A recent survey by ICICI Prudential sheds light on the awareness and understanding of heart diseases among Indians. While 84% of respondents are aware of heart conditions, there remains a significant gap in recognising symptoms.

This is particularly important in a country where cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are increasingly prevalent.

The Global Burden of Disease study suggests that age-standardised cardio vascular disease (CVD) death rate in India is close to 272 per 1,00,000 population, which is much higher than the global average of 235.

The importance of health insurance for heart conditions

As medical treatment costs rise, adequate health insurance becomes crucial for managing heart disease.

Ramit Goyal, Chief Distribution Officer at Future Generali India Insurance, said, “Given that CVDs strike Indians a decade earlier than their Western counterparts, ensuring a healthy heart and managing cardiovascular disease is vital. A comprehensive health insurance policy can help individuals manage expenses arising from potential complications related to heart diseases.”

Ajay Shah, Head of Distribution at Care Health Insurance, further stressed the importance of purchasing comprehensive coverage early in life. Acquiring insurance at a younger age can lead to lower premiums and shorter waiting periods.

Health insurance plans with critical illness riders offer essential coverage for hospitalisations and surgeries related to heart ailments.

Choosing the right health insurance plan

For individuals with pre-existing health conditions, selecting the right health insurance requires careful consideration.

Here are some key tips:

Accurate disclosure: It’s vital to disclose all health-related information accurately to prevent claim rejections.

Transparency is crucial in the insurance process.

Comprehensive coverage: Look for plans that offer comprehensive coverage, including annual health check-ups and preventive care, which can help manage heart health proactively.

Network of hospitals: Review the network of hospitals associated with your insurance plan. Access to facilities specialising in cardiac care is essential for effective treatment.

Sufficient sum insured: Choose a health insurance plan with a sufficient sum insured, as heart treatments can be long-term and costly. Adequate coverage can alleviate financial burdens during treatment.

A look at insurance plans for heart patients

Health Insurance Company	Cardiac Health Insurance Plans	Sum Insured (₹)	Age Criteria (in years)
Aditya Birla Health Insurance	Activ Secure Critical Illness Plan	Up to ₹1 crore	5-65 years
Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance	Critical Illness Insurance	₹1 lakh- ₹50 lakh	91 days-80 years
Bharti AXA Health Insurance	Critical Illness Insurance Plan	₹3 lakh	3 months- 55 years
Care Health Insurance	Care Heart Plan	₹3 lakh- ₹10 lakh	18 years & above
Chola MS Health Insurance	Critical Healthline Plan	₹3 lakh, ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh	18- 65 years
Future Generali Health Insurance	Future Generali Heart & Health Insurance	₹5 lakh- ₹50 lakh	18- 65 years
Iffco Tokio Health Insurance	Critical Illness Insurance Plan	Up to ₹1 crore	Up to 60 years
Kotak Health Insurance	Secure Shield- Critical Illness Insurance	N/A	18- 65 years
Niva Bupa (Formerly known as Max Bupa) Health Insurance	Criticare Health Insurance Plan	₹3 lakh- ₹2 crore	N/A
Manipal Cigna Health Insurance	Lifestyle Protection – Critical Care Health Plan	₹1 lakh- ₹25 crore	18-65 years
National Health Insurance	Critical Illness Policy	₹1 lakh- ₹75 lakh	18-65 years
Reliance Health Insurance	Critical Illness Insurance Plan	5,7, 10 lakh	18-65 years
Star Health Insurance	Cardiac Care Plan	₹3-7lakh	10-65 years
SBI Health Insurance	Critical Illness Insurance Plan	Up to ₹50 lakh	Up to 65 years
Tata AIG Health Insurance	Medicare Policy	₹3 lakh- ₹20 lakh	N/A
United India Health Insurance	UNI Criticare Health Insurance Plan	₹1 lakh, ₹3 lakh, ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh	21-65 years
Universal Sompo Health Insurance	Critical Illness Health Insurance Plan	₹2.5 lakh- ₹20 lakh	5-65 years

(Source: Policybazaar)