Falling ill and being admitted to the hospital is never easy. On top of the stress of your health, you might have to think about extra costs while staying in the hospital. These can include expenses for visitors’ food, travel or other small daily needs that are not always covered by your medical insurance. That’s where a daily hospital allowance, or hospital daily cash benefit, comes to your assistance. It helps you manage extra expenses without worrying too much about money.

In this article, we will explain what a hospital daily allowance is, how it works, its key features, and what you should know before you buy a policy.

How does the daily hospital cash benefit work?

A hospital daily allowance is a benefit that is either provided as a part of the medical insurance policy or as a rider with the plan. When you are admitted to the hospital, you will get a daily cash payout for each day you stay there. This money may help meet incidental costs during hospitalisation, such as travel, meals for accompanying relatives or temporary loss of income. The amount is usually fixed and does not depend on the bill you get from the hospital.

The biggest advantage of a hospital daily allowance is that it helps you handle extra costs that are not part of your hospital bill. This way, you can focus more on getting better instead of worrying about smaller expenses.

All you usually need to do is submit a simple hospital admission report and discharge summary to claim the money. Compared to a normal insurance claim, this is much easier and faster.

Understand your health insurance policy

Before buying any health insurance policy or adding the daily hospital allowance rider, you must ensure the following:

• The daily cash limit offered to you
• Your eligibility for the policy
• Coverage span of the policy

Most insurance providers ask for a minimum 24-hour hospitalisation to be eligible to make a claim. Daily hospital allowance does not apply to day care procedures and minor surgeries, which don’t require a 24-hour hospitalisation. Daily cash limit and coverage span of the policy also vary according to the policy provider. Usually, insurers offer a cash limit between ₹ 1000 - ₹ 1,500 with a coverage span that varies from 2 weeks to 3 months. Those admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) may avail of cash benefits above the upper cash limit, but the number of covered days will be reduced proportionately.

Persons with pre-existing medical conditions need to go through a waiting period during which they cannot make a claim. Therefore, you need to carefully assess the eligibility conditions and your medical history before buying a policy to avoid any conflict arising at the time of claim.

Key features of the daily hospital allowance

A daily hospital cash benefit usually comes with a set of features. Here are the most important ones:

• Fixed amount per day: The insurer pays you a fixed amount for each day you stay in the hospital.

• Daily limit: There is usually a maximum daily limit depending on your plan.

• Maximum number of days: There will be a cap on the number of days you can claim in a policy year, for example, 30 or 60 days. 

• No link to hospital bills: You get the money even if you do not spend it on hospital bills. It is yours to use as you wish.

• Covers ICU stays: Most policies also pay a higher daily amount if you are in an intensive care unit (ICU), since costs are higher there.

• Waiting period: You may have to wait for a short period before you can claim, usually 30 days from the start of the policy.

• Easy documentation: You only need to provide proof of hospital admission and discharge, with the doctor’s note and hospital records.

These features make the daily hospital allowance a practical safety net in times of medical emergencies. It can be especially useful when caring for parents, as they may face more health issues with age. Having proper medical insurance for parents can cover their medical treatment, while the hospital daily allowance helps manage extra daily costs during a hospital stay.

Things to remember before buying a policy

Hospital daily allowance policies can be tricky sometimes. Although the procedure to claim your daily payout is simple and closely resembles the usual medical bills claiming procedure, yet, the cash benefits may not be availed at the end of each day. Some insurers may provide you with the flexibility of a daily allowance, but usually, most of them will provide cash benefits only after you are discharged.

It is always better to check whether your policy offers pre-fixed or per-day cashouts beforehand. The procedure of making a claim is easy, yet some people feel it’s complicated and avoid claiming once their medical bills are settled. This should be avoided, and any claim, no matter how small or large it is, must be made following the policy’s terms and conditions.

Conclusion

A hospital daily allowance, or daily cash benefit, can be a real lifesaver during a medical emergency. It gives you freedom to handle unexpected daily costs without adding financial stress at a time when you should be focusing on getting better. While it is not a replacement for your main medical insurance, it is a great extra layer of protection, especially for people with families to look after or those who may have to travel far for treatment.

If you would like guidance on choosing the right health insurance plan and understanding the benefits available, please fill out the form on this page. Our expert can help you make a well-informed decision that suits your needs and budget.

FAQs

1. Is a daily hospital allowance the same as normal health insurance?

No, it is an extra benefit that gives you a daily cash amount on top of your main health cover.

2. Can I use the daily cash for anything?

Yes, the daily cash benefit is provided separately from treatment costs. You may use it for reasonable incidental expenses related to hospitalisation, like travel costs and meals for accompanying family.

3. Do I need to show my hospital bills to claim it?

No, you just need to show proof of admission and discharge from the hospital.

4. Is there a waiting period for the daily hospital allowance?

Yes, most policies have a short waiting period of around 30 days before you can make your first claim.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

For rudimentary understanding it provides financial cover-up in case of illness, health issues. For same one needs to be in agreement with the insurer to invest premium amount for tackling unforeseen health issues for self and family.

Medical coverage is important for every individual as in this dynamic and fast growing scenario, people are compromising with the physical capabilities to excel more and more in their career, they usually ignore the health factors in a day to day life which cumulates to the major health problems down the line. Gradually body starts losing the immunity to fight with the internal and external agents causing health issues. Hence it becomes mandatory to prepare oneself for the upcoming health challenges to ensure the financial assistance at the time of crisis.

Medical coverage plans comes with the flexibility of both types of payments cashless and reimbursements in case of in-network and out of network respectively. For in-network, one can avail the facility by showing the medical cards and expenses to be taken care by the insurance company itself through the TPA (Third party administrator) which depends upon the entitlement. In case of out-of-network, upfront payments should be done by the user and the amount would be reimbursed upon the submission of bills. To avail these facilities one should be hospitalized for 24 hours. However in certain cases like a disease diagnosed after converge and which is to be treated in near future, tests pertaining to surgery/operations, same could be provided without the former condition. In addition, few policies give benefits for routine check-ups also. Coverage in limited to Contact lenses, hearing aids and spectacles are also not covered. Also, there are no short term policies available for health cover for less than a year.

Sum insured can be on individual or floater basis for self and dependent. It also offers an arrangement called Cumulative Bonus, which says that for every claim free year; there will be increase in sum insured by certain percentage(with capping). For any claims, it will be reduced by certain % for next year. Premium depends on certain factors like age, medical history. For older people, premium rates would be on higher side so as in case of bad medical history.

IRDA has taken a major step i.e.Health Insurance Plan Portability which allows a user to switch the policy from one provider to another (subjected to sum insured). IRDA is playing a active role by not only doing the vigilance on existing policies but also by providing as ear to the grievances and concerns related to services offered by the insurance providers. For same one can register their complaints through IGMs website and can connect via Toll free 155255. After registration of a complaint companies got 15 days time to work-upon and to resolve the issues.

Above all, medical covers provide opportunity to save tax and to lessen pressure on one’s pockets.

Insurance, at the very basic level, is an agreement between the insurer and the insured. This agreement is based on the information that the insured provides in the proposal form. Hence, this form becomes the single most important document in the whole insurance policy.

The insurance form varies from insurer to insurer, and needs to be filled either by pen or by typing (if it is an online policy). No matter how you fill it, it is imperative that that the form is filled by the one in whose name the policy will be, and not by the insurance agent. Some people sign the blank insurance form and hand it over to the agent, this is not the correct practice and can lead to regret later.

Care must be taken that the information provided is thorough and accurate, especially when it comes to your contact details, whether it's a health insurance policy, car or motorcycle insurance policy, or any other type of policy. Because, it is using these contact details that the insurer will contact you when a claim needs to be settled. Furthermore, insurance is based on the principle of good faith, so whatever information you provide must be true and complete, otherwise, it can lead to repudiation of your claim.

There are many points you need to take care of when filling the insurance proposal form, but here are some of the most crucial ones.

Correct Name

Your name is the most obvious thing that you need to get right. Remember that an agent can always misspell it, creating trouble for you. Attention also needs to be paid to the fact that it is written in block letters, so that the writing is clear and there is no case for misunderstanding. Ensure that the name is exactly the same as it is in your bank account.

Proper Address

Most people don’t pay attention to the small details, such as the difference between current and permanent address. Some people find it easier to write ‘same as current address’, in the permanent address column, even if their permanent address is different. This is especially true for those living on rent. Providing both addresses will ensure that you receive important correspondence on time.

Date of Birth (DOB)

Your age is a major factor when it comes to premium calculation. Hence, it is necessary to correctly write your DOB with supporting documents. The supporting document should preferably be either a school leaving certificate, passport or birth certificate as these are considered as standard proof of age. There are alternatives too, like PAN card, driving license and self-declaration etc. but these can attract extra premium.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.  

Winter is just around the corner, and it’s time for you to take out your stacked woolen wear, buy cold creams and brace yourself to tackle the harsh weather conditions. A prudent option to counter the winter blues and keep your living space warm is to invest in an electric room heater, which is both comforting and economical.

However, according to the National Fire Protection Agency, approximately one-third of all house fires during the winters are caused by space-heater related issues. That’s a lot of danger for such a small appliance, which is why it is essential to keep certain safety tips in mind while using these portable space heaters:

Buy certified space heaters

All the electric appliances are tested and certified as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on the basis of certain safety parameters. The manufacturers of these products are required to provide crucial information about the construction and usage of the appliances. Hence, you should always buy a BIS-certified room heater, that will be risk-free and safe to use at home.

Keep heaters away from objects and people

Electric heaters generate a lot of hot air by converting electrical energy into heat. This makes them dangerous for pets and children as they can get electric shocks or serious burns by accidental contact with the appliance. Also, it should be kept away from objects that may catch fire, including decorations, clothes, rugs, furniture, etc.

Place the heater away from water

Try not to use your space heater in your bathroom, kitchen, or any other area where it could be exposed to water. Even if you do need to use the heater in such areas, makes sure it’s placed at a safe distance away from potential splashes of water or leaks. If your heater comes in direct contact with the water, it could damage the electrical system, start a fire, or pose a threat of shock or electrocution to anyone nearby.

Plug directly into the wall outlet

You should always try to avoid using extension cords and plug your room heater directly into an electrical wall outlet. Electric heaters draw a lot of power and using an extension cord increases the chances of overheating, electric fires, or shock injuries. Even you if need to use the extension cord, make sure it is appropriately rated and sized for heavy appliances.

Do not over load the socket

Never overload the socket where electric heater is plugged. Plugging the space heater in the same circuit along with other electrical appliances into a receptacle will create excessive heat in the circuit and may start an electrical fire or a short circuit. This could lead to damage to the costly appliance and the electrical system of your house.

Don’t leave the heater unattended for long

You should never leave your room heater unattended for a prolonged period. Always remember to switch off and unplug the appliance before leaving the room or going to bed. Prolonged usage of heaters in closed rooms can be dangerous as it can create carbon monoxide poisoning which can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and weakness.

Look for heater with additional safety features

There are many portable heater models available in the market that include a variety of safety features that help take a lot of worry out while using them. For example, a heater with tip-over protection will automatically shut-off if it’s tipped over for any reason, and a cool-touch housing on the front that prevents accidental burns if a person accidentally comes in contact with the heater. These are useful safety features, particularly if you have active children or pets at home.

Inspect and maintain your heater regularly

You should occasionally inspect your room heater to make sure it’s clean and working properly. Check for damage in the unit and cord, and whether it’s heating sufficiently. In case of any discrepancies, contact the service centre and get it resolved immediately.

As important as it is to take adequate safety measures, it’s equally necessary to stay financially secured in case of an unforeseen incident. That is why you must buy an accident insurance policy to protect yourself against mishaps and tackle such situations with ease. Don't forget to explore your options for comprehensive health insurance coverage to ensure holistic protection for you and your loved ones

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.  

It would help if you looked upon health insurance as a medium of getting assistance during trying times rather than unnecessarily increasing expenses. As such, medical insurance will provide financial support during medical appointments. Medical insurance usually covers most common ailments or used to cover them sometime in the past. Hence, health insurance becomes an even better choice. Let’s understand the pros and cons of health insurance.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Health Insurance

For those who may be unsure, here are the advantages and disadvantages of health insurance:

Advantages

1. Cashless hospitalisation: If an individual with medical insurance gets admitted to an emergency room, they can go through credit-only hospitalisation in any hospital. With this benefit you can fast-track your treatment and recovery without any additional stress of hospital bills.
2. Financial protection: Financial protection is the biggest relief for any person during treatment and hospitalisation. Health insurance will provide financial protection whenever you need a treatment covered by your insurance plan. It is advised to always read the policy document carefully to understand the pros and cons of health insurance, and whether it fits all your needs or not.
3. Peace of mind: Out of the several advantages of health insurance mentioned above, experiencing peace of mind is the most significant benefit of health insurance. The patient can unwind and focus on recovery rather than taking stress regarding the bills. 
4. Tax benefits: The cost of a health insurance policy’s premium is deducted from taxable income, which saves you a considerable amount that would have otherwise gone as tax. 

Disadvantages

1. Increasing premiums: With the increase in your age, the charge for your healthcare coverage likewise increases. This is inevitable and can hinder getting healthcare insurance.
2. Pre-existing diseases: The treatment for a condition you had before obtaining an insurance policy will generally not be covered by most health insurance. This can pose a significant drawback, especially for senior citizens. Hence, read, understand, and compare different types of health insurance to ensure you invest in the policy that meets all your requirements.
3. Waiting period: Commonly, you need to wait for a specific period to get your insurance claims reimbursed. This process can be time-consuming and annoying.

When opting for health insurance, you should assess your healthcare needs, such as your existing health status, medical history, and expected medical expenses. Other factors that need evaluating include your age, the size of your family, and any specific healthcare requirements. Importantly, you should get quotes from multiple insurers and compare the health insurance plans to help you decide on the plan that suits your needs and budget the best.

Conclusion

Whether a health insurance plan is beneficial depends on individual needs and circumstances. Understanding the pros and cons of medical insurance or health insurance listed above is essential to make the right choice. Read thoroughly and decide for yourself. 

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can come on quickly and be fatal if not treated promptly. Thankfully, several emergency anaphylaxis treatments exist, and they can help. Being prepared to act fast and get to the hospital is critical, as knowing the emergency care options makes all the difference in effectively treating this sudden and potentially fatal reaction. Recognising symptoms early and seeking immediate help gives patients the best chance of survival.

What are the treatments for Anaphylaxis?

The most important and effective anaphylaxis treatment is adrenaline given by an injection or through an intravenous (IV) line. Adrenaline acts quickly to reverse the dangerous symptoms caused by the body’s severe allergic response. Other common emergency treatments include:

• Oxygen to help breathing difficulties that may develop
• IV fluids to maintain healthy blood pressure levels
• Antihistamines or steroid medications to further reduce allergic response

Upon arrival at the emergency room, these medications will be administered right away as the medical team continually monitors the patient’s breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Most patients remain in the hospital for 2 to 12 hours, sometimes longer if symptoms are severe.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal and occurs quickly. A quick pulse, low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, facial puffiness, and hives are some of the symptoms of anaphylaxis. It occasionally results in symptoms like nausea or vomiting. Emergency attention and an injection of adrenaline are frequently necessary in cases of anaphylaxis. It is critical to identify these symptoms as soon as possible to receive the appropriate care and avert major risks.

What are the symptoms of Anaphylaxis?

Following are some of the major symptoms of anaphylaxis that one witnesses-

• Severe symptoms, like those of an allergic reaction to some foods, medicines, or insect stings, emerge soon after exposure to the allergen.
•  These symptoms are concerning because they include swelling of the tongue and throat, which makes it difficult to breathe and swallow. 
• There may be a fast or wheezy breathing pattern together with coughing or loud breathing. It is also typical to feel dizzy, tired, or dizzy. 
• The skin may become pale, blue, or grey, and it may feel chilly. This is also visible on the lips and tongue.
•  It might be useful to inspect the palms or soles for colour changes if you have darker skin. Itchy, swelling rash is also another symptom. 

It is critical to recognise these symptoms because anaphylaxis needs rapid medical attention, typically in the form of an adrenaline injection and urgent treatment, to prevent serious consequences.

Introduction

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency virus is a virus that attacks the immune system- the CD4 cells (T cells) to be precise. An onslaught of HIV tends to gradually reduce the body's efficiency of fighting off illness and fending for itself. AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is the final and most advanced stage of an HIV infection. Exchange of bodily fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk can cause the spread of this infection from one person to another.

The symptoms of the disease vary from person to person and can include fever, rashes, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, sore throats, etc. These can be very similar to the symptoms of other diseases. Thus, it is often tough to identify the infection without testing.  If symptoms persist and no other explanation can be identified, a doctor may consider HIV.

Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS

Blood or saliva tests can be used for AIDS diagnosis. The following tests can be conducted:

• Antibodies/Antigen testing

• Typically, this test when performed by a lab on blood drawn from a vein can usually detect HIV 18 to 45 days after exposure. These antigens-components of HIV, are usually detected in the blood and signify a positive test result.
• You can also do a rapid antigen/antibody test with blood from a finger stick. It can take 18 to 90 days after exposure. 
• Following HIV exposure, your immune system generates antibodies. Antibodies might be found within weeks or months of one other. 
• Positive results from the combined antigen/antibody tests may not appear for two to six weeks after exposure.

• Testing using antibodies

• These tests search for HIV antibodies in the saliva or blood. 
• The majority of quick HIV tests, including at-home self-tests, are antibody tests. It may take three to twelve weeks following exposure for an antibody test result to be positive.

• Tests for nucleic acids (NATs)

•  These tests search for the real virus (viral load) present in your blood. They also require the drawing of blood from a vein. 
• Your physician may suggest NATs if you have been infected with HIV in the last few weeks. The initial test performed to show a positive result following HIV exposure will be NATs.

Within three months, HIV antigens or antibodies usually appear in the blood. If you test negative for HIV but believe you may have been exposed to it:

Take the test once more. After a few weeks, a second test might be performed to make sure you're not infected.

Diagnostic and therapeutic testing

You must seek the assistance of a specialist qualified in diagnosis of HIV and treatment if you have been diagnosed with the virus:

• Assess if you require any extra testing.
• Choose the HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) that is most appropriate for your needs.
• Track your development and collaborate with your physician to maintain your health.

When you are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, your doctor can use some tests to assess the severity of your condition and the most effective course of therapy. These tests include:

• CD4 T cell count: This test helps us identify the CD4 cell count in the blood, helping the doctor identify the status of the immune system in an HIV infected person.
• Medication resistance. There are strains of HIV which are medication resistant, so this helps the doctor in identifying whether the articular strain is resistant or not.
• HIV RNA is the viral load. The percentage of the virus in your body is measured by this test. Your risk of contracting HIV and other related problems is greatly decreased by doing this.

Kidney stones, despite their size, can cause intense pain and significant health issues. These crystal formations that develop in the kidneys bring discomfort and require a deep understanding for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Kidney stones exhibit a range of symptoms that indicate their presence. The notable sign is excruciating pain, usually concentrated in the back or side and radiating towards the abdomen. The diagnosis of kidney stones may require various tests.

Diagnosis of Kidney Stone

• Thorough Evaluation of Medical History

The diagnostic process begins with an examination of the patient’s background. Healthcare professionals carefully explore aspects including:

•  Symptoms experienced by the individual.
•  Characteristics of pain considering its nature, intensity and duration.
•  Family history is examined to identify any genetic predispositions.
•  Dietary habits are assessed to understand their role in kidney stone formation.

This thorough evaluation forms the basis for further decisions.

• Physical Examination

• In depth Assessment of Symptoms: Conducting a detailed physical examination actively identifies symptoms related to kidney stones. It meticulously evaluates signs such as flank pain or tenderness as indications of kidney stones.
• Blood Pressure and Kidney Function Assessment: Evaluating blood pressure and overall kidney function provides a comprehensive understanding of the patient's renal health.

• Imaging Tests

To determine the presence of kidney stones, various imaging tests can be employed:

• Ultrasound: Utilising waves, ultrasound is an imaging technique that creates images of the kidneys helping visualise any stones present. It is an efficient method to identify the location and size of kidney stones.
• Non-Contrast CT Scan: This radiographic procedure generates sectional images, enabling accurate identification and characterisation of kidney stones. It is particularly beneficial for individuals to contrast agents.
• Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP): By injecting a contrast dye into the bloodstream, IVP enhances X-ray images of the tract. This contrast-enhanced radiography provides a view of the kidneys, ureters and bladder, aiding in stone identification. IVP is especially useful in assessing urine flow and detecting any obstructions caused by stones.
  

• Blood Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Examining the levels of blood cells, such as white blood cells and platelets, helps identify any abnormalities linked to kidney stones. Deviations in blood cell counts may indicate conditions that contribute to the development of kidney stones.
• The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): This blood test evaluates substances such as electrolytes, kidney function markers, and liver function markers. It provides an understanding of metabolic processes in the body. Abnormalities in the CMP results may indicate disruptions in the body's metabolic balance and provide information about factors contributing to the development of kidney stones.

• Urinalysis

Urinalysis is used to identify the presence of blood or crystals in urine, which may indicate kidney stone formation. Patients may be asked to collect any passed stones in the laboratory using a strainer for analysis. Analysing these stones can offer insights into their composition and help guide personalised treatment plans.

Updated on 8 Dec 2025

Kidney health is vital for filtering out waste and maintaining overall balance in the body. When conditions like polycystic kidney disease (PKD) occur, they can gradually disrupt this balance and affect daily life. Since PKD progresses silently in many cases, being aware of its signs and seeking timely diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition effectively and reduce complications.

In this blog, you will learn more about polycystic kidney disease, its symptoms, diagnosis and the most effective treatment options.

What is polycystic kidney disease (PKD)?

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder where clusters of fluid-filled cysts grow inside the kidneys. Over time, these cysts can enlarge the kidneys, reduce their ability to filter waste and lead to complications such as high blood pressure or kidney failure. PKD often progresses slowly, requiring regular monitoring and timely care.

What are the symptoms of PKD?

Many people with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) may not notice symptoms early on, but as the condition progresses, common signs can include:

• Persistent back or side pain
• Blood in the urine
• Frequent headaches
• Feeling of heaviness or fullness in the abdomen
• High blood pressure
• Kidney stones
• Repeated urinary tract infections
• Risk of kidney failure in advanced stages

How is PKD diagnosed?

A healthcare professional uses a combination of medical history, imaging tests and physical examination to diagnose polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Ultrasound is the most common method to detect kidney cysts, while CT scans or MRIs may provide clearer details when needed. Sometimes, blood and urine tests are also suggested to assess kidney function.

What is the treatment for polycystic kidney disease?

Since there is no definitive cure, treatment for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) focuses on managing symptoms, preventing complications and slowing the progression of kidney damage. The key ways involve:

• Medications for blood pressure control: PKD commonly results in increased blood pressure. It should be controlled as soon as possible to slow down the progression of the disease. Medications may be prescribed to keep it in a safe range, reducing the risk of having chronic diseases such as heart disease.
• Treating urinary tract infections (UTIs): PKD is also associated with increased rates of UTIs. These infections may require antibiotics to treat. They are often considered to be the most effective in preventing the worsening of kidney function and managing symptoms at the earliest.
• Growth hormone therapy: In some cases, growth hormone therapy can help. Growth problems are common PKD symptoms among pediatric patients. In such cases, this approach works best, as growth hormones stimulate growth and development.
• Dialysis: When PKD progresses to an advanced stage, the kidneys cannot clear the waste from the blood. In such conditions, dialysis can help the kidneys eliminate waste and extra fluid in the blood.
• Kidney transplantation: If dialysis becomes ineffective, a kidney transplant becomes a viable treatment option. In the case of a kidney transplant, a defective kidney is replaced by a recipient’s functional kidney. Though this procedure has great potential for improving the quality of life, the patient must take immunosuppressive drugs for his entire life to avoid rejection of the new kidney by the body.
• Lifestyle adjustments: These involve good eating habits, regular exercising and avoiding excessive cigarettes and alcohol. Such alterations control blood pressure and help in avoiding heart diseases among patients with PKD who are more susceptible to developing the same.
• Regular monitoring: Regular screening ensures ongoing assessment of kidney function and aims to manage any associated symptoms, fostering optimal kidney health. These screenings typically include blood tests, urine analysis and imaging studies like ultrasounds or MRIs.

Conclusion

Polycystic kidney disease treatment might seem scary at first glance, but knowledge about available treatments can be empowering. At present, the focus revolves around managing symptoms and preserving the health of the kidneys. In such cases, having a suitable health insurance policy significantly eases the burden of medical expenses.

Depending on your specific needs, you can opt for plans such as individual health insurance, family floater plan or critical illness plan, which can help cover hospitalisation costs, doctor consultations and essential treatments. If you need advice related to a particular plan, fill out the form on this page to receive expert guidance.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

Due to stringent industry rules, health insurance policies are usually not retroactive. Typically, policies go into effect on the day that is designated after approval or enrolment. It is usually not acceptable to try to retroactively extend insurance coverage since this may lead to policy termination or other legal issues. To prevent problems or policy breaches, it is essential to understand the restrictions on backdating health insurance while applying for coverage. If you want to know more about whether health insurance backdates, read the following section.

Is Backdating Health Insurance Possible?

Here's an explanation of why it's generally not feasible within regulatory frameworks and industry norms.

• Health insurance policies typically cannot be backdated due to regulatory constraints and industry standards.
• Insurers generally commence coverage from the date specified during enrolment or approval.
• Attempting to backdate health insurance is not commonly allowed and could result in policy cancellation or legal consequences.
• Regulatory guidelines prevent the practice of retroactively initiating coverage to date before enrolment.
• Backdating health insurance may be seen as an attempt to manipulate coverage terms or evade waiting periods, violating insurance regulations.
• Exceptions to this rule are rare and usually involve specific circumstances, such as retroactive enrolment due to administrative errors or qualifying life events.
• Avoiding outdated information and adhering to an insurer's policies regarding start dates is crucial to avoid complications and ensure compliance with insurance regulations.
• Seeking backdated health insurance coverage is generally discouraged due to regulatory limitations and potential risks associated with violating insurance policies.

It's common to find oneself unable to cover all monthly expenses after some emergency. Sometimes even I have caught myself thinking, "What if I don’t pay my health insurance premium?" The solution to this frequently asked question is not as simple as you might think. 

Impact of Not Paying Health Insurance Premium

Let’s see what happens if you don’t pay health insurance premium and how it might affect you.

• Grace Period: Typically, you get a 7 to 15 day grace period to pay any missed premiums to avoid policy lapse.

• Policy Lapse Risk: If you fail to pay the insurance premium on time, you will no longer have the coverage provided by the policy. 

• Loss of completed waiting period: If you don’t pay the premium timely, you stand the risk of losing the completed waiting period to cover pre-exisiting disease (if any). 

• Coverage Loss: The insurance provider will no longer cover your medical expenses.

Policy Revival Conditions: Proof of insurability, showing you are in good health, or a medical examination may be required if it is sometime after the policy lapsed.

Have you been puzzled by what determines health insurance premiums? It's goes beyond simply selecting a policy. Let's delve into the key factors affecting health insurance, from age to lifestyle in a simple way!

Factors Affecting Health Insurance Premium

Being informed about which factor would influence the premiums of health insurance along with your family’s health conditions helps in selecting the most suitable insurance plans and add-ons. Here are the different factors that can nudge your health insurance premiums up or down.

• Age: This one of the critical factors that affect the premium amount. The younger you are, the lower your premium tends to be as younger individuals generally have fewer health issues and less need for medical assistance. It is kind of an early-bird advantage in the insurance world!

• Medical History: You are likely to pay more for insurance if you have a family history of diseases like cancer, high blood pressure, or heart disease. This increased risk necessitates more coverage, thus higher premiums. 

• Body Mass Index (BMI): Higher BMI often leads to increased premiums. People with high BMI are more prone to heart-related diseases, joint problems, and diabetes. This increases their likelihood of needing medical care. It is a way for insurers to balance the scales of risk.

• Smoking Status: Smokers pay higher premiums due to the greater health risks they face. From an insurer's perspective, it is like adding fuel to the fire of potential health issues.

• Pre-existing Health Conditions: Having pre-existing health conditions means higher premiums. Your insurance plan needs to cover these specific conditions, and it requires additional coverage. 

• Geographical Location: Where you live can influence your premium rates. Some areas have higher medical costs and thus command higher premiums. It is all about the cost of care in your neighbourhood.

Profession/Occupation: Your job can impact your health and consequently your insurance premium. Stressful or hazardous work environments can lead to health issues and result in higher premiums.

In our nation, the significance of health insurancе is growing, sеrving as a crucial financial safety nеt during unforеsееn mеdical crisеs. Cеntral to this considеration is thе pivotal еlеmеnt of thе prеmium amount. Agе еmеrgеs as a pivotal dеtеrminant, with advancing yеars corrеlating to an upswing in insurancе costs, rеflеcting hеightеnеd risks associatеd with mortality, hospitalisation, and mеdical еxpеnditurеs.

Does Health Insurance Cost More as You Age?

Yеs, health insurance premiums increase with agе. Sеvеral factors contributed to this trеnd:

• Incrеasеd Hеalth Risks: Physical fragileness is one of the leading reasons for ailments. Insurеrs considered ageing as an incrеasеd risk whеn dеtеrmining prеmiums.

• Highеr Frеquеncy of Mеdical Carе: Dubious, why does health insurance increase with age!? Oldеr individuals oftеn rеquirе morе frеquеnt mеdical carе, including doctor visits, tеsts, and trеatmеnts. This highеr utilisation of hеalthcarе sеrvicеs contributes to highеr insurancе costs.

• Rising Hеalthcarе Costs: Thе ovеrall cost of hеalthcarе tеnds to risе ovеr timе duе to advancеmеnts in mеdical tеchnology, incrеasеd dеmand for hеalthcarе sеrvicеs, and inflation. Insurеrs pass on thеsе rising costs to policyholdеrs, with oldеr individuals facing highеr prеmiums.

• Prе-еxisting Conditions: Agе oftеn corrеlatеs with thе prеsеncе of prе-еxisting hеalth conditions. Insurеrs may chargе highеr prеmiums for individuals with еxisting health issues, furthеr contributing to incrеasеd costs as pеoplе agе.

• Limitеd Pool of Hеalthy Individuals: Youngеr individuals, who typically havе fеwеr hеalth issuеs, may subsidisе thе hеalthcarе costs of thе ovеrall insurancе pool. As pеoplе agе, thе numbеr of hеalthiеr individuals in thе insurancе pool dеcrеasеs, lеading to highеr prеmiums for thе ageing population.

• Longеr Lifе Expеctancy: Longеr lifе еxpеctancy mеans that individuals may rеquirе health insurancе covеragе for a morе еxtеndеd pеriod. Insurеrs account for thе potеntial for morе еxtеndеd pеriods of covеragе and thе associatеd risks whеn sеtting prеmiums for oldеr individuals.

Hope you can handle the question: Does health insurance get more expensive as you get older? 

While making healthcare decisions, always consider weighing your options! Choose plans that align with your evolving medical needs.

Rеnеwing your health insurancе onlinе is a convеniеnt and еfficiеnt procеss that еnsurеs you continuе to havе unintеrruptеd covеragе. With thе advancеmеnt of technology, insurancе providеrs offеr usеr-friеndly onlinе platforms to simplify thе rеnеwal procеss. The question arises: can I renew my health insurance after its expiration? Well, the answer is - yes, you can. Follow thеsе stеps to еasily navigatе through thе rеnеwal procеss and sеcurе your continuеd hеalth covеragе.

How to Renew Health Insurance Online?

A quick reply to how to renew health insurance is to go online: watch a YouTube video or seek customer care assistance. Rеnеwing hеalth insurancе onlinе has bеcomе a hasslе-frее and еfficiеnt procеss in today's digital еra. Follow thеsе stеps to еnsurе a smooth rеnеwal еxpеriеncе:

Accеss thе Insurancе Providеr's Wеbsite - Bеgin by visiting thе official wеbsitе of your health insurancе providеr. Ensurе that thе wеbsitе is sеcurе to protеct your sеnsitivе information.

Providе Policy Dеtails - Input your policy numbеr and pеrsonal information as rеquirеd. Doublе-chеck thе accuracy of thе dеtails to avoid any еrrors during thе rеnеwal procеss.

Rеviеw Policy Information - Takе a minute to rеviеw your еxisting policy dеtails. Confirm that all thе information is up-to-date and accuratеly rеflеcts your covеragе nееds.

Prеmium Paymеnt Options - Sеlеct your prеfеrrеd paymеnt mеthod for rеnеwing thе prеmium—most insurancе wеbsitеs offеr sеcurе onlinе paymеnt gatеways to protеct your financial transactions.

Rеnеwal Confirmation - Aftеr complеting thе nеcеssary stеps, procееd to rеnеw your health insurancе policy. You should rеcеivе instant confirmation of thе rеnеwal, and updated policy documents will be provided.

Contact Customеr Support - If you have any quеstions or еncountеr issues during thе onlinе rеnеwal procеss, reach out to thе insurancе providеr's customеr support. Many companies offer onlinе chat or hеlplinе sеrvicеs to assist policyholdеrs.

Muscular sclerosis (MS) causes decreased nerve function with initial inflammation of the protective myelin nerve. It is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). In MS, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath and interrupts nerve signals from your brain to other parts. What causes muscular sclerosis in some people and not others is not clear, but scientists say that a combination of genetics and environmental factors appears to be responsible. 

What are the Causes of Muscular Sclerosis Disease?

Factors that may trigger MS include:

• Age: The studies say that MS can occur at any age but more cases are mainly reported around 20 and 40 years of age. 
• Sex: More cases of MS are reported in women i.e. 2 to 3 times as likely as men 
• Family history: The cases of MS are linked with family history if any of the parents or siblings have had MS in the past.
• Certain infections: The studies have reported cases of MS linked with a variety of viruses, including Epstein-Barr, the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis.
• Race and Ethnicity: White people are more likely to get this disease as compared to people of Asian, African or Native American descent have the lowest risk. 
• Climate: The cases of MS are far more common in countries with temperate climates, including Canada, the northern United States, and New Zealand, southeastern Australia Europe  etc. where temperature is either extremely cold or too hot.
• Vitamin D: People with low levels of vitamin D and less exposure to sunlight are at greater risk of developing MD disease.
• Your genes: A gene on chromosome 6p21 has been studied to be associated with multiple sclerosis. People with this gene are at greater risk of developing MS.

An ailment can have far reaching effects on the health of a person. At such times, quality medical care is extremely essential to make a full recovery. With quality treatment at health care institutes come hospital bills which may not be within everyone’s financial capacity. At times, the paucity of adequate available finances can be a limiting factor to get sufficient medical care and can also prove fatal. With the increasing cost of health care, it is wiser to buy a health policy in India, so that sudden expenditure during medical exigency does not cause panic and stress.
When looking for a best health insurance policy, it would be beneficial to buy a comprehensive health insurance cover as it offers extensive coverage. Such a health cover cuts out the hassles of arranging for finances during a medical emergency and also ensures optimal treatment for your family. The ICICI Lombard Complete Health Insurance by ICICI Lombard for example may be a good option to consider when buying health policy in India. As there is no age limit, any person is eligible to take this policy. Not only that, persons below 46 years of age desirous of purchasing this policy may not need to undergo any medical tests. For those above 46 years, the policy may be purchased easily by undergoing a medical test at any of the designated test centers recognized by the insurer.
One of the biggest advantages of this compressive health cover is the cashless claims feature. As the insurance company has a tie up with premium health care providers across the country, availing the best possible medical treatment is well within the insured’s reach. All medical expenses during such emergency hospitalisation are handled by the insurance provider. Such a health policy in India eliminates the need to arrange for money on a short notice and allows you to focus better on the well-being of your ailing family member.
With the floater benefit, the health insurance may extends coverage to your entire family, depending on policy terms and conditions. With the payment of a single premium, the benefits of the sum insured can be enjoyed by any insured family member. As you may not need to keep a track of different renewal dates, managing such a health policy is extremely convenient.

Updated on 23 Dec 2025

These days, vegan diets have become popular in India, not only because of environmental and ethical reasons, but also for the health advantages. Vega diets avoid all animal-based food items and focus on plant-based items, such as seeds, nuts, grains, pulses, vegetables, and fruits. Many individuals are picking this specific lifestyle to enhance their overall well-being, lower the chances of chronic diseases, and help manage weight.

Let’s understand this diet in detail from this blog.

What is a vegan diet?

Vegan diets are vegetarian diets that exclude all animal products, which include honey, dairy, eggs, fish and meat. Instead of animal-based items, the diet depends heavily on all the plant-based products.

In India, it’s not that difficult to follow this diet because many of the traditional Indian dishes are naturally vegan, like vegetable pulao, chapati, sabzi, and dal. The main focus here is on the whole foods, such as seeds, leafy green vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes that offer all the crucial nutrients.

What are the health benefits of a vegan diet?

Switching to a vegan diet can provide you with the following advantages:

• Weight Management

Meat, animal fats and proteins contain a lot of calories. But when you follow a vegan diet, there is no intake of these products. Therefore, it becomes easier to stay fit and slim. Moreover, there is also a greater intake of plant-based products that have a higher antioxidant content, leading to better metabolism and eventual weight reduction.

• More Nutritious

Vegan diets usually emphasise eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and unprocessed foods that are closer to their natural state, more than processed foods of any kind. This gives your body access to a lot of the vitamins and minerals that it needs, thereby providing it with more nutrition.

• Increases Energy

Plant-based diets tend to be lower in saturated fats and processed foods, which are often linked with sluggishness. Instead, a vegan diet centres on nutrient-dense foods that can promote sustained energy throughout the day.

• Prevents Heart Disease

Vegan sources of fat come from nuts and other vegetables and are healthier than the fat sources from animal products, since they contain lesser bad cholesterol. Thus, a vegan diet reduces the amount of bad cholesterol in your system, thereby significantly reducing the chances of a heart attack. Moreover, it also reduces blood pressure and the risk of type 2 diabetes.

• Boosts Immunity and Prevents Chances of Cancer

The focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, which is a major part of a vegan diet, helps to add essential vitamins and minerals that boost immunity and keep your system alkaline. The antioxidants that are added to your system through a vegan diet also help fight diseases.

Moreover, since there is no intake of meat – particularly red meat – that has been proven to cause certain types of cancer, a vegan diet comes with a low cancer risk.

How to incorporate a vegan diet?

Shifting to a vegan diet doesn’t need to be overwhelming. You can take the following steps:

• Begin by replacing milk with oat, soy, or almond milk.
• Include a lot more legumes, such as lentils, rajma, and chana, in the meals.
• Consume many fruits and vegetables regularly.
• Try to experiment with vegan recipes, such as chickpea salad, mushroom biriyani, and tofu curry.
• Make sure you get enough protein from whole grains, seeds, nuts and soy.
• If needed, you can also take supplements for vitamin D and vitamin B12, which are not common in plant-based foods.

Conclusion

Vegan diets support better health, lower the chances of lifestyle diseases and also provide plenty of energy. Since India has many plant-based food items, switching to this specific diet will not be that difficult.

Furthermore, if you ever experience any health-related issue while following this diet, having a health insurance policy can help you greatly. It can not just cover all the medical expenses but also prevent financial burdens. You can obtain solutions and advice on individual health insurance plans by just filling out the form on this page. You can certainly get a plan to match your needs.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

With the rise in health-related problems in India, treatment costs have increased sharply. This has led to a higher demand for health insurance plans as they offer financial security during medical emergencies.

In the face of adversity, health insurance plans give access to quality healthcare facilities while reducing the financial burden. Selecting the right insurance plan can be difficult due to the different types of health insurance plans available in India.

Types of Health Insurance Plans in India

We will discuss here three different health insurance and types.

1. Individual Health Insurance

• Individual health insurance is designed for a single person, providing coverage for medical expenses and illness-related costs.
• This plan, purchased by a single individual, reimburses expenses for hospitalisation, surgery and pre/post-medication until reaching the insured limit.
• Covering hospitalisation, surgical procedures and medication costs, individual health insurance caters to the medical needs of a single person.

2. Family Health Insurance

• Known as the Family Floater Plan, it provides comprehensive coverage for an entire family.
• All family members, including the spouse, kids and elders, are covered under a family health insurance policy.
• Only one family member needs to pay the premium, ensuring the whole family is insured with a single payment.
• The premium calculation considers the age of the eldest family member in the coverage.
• When multiple family members require simultaneous treatment, insurance claims are applicable for everyone until the coverage limit is exhausted.
• To prevent an impact on the premium, it is advisable to exclude family members above 60 years from the coverage.

3. Critical Illness Insurance

• A critical illness insurance plan ensures a lump sum payout for major illnesses.
• During the policy acquisition, the policyholder selects the critical health issues covered.
• The policyholder becomes eligible to claim if they are diagnosed with any of the predetermined conditions.
• Filing a claim does not necessitate hospitalisation in this insurance type.
• Benefits are activated solely by the diagnosis of the critical illness.
• The fixed payout is unaffected by both pre- and post-hospitalisation costs.

Conclusion

With the continuously increasing expenses associated with medical treatments, people now find it imperative to invest in health insurance policies, ensuring coverage for both themselves and their family members. Hence, buyers must spend time and effort to educate themselves about different kinds of health insurance policies.

Updated on 24 Dec 2025

A health insurance policy comes with its own terms and metrics that can sometimes feel confusing to understand. PMPM is one such term. It stands for “per member per month.” PMPM in healthcare is a type of cost that represents the amount paid or received monthly for each individual enrolled in a managed care plan, often called capitation. It is the average cost or revenue generated per individual enrolled in a health plan within a month.

Continue reading this blog for more information on PMPM in the health insurance industry.

What is per member per month (PMPM)?

Per member per month (PMPM) is a healthcare finance metric that measures the average cost of providing health coverage and services for each enrolled individual every month. This cost can include medical claims, insurance premiums, administrative expenses or a combination of these.

Here is how it works:

• Useful for cost analysis by dividing the total cost or spending on healthcare services for a specific group by the number of members.
• Helps in financial budgeting and planning. It helps estimate future costs based on historical data and can assist in financial planning for healthcare services.

It is a performance indicator that evaluates the efficiency of healthcare programmes.

Here is how it is calculated:

The formula for calculating PMPM is straightforward:

PMPM = Total Number of Members / Total Cost of Spending × Time Period

Examples of PMPM in healthcare

In the healthcare industry, PMPM is used in several ways to track and manage costs. Some practical examples include:

Insurance premiums

An organisation can calculate the cost per employee as a PMPM cost.

Let’s understand with an example:

If the company has 500 employees, and the premium is for ₹ 5,00,000 per month, then the PMPM is ₹ 1,000.

Medical claims

Insurance companies use PMPM to calculate the average medical claims per member each month.

For example, the total claim for 2,000 members is ₹ 20,00,000 every month, then PMP is ₹ 1,000.

Capitated payments

Healthcare providers on a capitated model receive a fixed PMPM payment for each patient under their care to encourage efficient and preventive care.

How is PMPM different from other similar terms?

Here is how PMPM differs from other similar terms:

• Per capita cost: It refers to the average cost per person over a certain time period (often monthly, quarterly or annually).
• Per episode: This metric isolates the cost associated with a single medical encounter or “episode”, such as a hospital stay, surgery or outpatient visit.
• Per diem: It refers to the daily rate for a patient’s care in a hospital or facility.

Conclusion

Whether you hold a health insurance policy for a family or an organisation that has insured its employees, understanding PMPM can help manage the overall costs. By offering a clear view of the average monthly cost per member, it helps families, organisations and insurers plan budgets, compare policies and predict healthcare expenses.

While you focus on keeping your family healthy and prepared, let us help you manage the financial side of healthcare. Get personalised advice on health insurance by filling out the form on this page.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.