Scabies is a common and contagious skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is caused by tiny parasitic mites known as Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrow into the skin and lay their eggs. Scabies can cause intense itching, red spots, bumps, or blisters on the infected area of your body. This uncomfortable sensation often leads to severe sleep deprivation as the itching gets worse at night. Furthermore, if left untreated scabies can also lead to secondary bacterial infections and scarring from scratching. In this article, we will provide insight into scabies treatment; so you have all the information needed to take care of yourself should you end up dealing with it!

Treatment of Scabies

Scabies treatment includes killing the bugs and eggs with a medicated cream or pill. 

Your medical care provider will probably request that you apply the prescribed medication to your entire body, starting from the neck. You'll have to leave it on for no less than 8 to 14 hours. In some cases, you might need to apply the cream twice. More medicines might be required, assuming new side effects show up.

Since scabies spread with such ease, your medical care provider will probably suggest treating all family individuals and other close contacts, regardless of whether they have side effects of scabies.

Scabies Treatment Frequently Uses:

• Permethrin cream- This skin ointment with synthetics kills parasites that cause scabies and their eggs. It's considered safe for adults, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and youngsters north of 2 months old.

• Sulfur cream- This cream is a scabies treatment that can be applied temporarily, after which it is flushed off and reapplied for five evenings in succession. 

• Ivermectin (Stromectol). Ivermectin can be taken as in a pill form to treat scabies when creams don't work. It's frequently endorsed for individuals with crusted scabies. Ivermectin isn't suggested for pregnant or nursing individuals or kids who weigh under 33 pounds (15 kilograms).

Hyperplasia refers to the abnormal increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue, causing it to enlarge. This can sometimes be an indication of abnormal or precancerous changes. This condition is called pathologic hyperplasia. The cell growth can also be normal, then it is called physiologic hyperplasia.

The condition is something that a lot of people come across but often aren't sure how to address. So, let's dive into the treatments available for this hyperplasia and see how we can prevent or manage this condition effectively.

Treatment of Hyperplasia

Endometrial hyperplasia is most common in women aged between 50 and 60. The treatment for this primarily revolves around progestin therapy. It is a synthetic form of progesterone, a hormone that is typically low in individuals with this condition. Here's a breakdown of the various forms of progestin treatment:

Oral Progesterone Therapy:

It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and schedule whenever we take progesterone orally. This method can be convenient but requires consistency in taking the pill daily. It is effective in reversing hyperplasia in many cases and is often the first line of treatment. However, it is important to be aware of potential side effects like mood swings or weight gain.

Intrauterine Device (IUD) Containing Progesterone:

An IUD provides direct and localised hormone therapy, which often results in fewer systemic side effects compared to oral therapy. It is a long-term solution and it is usually effective for up to five years. It is particularly beneficial for women who are also seeking contraception. The IUD needs to be inserted and eventually removed by a healthcare professional and this requires a clinic visit.

Injection (Depo-Provera®):

The Depo-Provera® injection is usually given once every three months. This makes it a convenient option for those who prefer less frequent dosing. It is important to note that it might take some time for fertility to return to normal after stopping the injections. So, it is a significant consideration for those planning future pregnancies.

Vaginal Cream or Gel:

This localised treatment is often well-tolerated and can be a good choice for those who experience side effects with oral progesterone. The direct application allows for the absorption of progesterone right where it is needed, potentially reducing systemic side effects. It is an especially suitable option for postmenopausal women or those who may have contraindications to systemic therapy.

Each method of delivering progesterone has its specific advantages and considerations. Therefore, it is crucial to have a detailed discussion with a healthcare provider to understand the best treatment plan tailored to individual health needs and lifestyles.

Gangrene is a condition that causes the death of tissues from the lack of blood flow or bacterial infection. It usually affects the arms and legs. Gangrene is manifested as skin colour changes, swelling, blisters, immense pain followed by numbness, skin that feels too cold to touch, etc. 

Today, we will dive into the treatment options for gangrene, a condition that requires prompt attention to prevent further complications. Let's explore the various medical approaches to dealing with this serious issue.

Treatment of Gangrene

When it comes to gangrene treatment, it's not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Different cases may require different interventions, but here are some common procedures you might encounter:

• Antibiotics

In the case of gangrene, antibiotics play a crucial role in killing bacteria in the affected area.

• Surgery to Remove Dead Tissue (Debridement)

Surgical removal of dead tissue, known as debridement, is a key step in treating gangrene. 

• Maggot Debridement

In a somewhat unconventional approach, certain types of sterile maggots are introduced to the affected area. They munch away the dead tissue, promoting a clean slate for healing. 

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

In hyperbaric oxygen therapy, patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurised room or chamber. This boosts oxygen levels in the blood, helping the body fight infection and stimulate the growth of new tissue. 

• Vascular Surgery

Sometimes, gangrene is a result of impaired blood flow. Vascular surgery aims to improve blood circulation by repairing damaged vessels. 

Did you know that today, about half the group with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) can live past 40 years? Research shows that children born with the condition can live longer than before.

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, many patients can now enjoy healthy, fulfilling lives. This is due to significant advancements in Cystic Fibrosis treatment and care.

Several treatments can help ease the health issues caused by the condition. The common ones include medications for gene mutations, anti-inflammatory drugs and mucus-thinning medications. Once you control the symptoms, it becomes easier to manage the condition. You also get to prevent further complications. Let’s explore further the medication treatment options for Cystic Fibrosis in this blog.

Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis

• Medications for Gene Mutations

This is a new medicine combination of three drugs. It acts as a remedy to the most common genetic mutation that causes CF. Doctors consider it a significant treatment accomplishment.

• Anti-inflammatory Drugs

They function to reduce instances of swelling in the airways of your lungs.

• Mucus-thinning Medications

The drugs include hypertonic saline that works by allowing you to cough up mucus. This results in enhanced lung function.

• Inhaled Drugs

These drug types are known as bronchodilators. They function by keeping your airways open, hence resulting in relaxed muscles around the bronchial tubes.

• Oral Pancreatic Enzymes

They work to aid your digestive tract in nutrient absorption.

• Acid-reducing Drugs

These medications enhance the functioning of pancreatic enzymes.

What You Need to Know About Cystic Fibrosis Treatment

Even though it’s evident that there’s no permanent cure for Cystic Fibrosis, treatment helps the patient benefit in the following ways;

• Ease the uncomfortable symptoms
• Reduce further health complications
• Improve patient’s overall quality of life. 

With a doctor’s close and continuous monitoring, together with early intervention, the Cystic Fibrosis patient is likely to live healthy and longer. Such treatment measures help in slowing down the CF progression, hence a better quality of life for the person. Also, whenever necessary, doctors will prescribe particular drugs for conditions like diabetes or liver disease.

Take note that the management of CF can be complex. Thus, it helps to prioritise getting the right Cystic Fibrosis treatment. Also, ensure you’re well-armed with suitable health insurance. Be certain to renew the health insurance policy on time so that nothing can delay your access to the necessary treatment and care. 

Bell's palsy is also referred to as acute peripheral facial palsy, and it happens due to an unknown cause. It is an undetermined episode involving facial muscle weakness or paralysis. It begins instantly and may worsen over 48 hours. The condition happens due to facial nerve (7th cranial nerve) damage. The pain and discomfort are often felt on one side of the face and head.

Bell's palsy can occur in individuals of any age, but it's less common in people below 15 years and those over 60 years. 

Recovery starts mostly around 2 weeks to 6 months after the start of the symptoms. Most patients with Bell's Palsy recover their full facial expression and strength.

Treatment of Bell’s Palsy

The sooner the Bell's Palsy treatment begins, the higher the chance for faster and full recovery. The therapies include:

Drug Prescription

Common drugs prescribed by physicians to treat Bell's Palsy include: 

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medicines that help reduce facial nerve swelling. They work best if the patient starts the prescription within a few days after the onset of the symptoms.

People with the condition are likely to recover quickly and more completely after taking corticosteroids. These drugs tend to reduce inflammation, which most doctors believe could be the cause of Bell's Palsy. Some of the Corticosteroids include Prednisone and oral glucocorticoids.

Antiviral Drugs

When added to steroids, antiviral drugs can benefit some individuals with Bell's Palsy condition. For instance, antivirals like valacyclovir (Valtrex) or acyclovir (Zovirax), given together with prednisone, could work effectively in those with severe facial palsy.

Physical Therapy

Working with a physical therapist to treat Bell's Palsy can be one of the best remedies. The therapist will offer facial exercises that can help reduce the recovery time frame. The physical therapist can train patients how to massage the facial muscles gently. Some exercises recommended to help a Bell's Palsy patient work by

• Maximising the symmetry of the face
• Supporting facial movement towards recovery
• Limiting the restrain of the facial side that's unaffected by the condition
• Giving some sensation and movement to the affected part of the face to speed recovery

Some of the common facial exercises include:

• Gently pulling the mouth out to a smiling position using one finger at the corner of the weakened side of the mouth.
• Lifting the eyebrow and closing the eyelid gently using one finger

• Surgical Options

The doctor will often recommend surgery as the last Bell's Palsy treatment option. This is only suggested if a patient's symptoms fail to improve months after initiating other treatments. 

The surgery option may include:

• The transfer of muscles from other body areas to the face
• Weight insertion into the eyelid to enable it to close
• Facial nerve decompression, although doctors rarely recommend this option. It involves a nerve sheath opening alongside a bony canal to help ease pressure on the facial nerves.

Amnesia is the medical term for memory loss. There are two forms of this condition. The inability to store and remember new information is called anterograde amnesia and the difficulty to retrieve old information is called retrograde amnesia. Pathological memory loss can also occur due to any trauma (Post-traumatic amnesia), stress (Dissociative amnesia), brain disease, brain infection, brain tumour, etc. Excessive or long-term use of alcohol can also cause amnesia. The management of the condition very much depends upon the patient’s health status and usually requires multiple healing approaches.    

Treatment of Amnesia

Any specific treatment is not available for the different types of amnesia. Depending upon the patient’s health and medical background certain approaches and medicines are used to improve brain function and prevent the progression of amnesia.    

Amnesia treatment approaches include:

• Occupational therapy – These include cognitive training. This is done by an occupational therapist who helps the patient to rehearse through repetitive stimuli. This helps the patient enhance their memory retention. Common behavioural strategies include breathing exercises and Tai Chi movements.
• Behavioural therapy – These include strategies that help children memorise things. This is done by letting them listen to rhymes, have short exposure to photos, play memory games, etc. 
• Medications – There is no approved medicine for amnesia. But medicines are effective in case of amnesia associated with diseases like -  

• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome 
• Brain infection 
• Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington chorea, etc.   Such patients can benefit from the medicine cholinesterase. 
• Psychiatric diseases (e.g., depression). People with these conditions can benefit from anti-depression medicines.
• Psychological diseases due to any mental trauma 

• Technological aid – In this technologically advanced digital era, many handy smartphone applications are available to help patients keep track of their daily activities. Smartphones and tablets can help patients organise their daily tasks with time alarm systems, handwritten notes, etc.
• Healthy lifestyle – A physically active lifestyle helps to enhance brain function and can prevent further memory loss.  

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disease of the gastrointestinal system that causes altered bowel habits and abdominal discomfort, if not associated with any other disease. It is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disease in primary care hospitals. Even so, many IBS cases go undetected due to various socio-economic reasons. Many cases of IBS in females present with abdominal pain and constipation, while in males it is associated with diarrhoea. Broadly IBS can be categorised as IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D), IBS with constipation (IBS-C), and IBS with mixed pattern (IBS-M). IBS is manageable through changes in food habits and certain medicines.     

Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)          

The indications of IBS vary depending upon the underlying cause and the treatment given is subjective to the symptoms experienced. The treatment includes both medicines and some non-pharmaceutical approaches, particularly for mild cases. Nonetheless, the IBS treatment given should be personalised and must consider the patient’s health status and medical background. Treatments are given to reduce symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, cramping, etc. With the required individualised treatment approach the symptoms can be managed and the quality of life of the patients can be

Commonly practiced irritable bowel syndrome treatments are:

Non-pharmaceutical approaches

• For IBS-C, fiber supplements, and herbal laxatives are recommended to reduce the problem.
• Whereas, in the case of IBS-D, a probiotic is given as a supplement.

Pharmaceutical approaches

• Magnesium hydroxide oral (Phillips' Milk of Magnesia) or polyethylene glycol (Miralax) are recommended as laxatives for IBS-C patients.
• Loperamide is given to IBS-D patients to treat diarrhoea
• Psyllium (Metamucil) helps to reduce IBS-C symptoms
• Many anti-diarrheal, anti-constipation, and anti-cholinergic medicines like tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and diphenhydramine have a wide range of actions including on smooth muscle located in the Gastro-Intestinal tract to reduce the symptoms of IBS.
• Analgesics or pain medicines are given to reduce abdominal pain
• Certain drugs particularly recommended for IBS patients are –
• Rifaximin: reduces abdominal pain and diarrhoea
• Alosetron (Lotronex): Used to treat IBS-D in females
• Eluxadoline (Viberzi): Reduces muscle contraction and secretions in the intestine

Physical activity

• Enhanced physical activity can help improve the symptoms by increasing the transit time of food through the colon.

• Reducing the intake of FODMAPs – FODMAPs refer to fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These are present in foods like wheat products, onions, certain fruits and vegetables, sorbitol, and some dairy. FODMAPs are known to increase abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS patients. 

Cardiac arrest is a critical medical emergency characterised by the sudden cessation of the heart's pumping function. A person loses consciousness, stops breathing, and has a weak or no pulse. This is a potentially fatal circumstance. It is imperative to respond quickly. Health insurance financially supports to have access to life-saving measures, ensuring timely intervention during emergencies. Cardiac arrest treatment demands immediate action. The likelihood of surviving a cardiac arrest can be significantly increased by acting quickly and taking the appropriate action.

Treatment of cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest treatment involves immediate medical interventions to restore the heart's function and support the person's life. This usually consists of:

1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR

• CPR entails rescue breathing and rapid chest compressions
• To maintain blood circulation and avert possible deaths after abrupt cardiac arrest, this life-saving method is essential.
• Performing CPR as soon as possible helps to keep oxygen flowing to critical organs, improving the patient's chances of life during crucial cardiac emergency minutes.

2. Defibrillation for Heart Rhythm Restoration:

• Using an automatic external defibrillator, defibrillation attempts to restart the heart's normal rhythm by applying an electric shock.
• This procedure addresses tachycardia in cases of cardiac arrest and other situations.
• Defibrillation can effectively restore a regular heartbeat and improve survival rates during major cardiac episodes.

3. Heart Rhythm and Symptom Management Medicines:

• Supplemental medications that regulate heart function and lessen possible triggers for cardiac events include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers. These are administered to treat arrhythmias or lower the risk of sudden cardiac death.
• These drugs are essential for preserving heart health and reducing the risk of potentially fatal cardiac problems.

4. Heart Surgery:

• In some circumstances, surgery is required to implant cardiac devices or remove blockages causing cardiac problems.
• The goal of these procedures is to address underlying issues that may be interfering with proper cardiac function, such as blockages or abnormalities.

Tularemia Disease, or rabbit fever, is caused by a highly infectious gram negative bacterium that commonly affects rabbits and other rodents. It can sometimes get transmitted to humans and varies greatly in symptoms.  

What are the Causes of Tularemia Disease?

Tularemia is caused by bacteria that can survive in a variety of substrates like soil, water, air, and on dead animals.  It doesn’t occur naturally to humans but is transmitted from rabbits and other infected animals to humans through several means. 

The following are known risk factors and causes for tularaemia disease:

• Insect bite – It is one of the major causes of tularemia disease where the infecting bacteria are transmitted through insects (deer fly, tick, etc.) to humans, which explains why nearly all cases occur in rural areas.
• Contact transmission – It occurs in people living in close contact with animals. Handling infected animals or their meat is a common source of tularemia disease.
• Food & Water transmission – Tularemia caused by ingestion of food or water can  occur if someone eats undercooked or raw meat from infected animal or shares the drinking water source with infected animal.
•  Air transmission – Cases also resulted from inhaling airborne bacteria and from laboratory accidents. It is particularly true for people working with animals or working in gardens. Even people doing construction activities can also ingest infecting bacteria through soil. 

Like the other insurance products in the market, COVID-19 insurance is a specialised health policy that covers hospitalisation and treatment expenses related to the virus infection. COVID-19 health insurance coverage comes in dedicated policy forms, including the Corona Kavach and Rakshak cover. Many general insurance companies in India began offering travel and medical insurance with COVID coverage after the pandemic.

Benefits of a Covid 19 Insurance

The benefits of a COVID-19 insurance policy include the following:

1. Financial Protection to Your Loved Ones

A COVID-19 health insurance policy provides financial stability to a person’s family in case of that individual's demise due to the disease. So, if a person has this policy and has contracted coronavirus and couldn’t survive this disease, in that case, his family member who is a nominee will receive the entire sum assured in the policy. 

2. Affordable Premiums

With a Corona insurance policy, one can receive coverage for medical and non-medical expenses by paying a nominal premium. Treatment for COVID-19 can sometimes be very expensive and can cost lakhs of rupees, in case it becomes severe. So, opting for a COVID-19 health insurance policy will help to meet the medical expenditures at an affordable cost. 

3. Uncomplicated Claim Settlement Procedure

COVID-19 health insurance offers a quick claim settlement policy that will help the insured get his claims at the earliest. This policy offers a cashless/online settlement option so that the person doesn’t have to go to the billing counters to settle his bills. The insurance agents will assist the insured in claiming and settling the expenses.

4. Inflation-Proof Your Financial Planning

The expense of healthcare has risen tremendously during the pandemic as people are forced to spend their money to get premium treatments in the hospital. Most rely on their funds to deal with emergencies without a health policy. The COVID-19 health insurance policy also assures to benefit the insured’s family if the person dies of COVID-19 disease.

To continue our fight against COVID-19, staying informed about all coronavirus treatments is paramount. From remedies such as antivirals to vaccines ⎯ is the information just too much? Well, that’s where we come in: to help break down what may seem impossible to deal with when it comes to treatment of Covid-19.

What is the Treatment of Covid-19 Disease?

Let's walk through the options that we resort to for the treatment of Covid-19:

• Nirmatrelvir with Ritonavir (Paxlovid): This specific treatment is for adults and younger kids of the age of 12 and up. Once you start having those COVID symptoms, jump on this treatment as soon as you can, but no later than five days after. The greatest thing about it? It’s an at-home oral treatment, which works pretty well!

• Remdesivir (Veklury): This antiviral is suitable for kids and adults. If you're within a week of the first symptom, it is your go-to. However, it involves going to a medical facility for 3 consecutive days for IV infusions.

• Molnupiravir (Lagevrio): This one is specifically for adults. Much like Paxlovid, you must start taking it as soon as symptoms begin and within 5 days. This is also something that you can take as soon as possible in the comfort of your own home in pill form.

• What Else to Remember: These treatments may also interfere with other medications and sometimes cause unwanted side effects. Therefore, it would be best if you could take a few minutes to speak with your doctor about what may be good for you! Don't know who to talk to? Many local community health centres have walk-in clinics!

• Under Treatment Options: You don’t have to be alarmed if you end up in the hospital as different treatments are available now to suit individual conditions. If you have a weaker immune system, you may need to get convalescent plasma for treatment.

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.

To guarantee complete coverage, adding a spouse to health insurance requires many processes. Thinking about how to add a spouse to health insurance? Well, it involves carefully navigating insurance policies and workplace requirements, from eligibility verification to filling out required paperwork and documents. If you want to add your spouse to your health insurance plan, you must be aware of these procedures. Continue reading the following section to learn more about how to add your wife's name to your health insurance.

Ways to Include Your Spouse in Health Insurance Plan 

If you want to know how to add my spouse to my health insurance, make sure you follow the following guidelines-

1. The Family Floater Schem

• It expedites the newlywed girl's post-marriage enrolment in a family-floater health insurance plan. 
• The plan may be quickly documented and, depending on predefined terms and conditions, may replace previous coverage when it is ported.

2. New Health Insurance Cover

• If an individual was previously uninsured, obtaining individual health insurancecoverage should be given priority.
• Even with pre-marriage family-floater coverage, choosing an individual plan has advantages against premium increases, even though the monthly investment is larger.

3. Addition of Spouse to Current Plan:

• This feature enables the addition of a spouse to a current, all-inclusive health insurance plan. 
• Adding a spouse to the policy is made more accessible by submitting a marriage certificate and completing the required procedures. 
• Depending on their respective financial circumstances, both couples may split the due premiums, saving money.

4. Employer Health Insurance Plan

• Many government and corporate organisations provide health insurance to their employees, with an extension of coverage offered for their partners.
• You can contact the HR department at your office or talk to the insurance provider about adding your spouse to your health insurance plan.

Eligibility for Adding Spouse to Your Health Insurance Plan

While most health insurance policies allow the inclusion of spouses, it’s essential to meet specific eligibility criteria:

1. Marriage Status

   Proof of marital status is a basic requirement. Insurers usually require a marriage certificate as evidence.

2. Age Restrictions
   

   Policies often have age limits for dependents. Most insurers cover spouses up to a specific age, such as 65 or 70, though this can vary.

3. Policy-Specific Terms
   

   The terms of your existing policy will dictate when and how you can add your spouse. For instance, some policies allow mid-term additions, while others require you to wait until renewal.

4. Employment Status
   

   If your partner is covered by medical insurance from their employer, benefits of both your health insurance policies may be aligned or wavered.

Documents Required to Add Your Spouse

To add your spouse to your health insurance plan, you’ll need to submit certain documents. These typically include:

1. Address-cum-Identity Proof
   

   Government-issued IDs such as Aadhaar, passport, or driver’s licence for both the policyholder and the spouse and joint proof of residence in case of relationships or domestic partnerships.

2. Marriage Certificate
   

   A valid marriage certificate is required to confirm your marital status.

3. Photographs
   

   Recent passport-sized photographs of both the policyholder and spouse.

4. Income Proof
   

   Sometimes income proof such as salary slips are needed as proofs of joint income of both partners.

5. Proposal Forms and Nominee Declaration

   These documents provide all required information about the policyholder's spouse and act as proof of their eligibility for making claims.

Impact on Premiums and Coverage 

Adding your spouse to your health insurance plan can affect premiums and coverage. Here’s how:

1. Increase in Premium
   

   Including an additional member increases the overall sum insured and, consequently, the premium. The amount depends on factors like the spouse’s age, health status, and the type of policy.

2. Enhanced Coverage
   

   A family floater plan distributes the sum insured among all members. Adding your spouse ensures they are covered, but it also means the available sum insured will now be shared.

3. Tax Benefits
   

   Premiums paid for health insurance, including coverage for your spouse, are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.

Points to Consider Before Buying Coverage for Your Spouse

Before including your spouse in your health insurance policy, keep these factors in mind:

1. Compare Policies
   

   Assess whether adding your spouse to an existing policy or purchasing a new individual policy is more beneficial. Compare premiums, coverage, and terms.

2. Evaluate Coverage Needs
   

   Consider your spouse’s medical history and potential healthcare needs. Ensure the sum insured is adequate for the combined coverage.

3. Waiting Periods
   

   Review the waiting periods for pre-existing conditions or maternity benefits. If your spouse plans to have children soon, maternity coverage becomes an essential consideration.

4. Policy Renewal Terms
   

   Verify the impact on renewal terms, especially if your spouse has health issues. Some insurers may adjust premiums or terms during renewal based on the health profile of insured members. 

5. Plan for Future

   If you are planning a family, consider benefits such as maternity coverage while adding your spouse to your medical insurance. Consult your insurance provider to check if your policy includes coverage for your family’s future needs or can be updated later to include the same.

Conclusion

Even though it's not required, changing health insurance after marriage shows responsible money management. Marriage changes financial obligations and coverage. Thus, it should be considered for increased coverage. Insurance may be updated or modified to meet changing demands and provide sufficient coverage for both partners and their growing families. This is a prudent move that will pay off in the long run.

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.

Muscular sclerosis or multiple sclerosis (MS) disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own central nervous system (CNS) causing inflammation of CNS and loss of myelin sheath over the neurons. Early muscular sclerosis diagnosis is important for disease management. 

What is the Diagnosis of Muscular Sclerosis Disease?

According to the symptoms, muscular sclerosis tests are performed for proper diagnosis:

• Blood tests – This test is particularly done to rule out the possibility of having other diseases with similar symptoms.
• Lumbar puncture/spinal tap – This test is done to diagnose the presence of muscular sclerosis as well to rule out the possibility of other diseases. In this test a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid is taken and used to identify the presence of auto-antibodies. 
• Evoked potential test – This test records the electrical signals produced by the brain. It gives the information about how the electrical signal travels and tells about any slowed conduction due to presence of plaques (lesions).
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – It is an imaging technique that uses radio waves and magnets to produce images of internal organs. It is the most preferred method to diagnose muscular sclerosis and also to monitor the disease course. 

Multiple Sclerosis, or muscular sclerosis (MS), is a debilitating chronic autoimmune disease that affect the central nervous system (CNS) inside the brain. The affected CNS is clinically manifested as variety of symptoms of muscular sclerosis disease such as blurred vision, muscle weakness, cognitive decline etc.    

What are the Symptoms of Muscular Sclerosis Disease?

The severity of muscular sclerosis symptoms depends upon the location and burden of the focal lesions caused due to inflammation of impacted CNS. The early signs of muscular sclerosis are almost always associated with vision impairment, which can further lead to broad range symptoms depending upon the lesions in CNS. The following are some common symptoms:

• Vision impairment – Muscular sclerosis disease can lead to loss of vision either in one eye or in both eyes. Blurred vision, double vision or symptom of optic neuritis can also be seen in muscular sclerosis patients.
• Gait impairment – MS is associated with loss of strength in legs and arms leading to impaired gait (walking disability) and other activities of hand and legs. 
• Bulbar impairment – It represents the loss of muscular and neural control while eating or talking leading to dysfunctional speech (Dysarthria) or difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia).
• Urinary and bowel movement impairment – MS can lead to impaired urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urine urgency, constipation, diarrhoea, etc. 
• Motor activity impairment – Muscular sclerosis disease is associated with loss of common motor skills and overall weakness. Motor impairment also results into tremor, fatigue, and spasticity.
• Sensory impairment –Loss of sensation, or sensation of tingling, pricking, burning, or painful sensation can be a symptom of muscular sclerosis. It can further lead to sexual dysfunction. 
• Mental and cognitive impairment – Psychiatric symptoms like anxiety, depression; and cognitive symptoms like memory loss, difficult in concentrating, and doing daily activities is a tertiary effect of MS.

Hеalth insurancе policiеs oftеn comе with еxclusions, dеtailing specific mеdical sеrvicеs or conditions that arе not covеrеd. Thеsе health insurance еxclusions vary among plans but typically include cosmеtic procеdurеs, еxpеrimеntal trеatmеnts, and cеrtain prе-еxisting conditions. Undеrstanding thеsе еxclusions is crucial for individuals sееking comprеhеnsivе hеalthcarе covеragе tailorеd to thеir nееds.

Health Insurance Policy Exclusions

Understanding medical insurance exclusions in health policies is crucial for individuals seeking comprehensive coverage. Here are some standard exclusions in health insurance policies:

• Pre-Existing Diseases: Pre-existing disease means conditions existing before policy purchase. Most policies impose waiting periods for pre-existing illnesses such as cataracts, arthritis, and congenital conditions. Cosmetic surgeries are often excluded from coverage.

• Waiting Period: During thе waiting pеriod in hеalth insurancе, policyholdеrs arе prohibitеd from making any mеdical claims. Thе waiting pеriod signifiеs thе duration during which spеcific illnеssеs arе not covеrеd, and a policyholdеr can only accеss thе full bеnеfits of thе policy aftеr its complеtion. 

• Lifestyle Diseases: Lifestyle diseases encompass conditions like lung diseases resulting from excessive smoking and disorders affecting the liver and pancreas due to excessive alcohol consumption. Health insurance policies either entirely exclude coverage for these ailments or may provide coverage but with elevated premiums.

• Cosmetic Procedures: Cosmetic procedures, often sought for facial enhancements, are typically excluded from health insurance coverage unless necessitated by specific situations such as accidents or injuries.

• Maternity Expenses: Concerning maternity expenses, standard health insurance policies often do not cover them. Individuals seeking coverage for maternity-related costs may need to inquire about specific policies or add-ons. 

Conclusion

Understanding thе еxclusions in a health insurancе policy is paramount for informеd dеcision-making. Thеsе еxclusions, ranging from prе-еxisting disеasеs to cosmеtic procеdurеs and matеrnity еxpеnsеs, shapе thе scopе of covеragе. By being aware of thеsе limitations, individuals can tailor their insurancе choicеs to align with their specific hеalthcarе nееds.