The Indian health system has improved a lot in the last few decades. Many deadly diseases like smallpox have been eradicated from India due to the discovery of new vaccines, and modern treatment facilities. However, as per the report of WHO, several critical illnesses such as cardiovascular disease still account for approximately more than 60% of all deaths in India. These diseases are very difficult to treat, and the cost of their treatment is also very high, which is generally beyond the reach of the average Indian.
As of now, COVID-19 (highly communicable illness) has taken millions of lives in India and around the world, and it shows no signs of slowing down. People with pre-existing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory problems are at higher risk of complications and death due to the coronavirus.
In these circumstances, our only sign of relief is health insurance that covers almost every disease and COVID-19 as well. Hence, buying a health insurance plan is a good option as it provides financial protection to you and your family in case of an emergency.
Let’s find out the top diseases for which every person needs to buy a health insurance plan.
List of Top Diseases for Which You Should Buy Health Insurance
We D2C Insurance Broking Private Limited (“RenewBuy”) have done some extensive research on the top diseases for which you need health insurance (critical illness insurance). From heart disease to COVID-19, some diseases are still a cause for concern in 2022:
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is a type of disease that affects the heart of the person. It includes heart or blood vessel problems. These diseases are one of the leading causes of death in India. According to the WHO report in 2016, about 27% of the total deaths in India were due to heart disease.
Symptoms:
- Breathing problems
- Discomfort or pain in the chestÂ
- Pain or numbness in your arms, and legs
- Pain in the upper abdomen, etc.
- Neck pain
Causes/Risk Factors:
- Family historyÂ
- Diabetes
- Smoking or other tobacco use
- High CholesterolÂ
- Inactive lifestyle
- Obesity
- High Blood Pressure
Preventive Measures
- Regular Exercise
- Regular body check-ups
- Engage in physical activityÂ
- Maintain your body weight
- Control your blood pressure
- Don’t smoke
- Eat a healthy heart dietÂ
- Control the usage of oils
- Don’t take the stress
Respiratory Disease
Respiratory disease is a type of disease that affects the lungs. Some of the major respiratory diseases are tuberculosis, asthma, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. It is one of the major causes of death in India. As per the report of Healthdata.org, respiratory diseases are increasing rapidly in India.
Symptoms
- Shortness of Breath
- Chest pain
- Nasal congestion
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Weakness in body
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
Causes
- Smoking
- Air pollution
- Congenital
- Viral infection
- Passive Smoking
- Low immunity
- Dust
Preventive Measures
- Avoid polluted areas
- Look forward to Maintaining respiratory hygiene
- Quit smoking
- Regular Exercise
- Stay active
- Regular Check-ups
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which your blood sugar increases. It happens when your pancreas does not produce insulin properly. India has the world's second-highest rate of diabetes, with one in every six individuals suffering from the disease. Diabetic complications include kidney failure, black fungus in COVID-19 patients, blindness, and other serious disorders.
Symptoms
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Extreme hunger
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Irritability
Causes
- Inactive lifestyle
- Unhealthy diet
- Obesity
- High Blood pressure/Stress
- Fast foods and excess sugar intake
Preventions
- Regular Exercise
- Quit the unhealthy lifestyle
- Maintain good nutrition
- Quit smoking
- Reduce carbohydrates
- Eat more fiber in your diet
Malignant Tumors
Malignant tumors arise when cells grow without any control. It can spread to other parts of the body, and it can be life-threatening. MRIs and CT scans are used to detect these tumors.
Symptoms
Malignant tumors may not show any symptoms in the early stages. A painless lump is often the first symptom.
Causes
- Exposure to chemicals or toxic compounds
- Genetical
- Ionizing radiation
- Pathogen
Preventive Measures
- Quit tobacco
- Eat healthy foods
- Regular ExerciseÂ
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Get regular immunizationÂ
Covid-19 or Coronavirus
COVID-19 is a new coronavirus infection that has different effects on individuals of different ages. The disease spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, talks or sneezes. The virus can be spread to another person when inhaled. Check out the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, as well as the causes and preventive steps you can take.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Pneumonia
- Weakness/Fatigue
Causes
- Airborne TransmissionÂ
- Contact with an infected person
- Touching eyes, face, and nose with infected hands
- Not wearing a maskÂ
- Not maintaining social distancingÂ
Preventions
- Wear double mask
- Use a face shield while visiting hospitals
- Maintaining respiratory hygiene, oral and hand hygiene
- Social Distancing
- Use of hand sanitizer and soapsÂ
- Keeping clean your surroundings
- Try to boost your immunity with the right foods, and yoga.
Conclusion
Some diseases have shown an increase in mortality, while others have decreased in severity. Most of the diseases on this list are both treatable and avoidable. Treatment for all of these is now available in India, thanks to state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure in the country. We may see a reduction in mortality from these diseases in the future. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and consistent exercise will help reduce the risk of all these diseases. Proper hand hygiene is very useful to reduce the risk of viral infections and bacterial diseases. There is a saying "prevention is better than cure", we should buy a health insurance plan (critical illness plan) so that we are not financially affected whether we will fall ill with these critical illnesses.
Disclaimer: The information published in this article is for the reader′s reference only. The content of this information is to provide an overview of your health insurance needs and should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions; you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice. The Company makes no representations about the suitability, reliability, timeliness, and accuracy of the information, services, or any other items mentioned on this subject for any purpose whatsoever.
*Standard Plans Terms and Conditions apply.
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