. The payout amount will depend on the coverage amount and terms of the policy.

Takeaway

Asthma is a life-threatening disease and requires careful consideration regularly to prevent it from worsening. Patients must pay extra attention when the condition gets triggered by external factors. Some people may also develop asthma due to genetic predisposition. 

Asthma insurance thus becomes crucial for patients to deal with their medical expenses. It would be best if you were updated about the multiple factors affecting the insurance plan and the exclusion criteria. It is also vital to know the specific insurance companies offering dedicated asthma coverage. 

Our experts at HexaHealth can help you get expert consultation to understand your situation better. Their rich experience helps you explore different types of coverage and find the best health insurance for asthma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need specialist asthma holiday insurance?

If you suffer from asthma but still wish to travel around the world, asthma holiday insurance can help you. It covers you for all the hefty medical bills and treatment costs in case of an emergency while you are travelling.

Does asthma affect the cost of travel insurance?

It is essential for you to explicitly declare your asthma as a pre-existing medical condition at the time of applying for travel insurance. This will ensure that you get the most suitable covers that mitigate the risk of financial burdens.

What are the benefits of health insurance coverage for asthma?

Asthma patients require consistent medical assistance, and insurance policies cover them for all the necessary expenses. This can include the costs for diagnostic tests, the need for hospitalisation and the frequency of doctor visits. Being a recurring condition, you must be well-prepared for any type of emergency that can arise for the patient. 

Do we need separate health insurance for asthma patients?

Buying separate health insurance for asthma patients can help streamline their overall treatment costs. These specific plans also offer covers that assist in your doctor visits and lab tests. 

What questions should I ask while buying health insurance for asthma patients?

Asking the right questions is crucial to understand the insurance plan in detail. Some of the most important questions include the following:

  1. What is the coverage of my insurance plan?
  2. What is the policy renewal process like?
  3. What is covered in my plan?
  4. What is not covered in my insurance plan?
  5. What is your company’s track record?

Is asthma a pre-existing condition for travel insurance?

Yes, asthma is one of the many pre-existing conditions for travel insurance. This must be declared in time to prevent the risk of your insurance policy getting invalid. Most companies have long waiting hours before they begin to start your coverage. 

Is asthma covered under health insurance?

Yes, asthma is covered under standard health insurance. Nevertheless, patients require dedicated insurance plans to serve their chronic conditions that keep getting aggravated.

Do I need to declare asthma on travel insurance?

You must declare your asthmatic condition on the travel insurance. This protects your insurance policy to stay in place and offers you a spectrum of covers that are a perfect solution to your concerns. 

How to get an asthma inhaler without insurance?

You can buy your asthma inhaler from an emergency store with the help of a legitimate prescription. It can be cost-effective, allowing you to look after your condition. 

Can a child get health insurance for asthma?

While people can buy health insurance for asthma as soon as they turn 18 years old, however, parents can buy health insurance for their asthmatic children and have decided to cover them to secure their future needs. 

Is asthma a pre-existing condition?

Yes, asthma-like cancer - is a pre-existing condition you had even before beginning the health insurance policy. You must declare this condition before applying for travel insurance. 

How can insurance companies know about my pre-existing health condition?

Insurance companies tend to ask patients to go and get a medical checkup done in time. This will also influence your overall premium amount. 

Does asthma affect life insurance?

Declaring your pre-existing condition can make your premiums soar higher. An insurance policy may also be deemed unfit if it does not align with your needs. 

Why is health insurance necessary for asthma patients?

Health insurance is an exceptional way to secure some of your covers for living with asthma. It provides coverage to deal with frequent doctor visits and medical costs. 

Is asthma covered under normal mediclaim policies?

The standard medical policy under mediclaim often covers a patient for all the essential medical interventions required. These include dedicated doctor visits and treatment costs. 

How to get asthma inhalers without insurance?

There are several ways to obtain asthma inhalers without insurance:

  1. Prescription assistance programs: Many pharmaceutical companies offer assistance programs to help individuals access their medications at reduced or no cost.
  2. Discount programs: Retailers and pharmacies may offer discount programs or coupons for asthma inhalers.
  3. Generics: Generic versions of asthma inhalers may be available at a lower cost than brand-name options.
  4. Online pharmacies: Online pharmacies may offer lower prices on asthma inhalers, but it's important to ensure that the pharmacy is legitimate and operates within the law.

Updated on : 13 March 2023

Reviewer

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES

12 Years Experience

Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More

Author

Rajath R Prabhu

Rajath R Prabhu

MSc. Clinical Research I PG Diploma in Public Health Services Management

3 Years Experience

His work in medical content writing and proofreading is noteworthy. He has also contributed immensely to public health research and has authored four scientific manuscripts in international journals. He was assoc...View More

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