To provide individuals with flexibility in tax planning, the Finance Act 2020 introduced a new provision called Section 115BAC under the Income Tax Act. This provision gives taxpayers the choice between the old and the new concessional tax regime. Understanding how Section 115BAC affects your taxes will empower you to make informed decisions about your tax planning strategies while staying compliant with laws and maximising your potential savings.

Let’s take a look at what Section 115BAC entails and how it affects taxpayers.

Section 115BAC of the Income Tax Act

• Optional Tax Regime: Under Section 115BAC, individuals can choose between sticking to the existing tax regime, which includes all exemptions and deductions, or opting for a new concessional tax regime.

• Tax Rates: The introduction of this concessional tax regime brings lower tax rates compared to those in the existing system. By selecting this option, individuals can potentially reduce their tax liabilities and enjoy a higher take-home pay.

• Exclusions: Certain exemptions and deductions (such as HRA, education loan interest, etc.) related to investments, allowances, and expenditures are not available under the concessional tax regime. However, deductions for specified donations and contributions towards funds and health insurance premiums remain applicable.

It's important to note that premiums in health insurance policy can still be deducted under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, regardless of which tax regime you choose. Taxpayers can claim deductions for premiums paid towards health insurance policies for themselves, their spouses, children and parents within specified limits.

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to change the tax regime while filing an ITR? Understanding the complexities of tax regulations can be overwhelming, with changes introduced in Budget 2023. Let’s explore how to change the tax regime while filing ITR so you know how to go about it.

Old Tax Regime

In the old tax structure, taxpayers qualified for all the exemptions and deductions available under Section 80D and more for their expenses, investments, premiums paid towards insurance policies, housing loans and the like. This structure favoured people who qualified for deductions through their heavy investments and high spending behaviour.

New Tax Regime

The new tax structure, introduced during the 2020 Budget, was again revised in the budget presented in 2023. As per this new structure, taxpayers are given concessions in their tax percentages. Earlier, the basic exemption limit was fixed at Rs.2,50,000. However, the new tax regime increased this limit to Rs.3,00,000.

One important change in the new tax regime, individuals have limited options for claiming deductions. However, some specific deductions can be claimed under Section 80CCD(2) and Section 80JJA. The former is for employed individuals, and the latter is for business income.

Change Tax Regime While Filing ITR

So, can we change the tax regime while filing ITR? Yes, you have the option to transition between the Old Tax Regime and the New Tax Regime as per Budget 2023 when filing your ITR.

If you are a salaried individual, the following is applicable to you:

• You can switch your tax regime throughout the year when filing your ITR; this can be done even if you have chosen the new regime.
• You can choose your preferred regime (i.e., old or new) within the ITR form.
• You do not need to fill out any additional forms or follow different procedures.

Before you switch, remember that the new tax regime will now become your default tax regime for FY 2023-24.

If you are an individual with Business or Profession Income, the following is applicable to you:

• There is limited flexibility to change/switch tax regimes.
• When you opt for a new tax regime, you can switch back to the old one only once in your life.
• You must fill and submit Form 10-IE along with your ITR. Failing to submit Form 10-IE within the original due date for filing ITR makes you ineligible to switch back to the old tax regime for that financial year.

In the changing world of taxes, it's crucial to understand standard deductions in the new tax regime, as it can significantly impact your financial planning. So, let's delve into the recent reforms that have streamlined the range of deductions, so you have clarity on the same.

Deductions Allowed in New Tax Regime

• Standard Deduction: Under the new tax regime, individuals are eligible for a deduction provided by the government, which allows for a fixed deduction from their taxable income.

• Contributions to New Pension Scheme (NPS): Any contributions made by your employer towards the New Pension Scheme can be deducted. The good news is that you don't need to submit any supporting documents for this deduction.

• Health Insurance Plan: Although the new tax system doesn't offer deductions for health insurance premiums, it's still an important aspect of planning. Taxpayers can explore other sections of the ITA where they may be eligible for deductions.

Section 89 of the Income Tax Act (1961) provides relief for individuals who receive income in arrears or in advance, potentially mitigating increased tax burdens. This applies to situations like salary arrears, advance salary for a period exceeding 12 months in one financial year, and other incomes, including family pensions, gratuity, commuted pension, etc.

Section 89 of the Income Tax Act

• Section 89 of the Income Tax Act offers relief by ensuring that the tax bracket for employees remains the same as it would have been if they had received the arrears or advance salary in the year. To claim this relief, taxpayers need to include it when filing their income tax returns for the assessment year.

• It's essential for taxpayers to be aware of the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements associated with claiming relief under Section 89. This ensures adherence to tax laws and compliance with procedures.

• When you file your taxes, you have the option to submit Form 10E in order to take advantage of Section 89 (1) of the Income Tax Act and recalculate your tax liability.

• The employer needs to furnish details about any pending arrears or advance salary in Form 10E.

• The tax officer will determine the tax amount based on the salary that was due in each year and make adjustments.

• If you have paid taxes in the year, it will either be refunded to you or applied towards future tax obligations.

Section 87A of the Income Tax Act (ITA), 1961, provides an opportunity for taxpayers to receive a rebate on their income tax liability. It's important to understand the details of this section in order to make the most of the tax benefits available. Let’s look closely at Section 87A and what’s in it for you.

87A in Income Tax

Section 87A of the ITA provides a rebate on your tax liability. To be eligible for a rebate under Section 87A, your taxable income (after taking deductions into account) must fall below a threshold. The threshold for 87 A rebate varies depending on the tax system you opt for:

• Under the old tax regime: If your income is up to INR 5 lakh, you can receive a deduction of INR 12,500.
• Under the new tax regime: If your income is up to INR 7 lakh, you can receive a rebate of INR 25,000.

Do note that NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families), and firms are ineligible for a tax rebate under Section 87A of the ITA.

When it comes to income tax, having an understanding of the deductions can have a significant impact on your financial planning. Let’s explore what is 80GG and how it can be advantageous for taxpayers.

80CCG 1B In Income Tax

The primary beneficiaries of Section 80GG are individuals who do not receive a house rent allowance (HRA) but still have expenses.

• What is 80GG in income tax: Section 80GG is a provision within Chapter VI A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, which aims to offer relief to individuals who pay rent for accommodation but do not receive HRA from their employers.

• Eligibility: To be eligible for this deduction, certain conditions must be met by the taxpayer. Some of these are —

1. Neither the taxpayer nor his/her spouse, minor child, or HUF (Hindu Undivided Family) to which he/she belongs should own any residential property where they reside or work.
2. The taxpayer has filed a declaration in Form 10BA.

• Deduction amount: The deduction allowed under this Section is calculated as the least of the following —

1. Actual Rent Paid minus 10% of Adjusted Total Income
2. 25% of Adjusted Total Income
3. Rs 5,000/month or Rs 60,000/year

In the complex landscape of income tax, every deduction counts towards reducing one's taxable income. Do you know what is section 80CCD 1B? It is one such provision that offers an exclusive tax benefit to subscribers of the National Pension System (NPS).

80CCD 1B in Income Tax

Let's explore what this section entails and how it can benefit taxpayers.

• Section 80CCD 1B of the Income Tax Act provides an extra tax deduction of up to Rs. 50,000 for investments made in the NPS.
• This is over and above the Rs. 1.5 lakh deduction available under Section 80C.
• So, if you invest Rs. 50,000 in NPS, you can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 50,000 under what is 80CCD 1B of Income Tax Act.
• This is over and above the Rs. 1.5 lakh deduction available under Section 80C, which also covers health insurance premiums.
• It is available to all individuals - salaried, self-employed or professionals. However, the benefit is not available for contributions made by employers.
• The amount invested in NPS to claim 80CCD 1B deduction has to be made in the individual's Tier-I NPS account.

A Family Floater Plan is the best insurance policy for yourself and your entire family. It is a single insurance policy that includes all family members. This implies you, your wife, and your kids can join a similar insurance policy for a particular amount.

A Health Top-Up Plan is an additional insurance plan we can take in addition to our initial plan. It would act as an additional safety and can be more useful than just having a single insurance policy. It's a good way to ensure your family stays safe and is covered for unexpected medical expenses.

Can I Get Top-Up Insurance for My Family Floater Plan?

In general, you can get a top-up health insurance plan along with your family floater plan; however, some conditions might apply. These conditions are:

• Existing Policy: Your existing policy can sometimes decide whether you can get a family floater top-up or not. Many policies agree that you should get top-up insurance, while others may not.
• Age Limit: Insurance companies often have an age limit for getting top-up insurance. However, these limits can vary, so it's best to ask your insurance provider about their specific rules for top-up plans.
• Deductible: Different top-up plans can also have various conditions, and some could try to incorporate deductibles. You could pay a specific sum before your top-up coverage can kick in.
• Health Check-up: Your eligibility for the top-up health insurance policy will be determined based on your health check-ups and results, which might depend upon your age and any chronic diseases you have.

You might have heard—health is wealth. But what if your health is affected by an unforeseen illness or injury that requires expensive medical treatment? How will you cope with the financial burden of hospital bills, medicines, tests, and other expenses? That is where a comprehensive health insurance policy can come to your rescue.

What is Comprehensive Health Insurance?

A comprehensive medical insurance plan covers many medical emergencies and can be renewed for life. It differs vastly from a regular health insurance policy that only covers hospitalisation expenses. A comprehensive health insurance policy covers hospitalisation and other medical costs that may arise before, during, or after the hospital stay. It also offers additional benefits such as outpatient treatment, organ donor expenses, maternity benefits, and a few more.

Benefits of a Comprehensive Health Insurance Policy

Some of the benefits of buying a comprehensive health insurance policy are:

• It protects you and your family from the financial impact of medical emergencies by covering a wide range of medical expenses.
• It provides you access to advanced healthcare services at a plethora of hospitals without paying any cash.
• You can receive tax advantages under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961, for the sum you spend on medical insurance premiums for yourself, your spouse, your kids, and your parents.
• It allows you to choose the sum insured, policy term, and add-on covers per your needs and budget.
• It provides peace of mind and security by ensuring you are prepared for any unforeseen medical situation.

Why is Having a Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Important?

Getting comprehensive health coverage is important for many reasons, some of which are:

• Healthcare costs are rising rapidly in India due to inflation, technological advancements, and lifestyle diseases. This medical plan can help you cope with these increasing costs without compromising your health or savings.
• Sudden medical emergencies can strike anyone at any time without any warning. A comprehensive medical plan can help you deal with these emergencies on time.

What Does a Comprehensive Medical Plan Cover?

A complete health insurance plan covers:

• In-patient hospitalisation: This covers the expenses incurred for more than 24 hours on account of illness, injury, or accident. It includes room rent, nursing charges, doctor's fees, medicines, tests, surgeries, etc.
• Pre-hospitalisation: It covers the expenses incurred up to 60 days before the hospital admission date. It includes consultations, tests, medicines, etc.
• Post-hospitalisation: It covers the expenses incurred up to 90 days from the hospital's discharge date. It includes follow-ups, tests, medicines, physiotherapy, etc.
• Daycare treatment: It covers the expenses incurred for certain procedures that do not require 24 hours of hospitalisation. It includes cataract surgery, dialysis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc.
• Organ donor expenses: It covers the costs incurred for organ harvesting from a donor for transplantation into the insured person.
• Domiciliary hospitalisation: It covers the expenses incurred for treatment at home under certain conditions when hospitalisation is not possible or advisable.
• Outpatient treatment: It covers the expenses incurred for consultations and treatments that do not require hospitalisation. It includes dental treatment, eye care, vaccinations, etc.
• AYUSH treatment: It covers the expenses incurred for alternative therapies such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
• Emergency ambulance: Some medical plans with a rider also cover the expenses incurred for transportation by ambulance to the nearest hospital in case of an emergency.

Eligibility Criteria for Buying Comprehensive Health Insurance

The eligibility criteria for buying a comprehensive health insurance policy may vary from one insurer to another. However, some of the common criteria are:

• Age: The minimum age for buying a comprehensive health insurance policy is usually 18 years, and the maximum age is usually 65 years. The minimum age for covering dependent children is usually 91 days.
• Health status: The insurer may ask you to undergo certain medical tests or declare your medical history before issuing a comprehensive health insurance policy. 

How is a Comprehensive Health Insurance Premium Calculated?

The cost of a comprehensive health insurance policy is calculated based on various factors such as:

• Sum insured: It is the maximum sum your insurance company will cover for your medical bills in one year. If you choose a higher sum insured, your premium (the money you pay for the insurance) will also be higher.

• Age: The insured person's age is an essential factor affecting the premium. The older the insured person, the higher the premium.

• Health status: The health status of the insured person is another factor that affects the premium. If you have pre-existing health conditions or specific illnesses, the insurance company might make you pay a higher premium or an additional charge called a loading.

• Policy term: It is the duration for which the policy is valid. The longer the policy term, the lower the premium.

• Add-on covers: The add-on covers are optional benefits to enhance your coverage. The more add-on covers you opt for, the higher the premium.

Things to Keep in Mind While Purchasing a Comprehensive Health Insurance Policy

Some of the things that you should keep in mind while buying a comprehensive health insurance policy include:

• Review different plans from different insurers based on their coverage, benefits, exclusions, limitations, premiums, claim settlement ratio, customer reviews, etc. 
• Before buying a plan, go through the policy document carefully and comprehend all the terms and conditions, exclusions and inclusions, waiting periods and sub-limits, co-payments and deductibles. You should also check the insurer's claim process and procedure and contact details.
• Review your needs and requirements periodically, and update your comprehensive health insurance policy accordingly. You should increase or decrease your sum insured, add or remove members, opt for or cancel add-on covers, etc., per your changing needs and life stage.
• Renew your comprehensive health insurance policy on time before it expires to avoid any lapse or discontinuation of your coverage.

Among the myriad health issues individuals face, heart-related conditions are one of the most prevalent and critical. Heart ailments can strike unexpectedly, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. When faced with such a daunting diagnosis, the last thing anyone should worry about is how they will manage the financial burden of medical care. This is where a health plan with heart insurance can be very helpful.

Benefits of Heart Insurance for Heart Patients

An insurance for heart patients is a particular sort of medical insurance plan that offers coverage for a multitude of heart conditions and procedures. Some of the major benefits of having a heart insurance policy are:

• It covers hospitalisation costs, surgery, diagnostic tests, medicines, and post-hospitalisation care for heart ailments.
• It provides a lump sum in case of diagnosis or undergoing any specified cardiac procedure, such as angioplasty, bypass surgery, valve replacement, etc.
• It also offers tax perks under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act of 1961.
• It gives you access to cashless treatment at network hospitals all across India.
• It allows you to avail multiple claims for the same or different conditions or procedures, subject to the exhaustion of the sum insured and the waiting period.

Why Should You Buy a Heart Patient Health Insurance Policy?

If you are at risk of developing heart problems or have a family history of cardiac diseases, you should consider buying the best health insurance for cardiac patients that you can find. Some of the reasons why you should buy a heart health insurance policy are:

• It helps you cope with the rising costs of medical inflation and the quality of healthcare services.
• It gives you peace of mind and financial security in case of a medical emergency.
• It enables you to get the best possible treatment for your heart condition without compromising your savings or lifestyle.
• It reduces your dependency and empowers you to take charge of your health.

What is Covered Under Heart Health Insurance?

Medical insurance for heart patients covers various aspects of your cardiac care, depending on the plan and the insurer. Some of the common coverages offered under heart health insurance are:

• Myocardial infarction (heart attack): This condition occurs when a clot or ruptured plaque in the coronary artery interrupts blood flow to a specific part of the heart muscle. Such an interruption can severely damage the cardiac muscle, leading to complications like cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, or heart failure.

• Congestive heart failure: It occurs when the heart cannot effectively circulate sufficient blood to fulfil the body’s requirements. This can result from various causes, such as CAD, heart attack, hypertension, valvular disease, etc. This condition can cause fatigue, swelling, coughing, or difficulty breathing.

• Arrhythmia: This is an ailment where the heart beats irregularly, too fast, or too slowly. This can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively and cause complications such as fainting, stroke, or sudden death.

• Valvular heart disease: This is a condition where one or more heart valves stop functioning properly. This can lead to the reversal of blood flow, leakage through the valve, or the narrowing and stiffening of the valve. This can affect the blood flow and pressure in the heart chambers and lead to chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath.
• Hypertensive heart disease: This is a condition in which elevated blood pressure harms both the heart muscle and blood vessels, leading to thickening and enlargement of the heart, reduced blood flow, or arrhythmia.

• Rheumatic heart disease: It is a condition where an infection by Streptococcus bacteria causes inflammation and damage to the heart valves. This can lead to scarring and deformity of the valves, which can affect their function and cause complications such as heart failure or stroke.l

Today, when the world is filled with medical issues, keeping good health has become a priority for everyone. Life is unpredictable, and we may face health challenges that require medical attention at any time. These challenges could include ailments or conditions we were already dealing with before obtaining health insurance. This is where the role of mediclaim for pre existing diseases comes in.

Today, we will explore the critical topic of health insurance coverage for pre existing disease.

What Is Health Insurance for Pre Existing Conditions?

By definition, pre existing disease health insurance covers the medical expenses of people with health problems that existed before they applied for the policy. Pre existing conditions are illnesses or diseases the insured person was diagnosed with or treated for for up to 48 months before buying the policy. Some examples of pre existing conditions are diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, thyroid, asthma, etc.

Thus, health insurance that covers pre existing conditions is crucial, as it enables individuals with chronic or enduring health challenges to obtain high-quality medical care while alleviating the financial burden of expensive treatments.

In the last few years, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown, when people were faced with hardships such as job loss and a dip in income, the subject of mental illnesses has come to light. From depression and anxiety to suicidal thoughts, mental health problems deserve as much attention as any physical issue. That’s where the importance of a quality mental health care plan comes in.

Mental health insurance is a sort of medical insurance that covers the costs of in-patient treatment for many mental illnesses. In India, mental health insurance coverage became mandatory for all health insurance providers after the enactment of the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017. 

What Does Mental Health Insurance Cover?

Some of the common mental illnesses that are covered by the mental healthcare plan in India are:

• Depressive disorders: These are disorders that affect your mood and cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, or loss of interest. They can also affect your appetite, sleep, energy, and concentration. 

• Bipolar disorders: These are disorders that cause extreme mood swings between highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). They can also affect your energy, activity, judgement, and behaviour.

• Anxiety disorders: These are disorders that cause excessive fear, nervousness, or worry, interfering with your daily life. They can also manifest as sweating, shaking, having a fast heartbeat, or difficult breathing.

• Stress disorders: These can happen after going through something very upsetting or scary, like a significant trauma or stressful experience. They can cause symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance, or irritability.

• Schizophrenia: These include conditions that impact one's perception of reality, leading to experiences such as hallucinations (perceiving things that do not exist), delusions (holding false beliefs unsupported by reality), or disorganised thinking (uttering confused or illogical speech and displaying erratic behaviour).

What Is Not Covered Under Mental Health Insurance?

Health insurance for mental health does not cover all mental health conditions. Some of the common exclusions that you should be aware of:

• Mental retardation: This includes a condition where the mind does not fully develop, and it usually means a person has lower intelligence. Mental retardation is not seen as a mental illness, according to the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017. Thus, it is not included in a typical health insurance for mental illness.
• Mental illness from drug abuse: This means any mental problem linked to the improper use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. These conditions are also excluded from mental health insurance coverage, as a natural disorder of the mind does not cause them.
• Pre-existing mental illness: Some insurance companies may impose a waiting period for covering any mental illness that was diagnosed or treated before buying the policy. This means that you may not be able to claim any expenses related to your pre-existing mental condition until the waiting period is over.

Kerala, a picturesque state in southern India, is often referred to as "God's Own Country" due to its natural beauty. It is also known for its lush green landscapes, serene backwaters, and vibrant culture. The state boasts a high literacy rate and is also renowned for its progressive policies and social indicators.

One of Kerala's remarkable achievements is its impeccable healthcare system. The state strongly emphasises public health, and its government-run hospitals and clinics provide affordable and accessible healthcare services to all its citizens. This commitment to healthcare has significantly improved the population's overall health over the past decade.

But still, premium medical services are only affordable for some. If you’re also searching for the best health insurance in Kerala, this article is for you.

Benefits of Buying Health Policy In Kerala

Some of the noted perks of getting health insurance in Kerala are as follows:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Purchasing a health policy in Kerala provides you with extensive healthcare coverage, including a whole lot of medical expenses such as hospital stays, doctor consultations, surgeries, and diagnostic tests.

• Cashless Hospitalisation: Many health insurance providers, like ICICI Lombard, allow you to get treatment for free. You can get medical treatment at network hospitals without having to pay upfront. Cashless health insurance in Kerala makes it convenient and stress-free during emergencies.

• Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions: This policy covers existing health issues after a certain waiting period.

Why Choose ICICI Lombard Health Insurance In Kerala?

Opting for medical insurance in Kerala should be one of your priorities if you’re a citizen of the region. Here are some reasons why you need it:

• Wellness and Preventive Benefits: The  offer wellness and preventive benefits, including health check-ups and discounts on diagnostic tests, promoting a proactive approach to your health.

• Quick Claim Settlement: ICICI Lombard offers a highly efficient and swift claim settlement process. They also ensure you get it promptly when you need financial support for medical expenses.

• Customised Plans: ICICI Lombard offers a diverse range of health insurance plans, enabling you to personalize your coverage to align with your specific healthcare requirements and financial constraints.

• Telemedicine Services: In an age of convenience, ICICI Lombard proudly provides telemedicine services, allowing you to consult with doctors from the comfort of your home.

Health insurance is essential for safeguarding your well-being and ensuring timely medical care when needed. While most people recognise the importance of health insurance for medical treatments, dental health is often overlooked. However, dental problems can be just as debilitating and costly as medical issues. This is where health insurance with dental coverage comes to the rescue, offering an extensive solution for your overall health. In this blog, we will delve into the world of health insurance with dental plans, exploring its significance, benefits, and how to choose the right plan for your needs.

What is a Dental Health Insurance?

Dental health insurance is a policy that’s tailored to cover the cost of dental treatments and procedures. This kind of health insurance can help you maintain your oral hygiene while preventing dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, or tooth loss. 

Depending on the insurer, dental insurance plans are available as a base plan, an add-on benefit, or a standalone plan. While buying this cover, make sure to check if it covers in-patient dental treatments, outpatient dental consultations, dental surgeries, root canal treatments, tooth extractions, tooth fillings, and more.

Benefits of Having a Health Insurance That Covers Dental Treatments

Do you also keep searching “best dental insurance benefits” on the internet? If so, here are the top benefits of dental insurance that covers implants.

• Cost savings: Dental treatments can be expensive, especially procedures like root canals, braces, or implants. With dental coverage, you significantly reduce the financial burden, as the insurance helps cover these costs.
• Regular check-ups: Dental insurance coverage encourages regular dental check-ups and preventive care. This proactive approach helps in the early detection of oral issues, preventing them from becoming significant problems.
• Access to quality care: With quality dental insurance, you can access a network of experienced dentists and specialised dental clinics, ensuring you receive high-quality dental care.
• Emergency coverage: Dental accidents and emergencies can happen unexpectedly. Dental insurance ensures you are financially prepared to handle these situations, whether it is a chipped tooth or a unexpected infection.

Health insurance is vital to our financial safety net, providing peace of mind and protection against unexpected medical expenses. While many of us are familiar with the basics of health insurance, there's a valuable coverage feature that is gaining increasing attention and importance: OPD.

Traditional health insurance primarily focuses on covering hospitalisation and in-patient treatments, leaving outpatient expenses like doctor's visits, diagnostic tests, and medications out of its scope. However, the rising costs of medical consultations and diagnostic procedures have made these expenses a substantial burden on individuals and families. This is where health insurance with OPD coverage steps in. Let’s begin with understanding the OPD coverage Meaning.

OPD coverage, also known as Outpatient Department coverage, is a type of health insurance that covers the costs of medical treatments and services received on an outpatient basis.

What Are Some OPD benefits?

A medical insurance with OPD coverage can bring you many advantages, such as:

• Convenience: Going to an OPD is like visiting a doctor without staying in the hospital. You can get medical help and go back home the same day.

• Cost-effective: OPD visits are usually cheaper than staying in a hospital. You don't have to pay for a hospital room and other expenses.

• Shorter Wait Times: OPDs often have shorter waiting times than emergency rooms. You can get treated faster for non-urgent health issues.
• Specialised Care: OPDs have various specialists for different health problems. You can see a doctor who specialises in your specific issue.

• Flexibility: You can choose the time for your OPD appointment, making it easier to fit into your daily routine.

• Preventive Care: Many OPDs offer preventive health check-ups. These can help you catch health problems early.

What is OPD Treatment?

In simple words, OPD treatment pertains to medical care offered to patients who do not need extended hospitalisation. It is the type of healthcare where you visit a hospital, clinic, or healthcare facility for diagnosis, treatment, or consultation with a doctor, and then you go home the same day. OPD treatment is common for many medical conditions, from routine check-ups and consultations with specialists to minor illnesses and injuries.

Common examples of OPD treatments include consultations for common colds, flu, and skin conditions, dental check-ups, vaccinations, and management of chronic diseases like diabetes or asthma.

What is Covered in ICICI Lombard Health Insurance with OPD Cover?

Provider of one of the  , ICICI Lombard covers plenty.  Some common inclusions in this coverage are:

• Outpatient Expenses: OPD in health insurance covers costs for doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and medications you need without officially being admitted to the hospital.

• Medicine and Prescription Costs: This includes the cost of medicines prescribed by the doctor during your OPD visit.

• Preventive Health Check-ups: ICICI Lombard Health Insurance includes coverage for preventive health check-ups, helping you monitor your health regularly.

• Wellbeing program: You can access a digital platform that rewards and promotes your physical and mental wellbeing with the help of a personalised health coach service on the IL Take Care app.
• Physiotherapy sessions: You can get coverage for assessment, diagnosis and treatment of your bone and joint conditions from the network of physiotherapists.

What is Not Covered in ICICI Lombard Health Insurance with OPD Cover?

ICICI Lombard OPD cover may not apply to the following:

• Any treatments or surgeries done solely for cosmetic purposes are not covered.
• It is usually not covered if a treatment is experimental or not widely accepted in the medical community.
• Injuries resulting from extreme sports or risky activities may not be covered.
• Medical expenses resulting from illegal activities are typically not covered.
• Injuries or illnesses intentionally caused by the policyholder may not be covered.
• Generally, expenses related to normal pregnancy and childbirth may not be covered under OPD coverage. You have to buy separate maternity insurance add ons.

How Do You File a Claim for ICICI Lombard Health Insurance with OPD Cover?

To file a claim for ICICI Lombard Health Insurance with OPD cover, you need to follow the steps given below:

• Visit any network or non-network hospital or clinic and avail of the OPD service.
• Pay the bills and collect the original receipts and reports from the hospital or clinic.
• Download the claim form from ICICI Lombard’s official website or mobile app and fill it with the required details.
• Submit the claim form along with the original bills, receipts, reports, prescriptions, and other documents within the stipulated time frame for availing of the service.
• The claim will be processed and settled as soon as claim department verifies your details.

Who Should You Buy Health Insurance with OPD Coverage?

Health insurance with OPD cover is suitable for anyone who wants comprehensive coverage for their health care needs. It is especially beneficial for:

• People with pre-existing medical conditions who need frequent medical consultations.
• Patients with diabetes, asthma, thyroid, or other chronic diseases who need regular medication and monitoring.
• Patients who are immunocompromised or have a higher risk of infections and diseases.
• People who wish to avail preventive health care and wellness services.

Our understanding of female reproductive health and how to treat diseases that affect those organs has come a long way. Yet, for many women, endometrial cancer remains a scary diagnosis, and its treatment is unclear. As one of the most common cancers of the female reproductive system, endometrial cancer arises from the lining of the uterus or endometrium. With advancements in medical research, oncologists now have several treatment options for endometrial cancer that can often cure it depending on how early it was detected and how far it has spread. In this article, we’ll explore those options for endometrial cancer treatment.

Treatment of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer treatment involves:

• Surgery

Treatment for endometrial cancer usually involves a surgical procedure to remove the uterus, called a hysterectomy. The fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed when the cancer cell spreads, through a process called a salpingo-oophorectomy. 

• Radiation Therapy

In this therapy, radiations using high-energy beams from sources such as X-rays and protons are targeted toward cancer cells causing them to die. Radiation therapy can be given to patients from a large machine placed outside the body (external beam radiation), or from little radioactive seeds and wires that can be placed inside your body where there is growth of cancer cells (brachytherapy). In the case of early-stage endometrial cancer that hasn’t spread to lymph nodes, radiation therapies are effective in treating the patient. However, in the case of advanced stages of cancer, radiation therapies are combined with chemotherapy or surgery to treat the patient.

• Chemotherapy

This therapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from multiplying, and is one of the most common options of endometrial cancer treatment. Some people receive one chemotherapy medicine, while in advanced stages, two or more medicines are combined in advanced endometrial cancer stages that have spread beyond the uterus or to treat cancer comeback cases. These drugs are given intravenously, which enter the bloodstream and travel through the body to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is generally done after surgery to lower the risk of reoccurrence. 

• Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy utilises drugs and other substances to target cancer cells by targeted therapy which is done using anti-angiogenic agents that block blood vessels and shrink them to enter the tumour. Such techniques are used after surgical procedures. The drug Everolimus is mostly used to perform targeted therapy, which stops the action of protein found in cancer cells to treat endometrial cancer in certain situations. 

• Immunotherapy

This therapy enables the immune system to fight bladder cancer by restoring the body's natural defense mechanism and using immunotherapies like interferon alpha or interleukin-2 and standard immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab. These drugs are placed directly into the bladder through a catheter to perform intravesical therapy. This therapy is done to treat the advanced stage of endometrial cancer when standard treatments are not responding.

While we rarely think of what health issues could potentially impact us, cancer remains one of the scariest diagnoses one could receive. In particular, anal cancer is a disease that affects many each year, yet it seldom receives the awareness and discussion that other common cancers do. Though the topic may seem uncomfortable or taboo to some, bringing awareness can hopefully help lessen the stigma and empower those undergoing anal cancer treatment to feel less alone in their journey. So, let's dive into a brief overview of the various approaches to treatment.

Treatment For Anal Cancer 

Some of the main anal cancer treatment options are as follows: 

• Chemotherapy. 

Chemotherapy treats cancer with the help of strong medications. Some are injected in a vein, and others come in the form of pills. These drugs help destroy the rapidly growing cancer cells in the body.

• Radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams- X-rays, protons, or other sources- to destroy the cancer cells. The beams are projected to specific points in the body to kill the cells.

• Surgery

Surgery might be used to treat anal cancer in certain situations, especially if radiation or chemotherapy don’t work. These surgical procedures might include:

• Surgery for very small anal cancers. 

Some very small anal cancers are treated with surgery alone. The surgeon removes the tumor and some of the healthy tissue around it to ensure that all the cancer cells are removed from the body. It is uncommon and can only be done when the cancer is very small. Depending on the cancer, chemotherapy and radiation after surgery also may be recommended.

• Surgery for cancer that hasn't responded to other treatments. 

If the cancer remains after chemotherapy and radiation, your doctor may recommend abdominoperineal resection, also called APR. During APR, the surgeon removes the anal canal, rectum, and part of the colon. The surgeon then attaches the remaining portion of your colon to an opening in your abdomen called a stoma. A colostomy bag is placed for the rest of the patient's life, and the waste is collected. 

Treatments For Cancer That Has Spread

Other kinds of treatments are required if the anal cancer moves to the other part of the body. Such treatments may include.

• Chemotherapy alone. Chemotherapy medicines can control the growth of cancer cells throughout the body.

• Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses medicine to help the immune system destroy cancer cells. It assists the immune system cells in identifying and destroying cancer cells. It might be used only under very specific conditions. 

• Palliative care

Palliative care is an exceptional form of medical service that assists you with feeling improved. When you have a disease, palliative consideration can help with easing stress and different side effects. The group will likely work on personal satisfaction for yourself and your loved ones.

Heart failure, a chronic condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, necessitates a multifaceted treatment approach. This complex condition demands a comprehensive strategy involving lifestyle modifications, medications, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions. The blogs provide valuable insights into the diverse heart failure treatment modalities available, offering a nuanced perspective on managing heart failure. The treatment landscape is dynamic, from medications targeting specific symptoms to surgical procedures addressing underlying issues. 

Treatment of Heart Failure

Doctors use the following medications for heart failure treatment, including:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: It relaxes blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, improves blood flow, and decreases strain on the heart. Examples include enalapril (Vasotec) and lisinopril (Zestril).
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): They provide benefits similar to ACE inhibitors and may be an option for those unable to tolerate ACE inhibitors. Examples include losartan (Cozaar) and valsartan (Diovan).
• Angiotensin receptor plus neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs): It combines two blood pressure drugs, sacubitril-valsartan (Entresto), to treat heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
• Beta-blockers: They slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, reduce heart failure symptoms, and enhance overall heart function. Examples include carvedilol (Coreg) and metoprolol (Lopressor).
• Diuretics: They increase urine production to prevent fluid buildup in the body and decrease fluid in the lungs. Examples include furosemide (Lasix) and spironolactone (Aldactone).
• Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors: Originally for diabetes, these medicines, like canagliflozin (Invokana), show effectiveness in heart failure treatment, reducing hospital stays and mortality risk.
• Digoxin (Lanoxin): It enhances the heart's pumping ability and slows the heartbeat. It's used for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and may be prescribed for those with atrial fibrillation.
• Hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate (BiDil): It relaxes blood vessels and may be added to the treatment plan for severe heart failure symptoms.
• Vericiguat (Verquvo): An oral soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator approved for chronic heart failure, reducing hospital stays and heart disease-related deaths.
• Positive inotropes: Administered intravenously in severe heart failure cases to improve the heart's pumping ability and maintain blood pressure.
• Potassium-sparing diuretics: Spironolactone (Aldactone) can preserve potassium levels.

Here are some surgeries that doctors recommend for heart failure treatment, including:

• Coronary bypass surgery: Addresses severely blocked arteries contributing to heart failure.
• Heart valve repair or replacement: Targets damaged heart valves causing heart failure.
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): Monitors and corrects dangerous heart rhythms to prevent complications.
• Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT): Coordinates lower heart chambers' pumping in people with asynchronous contractions.
• Ventricular assist device (VAD): Supports blood pumping and is often used as a bridge to heart transplant.
• Heart transplant: Reserved for severe cases where surgery and medications are ineffective, replacing the heart with a healthy donor organ.

A condition characterised by elevated blood sugar levels, diabetes mellitus is caused by various factors, including genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, environmental influences, autoimmune responses and insulin-related issues. To control blood sugar levels and prevent this disease, diabetes mellitus treatment takes an extensive approach including medication, insulin treatment, lifestyle changes and routine monitoring. The goal of individualised care plans is to keep patients' blood sugar levels at optimal ranges to reduce risks and improve their general health and well-being.

What is the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus Disease?

Diabetes mellitus treatment involves the following approach:

1. Blood Glucose Control:

• The goal of managing diabetes is to keep blood glucose levels close to normal, which is essential for preventing complications, particularly heart and peripheral artery illnesses.

2. Control of Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: 

• In addition to glucose, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol is essential for treating diabetes holistically and lowering cardiovascular risks.

3. Diet and Exercise:

• Effective management of diabetes often involves a balanced diet tailored to regulate blood sugar levels and a consistent exercise regimen, essential for controlling the condition and maintaining overall health.

4. Insulin Therapy: 

• Delivered through insulin injections or insulin pumps, insulin therapy is crucial for type 1 diabetes and occasionally for type 2. 

• Rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulin are among the varieties; doses are customised based on circumstances.

5. Oral Medications: 

• Advised when blood sugar management is not achieved only by lifestyle modifications.
• These medications improve the efficiency of natural insulin, decreasing the generation of sugar, increasing the production of insulin or limiting the absorption of sugar. 
• They can be used with insulin or without it.

6. Blood Sugar Management and Other Treatment Options:

• Carbohydrate counting remains a crucial practice for managing blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetes, while in severe cases, doctors may consider pancreas or islet cell transplants as potential options for treatment

7. Customised Care: 

• Physicians adjust insulin dosages depending on each patient's unique requirements and reaction, considering variables such as body weight, meal timings, frequency of activity, and endogenous insulin production.

8. Patient Responsibilities: 

• Self-care is essential; people should adhere to regular schedules that include blood pressure checks, food modifications, exercise, weight control, stress reduction and medication compliance.

9. Regular Monitoring: 

• Frequent check-ups with a doctor to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, requiring modifications to medication or lifestyle as needed to provide the best possible control of diabetes and a decrease in complications.

Ever wondered about what is 80D in income tax or whether health insurance premium is tax deductible? Well, Section 80D — your health insurance premium — is not just a health guard but also a smart tax-saving tool. Let’s look at the benefits of turning premiums into tax deductions.

Tax Rebate on Health Insurance

Understanding the often-asked question “Is health insurance tax deductible?” along with the tax benefits of health insurance under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act offers significant financial advantages for you as a policyholder. This section enables you to claim deductions on premiums paid for health insurance policies covering you and your family. Let’s understand about all of these in detail.

• Tax Deductibility: Premiums paid for health insurance qualify for tax deductions. This effectively reduces the policyholder's taxable income.

• Eligibility: This tax benefit does not apply to the individual policyholders alone. It also extends to their immediate family members and dependent parents.

• Senior Citizen Benefits: Acknowledging the increased medical expenses often incurred by older adults, the Act provides higher deduction limits for senior citizens.

• Coverage for Critical Illness & Check-ups: The tax benefits are inclusive, and they cover additional costs for critical illnesses and preventive health check-ups.

• Inclusive of HUFs and NRIs: The benefits under Section 80D are not applicable only to resident individuals. For instance, even Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) and Non-resident Indians (NRIs) can also claim the available deductions.

• Variable Deduction Limits: The deduction limits under this provision range from ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000, and it depends on the age of the insured and beneficiaries.

• Payment Compliance: Your mode of payment for these premiums is important since it affects your eligibility for tax deduction. Cash payments are generally ineligible for deductions.

• Documentation for Claims: Correct documentation is required for anyone to take advantage of these tax breaks. You must save all receipts and proofs of payment in order to collect the deductions.