ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Activate Booster (Top Up Health Insurance)
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Activate Booster (Top Up Health Insurance)
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance policies :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

When choosing a health insurance policy for a family, understanding the finer details, such as sub-limits, is crucial. Many policyholders overlook this aspect, only to face financial surprises during claims. Sub-limits in health insurance can impact how much you are reimbursed for specific medical expenses. In this blog, we will explore what sub-limits are, their importance, types, and how they affect a health insurance plan.

What is a sub-limit?

Sub-limit is a monetary cap that your insurer places on your health insurance claim. It limits the reimbursement amount for certain treatments, room rent, or procedures, even if the total sum insured is higher.

Let us assume-  due to medical complications, my wife's medical bill went up to Rs. 1 lakh. Our health policy had a sub-limit of Rs. 40,000 for the treatment of kidney stones. Hence, I will have to shell out the balance of Rs. 60,000 from my pocket.

What is the sub-limit in health insurance?

In a health insurance for family, a sub-limit determines how much the insurer will pay for particular medical expenses. It applies to hospital room rent, doctor's consultation charges, ambulance charges and a few common medical procedures as well.

Importance of sub-limit in a health insurance plan

Understanding sub-limits in a health insurance plan helps in:

1. Managing out-of-pocket expenses: Policies with lower sub-limits may require you to pay more from your own pocket.
2. Choosing the right coverage: Helps in selecting a health insurance policy with flexible or no sub-limits for better financial security.
3. Optimising premium costs: Policies with sub-limits tend to have lower premiums, making them cost-effective.
4. Avoiding claim disputes: Knowing sub-limits beforehand ensures smooth claim settlement without unexpected deductions.

Types of sub-limits in health insurance

Sub-limits can vary based on the insurer and the policy. The common types include:

1. Room Rent Capping

• Limits the coverage on hospital room charges per day.
• If you exceed the limit, the extra cost is borne by you.
• Example: A sub-limit of ₹4,000 per day on room rent means you pay extra if you choose a more expensive room.

2. Treatment-Based Sub-Limit

• A cap on specific medical procedures like cataract surgery, hernia surgery, or joint replacement.
• Example: A ₹40,000 sub-limit for cataract surgery means you will bear the additional cost if the surgery expenses exceed this amount.

3. Post-Hospitalisation & Pre-Hospitalisation Expense Sub-Limit

• Limits reimbursement for diagnostic tests, doctor consultations, and follow-ups before and after hospitalisation.
• Example: If your health insurance plan covers pre-hospitalisation expenses up to ₹10,000 but your actual expenses are ₹15,000, you pay the ₹5,000 difference.

4. Specific Disease or Illness Sub-Limit

• Some policies have sub-limits on high-cost treatments like kidney dialysis, chemotherapy, or heart surgeries.
• Example: A health insurance policy for a family may cover heart surgery up to ₹2 lakhs, even if the total sum insured is ₹10 lakhs.

5. Ambulance Charges Sub-Limit

• Caps on ambulance expenses for hospitalisation.
• Example: A sub-limit of ₹2,000 on ambulance costs means you’ll pay extra if the actual charge is ₹3,000.

Conclusion

Now that you know about sub-limits on insurance policies, you are ready to take a look at your own health insurance. Firstly, enquire about the sub-limit clause in your existing health policy. In case you feel that your coverage isn't adequate, as a next step, opt for upgrading the Sum Insured. When choosing a health insurance policy for a family, consider whether you prefer a lower premium with sub-limits or a comprehensive plan without restrictions. Remember to read the policy fine print and look for co-payment and other restrictive options. Lastly, go through the list of exclusions before selecting a policy that best suits your needs and finances.

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.

Mediclaim will insure you and your family of medical coverage for all members as well under a separate policy.

With the advent of new technology, the medical and health sector has seen tremendous growth. There are new drugs to fight illnesses that were initially considered incurable. However, the cost of these drugs is not something that you can keep paying for too long without draining your savings. Even the cost of normal healthcare has increased in keeping with the upwardly mobile economy. For a middle class family, a medical emergency could mean a drain on their savings. Therefore, it is only health insurance that can assure you of proper medical care in emergencies.

In a health insurance scheme, a person of a certain age can get coverage of a fixed amount of medical expenses per annum by paying a premium annually. With health insurance therefore, you can insure yourself of proper treatment in a reputed hospital.

In addition to the basic benefits inbuilt in a health insurance, there are other features and coverage in many of the policies offered by different companies.

• Family floater plans:

Under such plans you pay slightly higher premium to cover up to 4 members of the family under the same plan. It provides the flexibility of choosing a cover for the entire family. If one member of the family is hospitalised and money is needed for his treatment out of the assured sum, the balance money is available for other members. In the family floater scheme, you will get proper medical care for the whole family.

• Hospitalisation cash benefit:
  Under this clause, for every completed day of hospitaslisation the insured gets cash benefits. This compensates to a large extent for the expenses incurred for hospitalisation and loss of earnings for staying away from work.
• Pre hospitalisation and post hospitalisation benefits:
  There are some mediclaim policies which provide coverage for diagnostic and medicinal charges 60-90 days prior to hospitaslisation. Similarly, after discharge from the hospital, expenses related to check up and medicines are reimbursed for a specified period.
• Cashless facility:
  Under this facility you are not required to pay the bills to the hospital put of your own savings. There is direct settlement with the hospital. The payment of hospital charges is done by a Third Party Administrator (TPA) which in turn settles the reimbursement with the insurance company. This arrangement is done for a network of hospitals. You can get proper treatment in any of these hospitals under the cashless facility.
  
  A good policy assures you of many benefits that you can avail of at present or in the future. Invest in one now to save yourself troubles in the near future.

A list of reasons that can lead to the rejection of your health insurance claim

Customers buy health insurance with a mindset that it will rescue them from severe medical emergencies. But what happens when the claim is rejected? The setback of claim rejection can have major financial implications for the insured. The rising costs of hospitalization and medicines further intensify the apprehension, leaving the insured vulnerable.

You need financial support to recover from an illness or injury and medical expenses are the last thing that you want to be bothered about. To ensure that your claim is not rejected and you get reimbursed on time, you must adhere to these points before making a claim.

Waiting Period

Waiting period is the most common reason for health insurance claim rejections. Waiting period can be of different types depending on the insurer and policy. There may be an initial waiting period where a claim is rejected within 30-90 days of buying the cover. There may be a waiting period for pre-existing illnesses where the claim will get rejected within a specified period (usually 1-2 years) if the claim is made for the pre-existing illness. Besides, there may be specific waiting periods for medical conditions such as maternity.

Incorrect Information

It is probably one of the leading causes for claim rejections. The insurance policy is based on the details that the insured provides at the time of filling the proposal form. All insurance policies are based on good faith and the insured is expected to provide complete and honest information at the time of purchasing the policy. If any discrepancy is found or if an ailment is discovered, which was not informed to the insurer earlier, then the claim will be rejected.

Permanent Exclusions

Every insurance policy has certain permanent exclusions that will not be covered under any circumstances. These can be anything from certain diseases to treatments. Not all policies have the same content in their exclusion list. Therefore, it is advisable to go through the exclusions carefully to avoid unexpected surprises later on.

In this article, we empower you with all you need to know about depression as a condition. Combine that with the practical ways of battling depression (you can find Part 1 here and Part 2 here), and depression doesn't stand a chance before you. Let's delve deeper into what really depression is, what are its causes and what more you can do to emerge victorious.

So, What is Depression?

Depression is a mental state in which a person experiences a low mood. He/she is averse to doing anything that might have an impact on his/her thoughts, feelings or behaviour. Emotions associated with depression are hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, helplessness, guilt and irritability. If worst comes to worst, the person loses all interest in the activities that once interested and excited him/her.

What Are the Possible Causes of Depression?

Depression is a normal emotional response to a sad event in life. However, prolonged sadness converts into psychological depression and is dangerous, if untreated. Some of the most common causes of depression can be classified as:

Matters of the Mind-Life Events

Life events like those during childhood (neglect, abuse, etc.), childbirth, menopause, financial problems, death of a near one, troubled relationships, social problems, may contribute to depressive state of mind. Diagnosis of chronic diseases, like AIDS or cancer, may also lead to depression.

Non-Psychological Reasons

Common amongst non-psychological reasons are infectious diseases and certain disorders (stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, hypothyroidism etc.). Depression is also linked to certain medications (interferon treatment in Hepatitis C infection) and drug abuse.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that entails physical postures, meditation, and deep breathing techniques. It is a spiritual discipline based on subtle science that focuses on bringing physical and mental strength into coordination. One of the many benefits of yoga is that it can help you deal with stress.

Preventive vs. curative care

The cost of healthcare has skyrocketed. Today, the average hospitalisation and related non-medical expenditures reach up to ₹16,956 (in rural regions) and ₹26,455 (in urban areas) per treatment. With limited healthcare resources and an increase in their demand, health insurance is crucial and it is safe to say that preventive measures hold the key to future healthcare.

The regular practice of yoga can help prevent non-communicable diseases such as blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular illness, thereby reducing the need for curative medicine. Yoga also serves as a stalwart solution to keep chronic back pain, arthritis and other lifestyle diseases at bay. Research published in the Complementary Therapies of M\edicines reveals that yoga is also effective in treating pain, anxiety, and depression in patients with chronic back pain.

Types of Yoga

1. Vinyasa yoga:

Vinyasa is a Sanskrit word made up of "Vi" and "Nyasa." Vi means variation, whereas Nyasa means within defined parameters. This type of yoga is performed by stringing posture together and moving from one to the next while breathing.

2. Hatha yoga:

Hatha is a Sanskrit term that means force. While performing this yoga, all the five senses of your body are involved. The benefits of yoga (hatha yoga) include improved sleep, stress release, and relief from neck and back pain.

3. Iyengar yoga:

The Iyengar yoga style was founded by B.K.S. Iyengar. This kind of yoga is performed by practising asanas that align the physical body structurally. The features that distinguish it from others include the use of props, precision, and sequence.

4. Kundalini yoga:

This form of yoga is performed by breathing exercises, repetitious positions, chanting, and singing. This yoga's primary goal is to awaken one's spiritual energy. Kundalini yoga is often known as 'yoga of awareness’ because of this feature.

5. Bikram yoga:

Popularised by Bikram Chowdhary, this form of yoga is a variation of Hatha yoga. It is done for 90 minutes by performing 26 asanas and 2 pranayamas in a similar order.

6. Ashtanga yoga:

This style of yoga is performed to strengthen muscles and increase physical strength. The benefits of yoga (Ashtanga yoga) include body rejuvenation, toned muscles and a flexible body. The key steps involved in this yoga are:

• Control
• Rule of conduct
• Poses
• Breathing control
• Sensory perceptions withdrawal
• Concentration
• Uninterrupted meditation

Complete equilibrium

7. Yin yoga:

This style of yoga is characterised by passive floor postures focusing on the lower body, particularly the lower spine, hips, inner thighs and pelvis. The positions can last up to 5 minutes and, in some cases, even longer.

8. Anusara yoga:

Anusara is a Sanskrit term that consists of two words—“Anu,” which means with, and “Sara,” which means flow. Anusara Yoga's varied positions emphasise the heart and are in complete alignment with breathing. It is a modern form of yoga and there are over 260 poses to choose from.

9. Jivamukti yoga:

Jivamukti is a Sanskrit word made up of "Jiva" and "Mukti." Jiva means living soul, whereas Mukti refers to the soul's liberation from the endless cycle of death and rebirth. Jivamukti yoga is based on 5 principles of meditation, devotion, music, scripture, and non-violence. This form of yoga is intense and requires high physical involvement. The basic moves of this yoga are adapted from Hatha yoga.

Diabetes is a life-long disease having several negative implications

Diabetes is a chronic disease, having no cure and lasting a life time. While diabetes is a metabolic disease, affecting how food is digested by the body for energy and growth, it acts as a silent killer.

Effects of diabetes on a person’s physical and financial well-being are negative and in plenty. Not only is diabetes the largest cause of kidney failure and blindness but it also makes healing from minor infections harder for the body.

Cardiovascular Disease

Typical effects of diabetes like heart disease and stroke are the most common causes of death in adults. High blood pressure, high cholesterol as well as blood sugar levels are common health complications of those with diabetes that lead to cardiovascular diseases. The longer someone has diabetes, the higher is the chance of them developing a heart disease.

One of the leading causes of death in India now is cardiovascular disease as per a recent report. However, the situation is even grimmer for people with diabetes because cardiovascular diseases are almost twice as fatal for diabetics than they are for others.

Not only is the treatment for cardiovascular diseases one of the most expensive but, it also has an occupational cost that cannot be quantified. People with cardiovascular diseases cannot work high-pressure high-stress jobs.

Kidney Failure

One of the main effects of diabetes on the physical health of the person is kidney failure and complications. About 20 to 30 % of people with diabetes develop diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic disease that has no cure and requires lifelong treatment.

While not all cases lead to kidney failure, the ones that do require dialysis or a kidney transplant, the cost of which easily runs into lakhs.

One chronic disease on top of the other not only has significant negative effects on the body and the overall immune system but also make the cost of treatment and health care an unavoidable and constant affair. This goes to show the importance of health insurance, and the benefit it brings.

Visual Complications

• Cataracts

Cataract is a visual condition that makes the eye’s naturally clear lens cloudy and opaque, not allowing light to pass through it as it normally would. This restricts light from reflecting on the retina properly and makes vision cloudy and blurry. While cataracts are usually age-related, diabetics tend to contract them at a much younger age.

• Glaucoma

When there is a gradual increase in the normal fluid pressure of the eyes, glaucoma occurs, damaging the optic nerve that can lead to possible vision loss. What’s worse is that there are no symptoms until there is a loss of peripheral vision, and is only detected when significant damage is already done.

All you need to know about Vitamin A and its benefits

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient essential for the smooth functioning of several physiological processes of the human body, from immune system maintenance to skin cell replacement. Since our bodies cannot produce vitamin A, it’s important to include vitamin A foods in your diet.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults is 900mcg for men and 700mcg for women daily. For pregnant and lactating women above 19 years, a daily dose of 770 and 1200mcg is recommended respectively. The recommended daily dose for children increases as they age, making it a vital nutrient for the growth process.

Sources of Vitamin A

Vitamin A can be found in plant and animal sources, which ensures that you are eating a balanced diet. Plant sources contain carotenoids; the plant-based form of vitamin A, which is converted to vitamin A after it is consumed. This includes dark green coloured vegetables such as spinach, chard, amaranth, along with carrots, pumpkins, squash, mangoes, papaya, and maize. The animal sources include liver, fish liver oil, dairy products, and eggs. Besides, vitamin A can be found in red palm and Biruti palm oil.

Benefits of Vitamin A

It is necessary to intake the recommended dose of vitamin A for a healthy body, either through a balanced diet or through multivitamin supplement. This nutrition plays a vital role in bodily functions, with benefits such as:

• Physiological processes– It helps in physiological processes such as ensuring that tissues produce mucous to act as barrier to infection. It also helps in neurological functions, formulation of sperm cells, and supports bone growth.

• Prevents cancer– The antioxidants in vitamin A, along with retinoic acid, is said to prevent several types of cancer such as colon, breast, and skin cancer.

• Skin health– Deficiency of vitamin A can cause several skin problems and an excess intake causes dry and itchy skin. Since it supports skin cell growth, it is a necessary nutrient for healthy skin.

• Supports the immune system– Vitamin A helps with several functions of the body’s immune system. Its deficiency can cause a weakened immune system, leading to increased infections.

• Improves eye health– Vitamin A in balance doses improves night vision by aiding the eyes to adjust to light changes and keeps the eyes moist. It can also reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, which is the cause of vision loss.

Essentially, meditation is an act through which a person can perform contemplation. It is a process of training the mind. It helps induce a state of consciousness.

Did You Know?

Ancient Hindu texts liken the mind to a wild, untamed horse. Only meditation was believed to train and bring the mind under control.

Ancient yogis practised meditation to control the mind, decrease its pull towards the illusory world and contemplate on the Divine.

Meditation has been given much importance even in other religions, like Buddhism, Christianity, Jainism, Islam and Judaism.

Our modern world is waking up to the benefits of mediation, with more and more institutions offering courses on the methods of practising it.

Mind over Matter!

Meditation involves calming the mind, increasing consciousness and staying in a state of heightened awareness. Modern research shows that meditation yields tangible health benefits and is excellent for reducing stress and anxiety.

Our brain really is the seat of power. The entity we all know as "will" is a creation of the brain and there are reports (read medical miracles) wherein deadly diseases or disorders have simply vanished due to the "power of the will".

The health benefits of meditation might thus be correlated to the strengthening of this "will power". Studies have indicated the following:

Increased Brain Power: When you are a habitual meditator, positive structural changes occur in your brain. You will have heightened awareness of the surroundings, yet your mind would be calm and peaceful, without agitation.

Lesser Sleep Requirement: When you reach the stage of an experienced meditator, you will require substantially less sleep, without decrease in cognitive or vigilance abilities.

Complete Wellbeing: Regular meditation brings about a complex biochemical and physical change in your body. This is called the "relaxation response." This eases out aches, pains, and stress.

Meeting Rising Healthcare Costs

Increasing costs in the healthcare sector over the last few years are pinching the Indian pockets. According to a report by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), India's per capita out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure towards medical costs has gone up by 60% from 2005 to 2010. The per capita spending on medicines and hospitalization costs has also increased twofold over the same period.

In such a scenario, a comprehensive health insurance plan helps curb your expenses by covering costs due to hospitalization, diagnostic tests, doctor consul.tation, expensive medicines, as well as post-hospitalization treatment.

Availing Cashless Hospitalization

Most insurance companies provide a facility of cashless hospitalization where you can avail treatment at a network hospital (that has a tie-up with your insurer) without paying cash to the hospital. Your insurance company will settle the costs directly with the hospital; however, prior authorization is required from the concerned Third Party Administrator.

This service is helpful when you are unable to organize short-term funds or if you fall ill in a city where you can't arrange for immediate funds. Cashless hospitalization reduces stress and gives you access to the best healthcare services easily.

So, is dieting (and other painful procedures, which we'd rather not name) the only way to fit into those trousers marked 'S' or maybe 'M'? Of course not. Shedding those extra kilos needn't be a harrowing experience. Small but sustained changes to your lifestyle can do the trick. But no, they cannot help you lose weight overnight. Here are five amazingly simple tips that can be your stepping stone for a healthier and fitter life.

Tip 1: Never Skip Breakfast

"Breakfast like a King," said our ancestors. This adage holds a lot of scientific and gastronomic truth if you are keen on maintaining the perfect weight. A full, healthy breakfast gives you enough energy to start your day with vigor and vitality and prevents you from getting mid-hour hunger pangs. Eat whole grains, cereals and fruits to supply your body with enough nutrients to carry on till lunch.

Tip 2: Add. Don't Subtract!

 "I like food. I like eating. And I don't want to deprive myself of good food."
- Sarah Michelle Gellar

Add a variety of new, healthy food options, rather than removing foods from your list. Limiting the portions of carbohydrates and refined stuff and adding fruits, green veggies and high-fiber foods does the trick. Don't kill your cravings. But don't binge. A small portion of your favorite snack is not going to derail your weight-loss plans.

Tip 3: Don't confuse between thirst and hunger

"The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not."
- Mark Twain

Your body needs around 1.2 liters of water a day. More, on a hot day. Most of the times when our body is thirsty, we confuse it with mid-hour hunger and give ourselves a reason to snack, when all we require is a glass or two of water. Water also gives our stomachs a sense of fullness and prevents you from stuffing food that is not wanted.

Tip 4: Sniff an apple and stare at blue

This is not a joke. Seriously. It's all in the mind. Research has shown that when people sniff on foods like a banana or an apple or even peppermint, the mind is tricked into believing that you are actually eating the food. Also, the color blue acts as a hunger suppressant. So why not try keeping an apple and a blue scarf or handkerchief in your purse or bag?

Tip 5: Walk

"I've been on a diet for two weeks and all I've lost is fourteen days."
- Totie Fields

This may sound elementary but it is the best way to get some physical exercise. A 45-minute walk can give you sufficient amount of exercise to help you burn a lot of calories. This could help you shed up to around 15 kilos of body weight in a year. And that too without any fancy diets or mindless food controls.

Motivation to lose weight is pretty important when you embark on this journey. But losing weight need not be a battle. It could be an "everyday thing." An active, conscious lifestyle is all that is needed to enjoy life to the fullest.
Also, don't forget to buy a health insurance policy to safeguard your future & finances.

Did you know that at least 7 lives can be saved from the donations of a single organ donor?

Understand the significance and make a difference

Organ donation, the practice of removing healthy organs and tissues from a donor and transplanting them to a person in need, can help save numerous lives.

Most organ donations are performed after a person’s death; however, some organs and tissues such as kidneys and a part of the liver can be donated while the donor is still alive.

Who Can Donate Organs?

Every adult can become an organ donor. Even children can become organ donors with consent from their parents. Patients with certain diseases such as cancer, HIV, and some types of infections cannot donate their organs.

What Can You Donate? Different Types of Organ Donations

A living person can donate blood, bone marrow, one kidney, and portions of their liver, lung or pancreas. When the living donor is a family member of the patient receiving the transplant, it is called a live related donation. If it is a friend, relative or neighbour it is known as a live unrelated donation. Donors can donate corneas, skin upto 100 years; kidneys, liver upto 70 years; heart, lungs upto 50 years, and heart valves upto 40 years.

After the donor’s death, it is known as deceased cadaver organ donation in which the recipient-to-be is put on an organ donation list until an appropriate organ from a deceased donor is made available. Almost all organs and tissues can be used from deceased donors – eyes, heart valves, skin and bones to kidneys, livers, lungs, arteries, veins and nerves. However, these need to be removed at the earliest on confirmation of patient being brain dead, while artificial circulation is being maintained.

Breaking the cost barrier in organ donation

Organ donation is the transplant of a biological tissue or organ from one individual, called the donor, to another, the recipient, who is in need of a transplant. The common organs that can be donated include heart, kidneys, liver, intestine, lungs, pancreas, cornea, skin and bone marrow. Donated organs come from living or deceased donors.
In India, nearly 5,00,000 people die every year due to unavailability of donors. Thousands suffer from heart or liver diseases or await a kidney or cornea transplant. While the number of organ donations has increased significantly, there is still a considerable mile to cover to narrow the gap between donors and individuals in need, which could be aided by various health insurance plans.

Challenges in organ donation
Some of the common challenges that need to be addressed to increase organ donation are:

1) Availability of matching donor
Compatibility between donor and recipient is an important aspect in organ donation. Matching blood and antigen type of donor and recipient is essential to prevent rejection by the recipient's body. Therefore, determining compatibility is the first step in the process of donation. Failure to get the right donor has resulted in delayed or no transplant in several cases.

2) Society's perception
The deep influence of religion and culture in all spheres of society create restrictions on organ donation. The concept of giving a part of one's body or that of a loved one is yet to gain wide acceptance.

3) Cost
Organ donations are highly expensive and can cost anywhere between 1 lakh and 20 lakh plus, based on the organ involved. This acts a barrier for individuals to opt for transplant.

How insurance helps
It is a little known fact that organ donation is covered under most health insurance covers, offering financial relief to those who have to undergo one. Most general insurance companies offering health insurance cover transplant surgeries under the regular policy. The medical expenses incurred by the donor are also reimbursed up to a certain amount.

What is covered
It is essential to understand the finer details of the scope of coverage to make the best use of your health insurance cover. Since organ donation involves two parties, the donor and the recipient, the financial aspect needs to be considered from the perspective of both parties.,
An insured recipient gets cover for all the transplant-related expenses, from pre-hospitalization to post-surgery treatment and hospital visits. The treatment expenses are completely paid for, up to the sum insured. This is a boon, especially since treatment and medication might be required even after the surgery until the recipient's body has accepted the foreign part.
For an insured donor, expenses for storage of organ and surgery for removal of organ are covered under the health insurance policy. However, unlike an insured recipient, there are certain restrictions on the amount of cover for donors, and this differs based on the insurance provider.

Exclusions
The donor's health insurance policy does not cover the hospitalization expenses of the donor for the transplant. In addition, expenses for donor screening, post-surgical complications, medication or treatment post-surgery are excluded under the cover. In such cases, these expenses might have to be borne by the recipient.
It is important to know the sub-limits or admissible expenses covered for the insured recipient to be able to meet these additional costs. To ensure clarity in the finances, it is advisable to read your policy thoroughly and understand the terms and conditions. Obtaining a detailed cost break-up from the hospital or healthcare center beforehand will also help to identify the components that are included in the insurance policy.

Vector-borne diseases pose a serious threat to humanity. Every year, more than a billion people are infected and more than a million people die from them. More than half the world's population is at a risk of vector-borne diseases carried predominantly by mosquitoes, flies and other vectors.

The poorest population with lack of access to adequate housing, safe drinking water and sanitation is the worst affected, including those with malnourishment and weak immunity. Several national and state governments are collaborating with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to eradicate them.

Some of the prominent methods adopted worldwide for the eradication of vector-borne diseases are:

Integrated Vector Management (IVM)

IVM is a rational decision-making process targeted at the optimal use of resources for controlling vectors and vector-borne diseases. Its goal is to improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the disease control mechanism.
The IVM framework involves 5 key elements, advocacy for public health, collaboration within the health sector, integration of different vector eradication methods, evidence-based decision making and development of adequate human resources.

Genetically engineered mosquitoes

Brazilian scientists are working in collaboration with a British insect control company to develop millions of factory-bred mosquitoes and release them into the wilderness. A plant is set in a town near Sao Paulo, which can produce 60 million mosquitoes in a week.
The offspring of these mosquitoes and the disease-causing females will have a shorter lifespan. Interestingly, these mosquitoes themselves will have a short lifespan and will die soon after mating.

Habitat and environment control

Removing or reducing vector breeding grounds will limit their growth. Removing stagnant waters, old cans, tires, etc., which serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and flies will reduce diseases in vector prone areas.
Open defecation also promotes the growth of vector-borne diseases. Preventing open defecation and timely maintenance of pit latrines will curb the growth of flies and the diseases spread by them via their contact with faecal matter of infected people.
Under the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, several cities have been declared Open-Defaecation Free (ODF). This landmark development towards cleanliness has led to the establishment of toilets all over the country, along with ensuring proper hygiene routines across schools and communities.

The Dos

1. Use the insurance company's online hospital locator to identify the general and specialty hospitals closest to you.

2. Keep your health insurance ID card handy in the unfortunate event of an emergency.

3. Know that procedures for cashless network hospitals and reimbursement claim network hospitals are different.

4. In case of cashless facility in an emergency, ask the hospital to fill up the Cashless Request Form and submit it to the insurance help desk at the hospital. For a planned treatment, it is advisable to follow the above procedure 3-4 days in advance so that you can walk in for treatment with a confirmation letter. The insurance company or the Third Party Administrator (TPA) will authorize the coverage and settle the bill directly with the hospital.

5. Be aware that reimbursement claims happen in two cases: when the treatment is done at a hospital outside the preferred network and when the treatment is done at a network hospital but is not covered in the policy.

6. Always keep liquid money ready in case the claim falls in the reimbursement category, in which case all bills will need to be paid first.

7. Carry all necessary original documents from the hospital to be submitted to the insurance company for reimbursement claims. Always keep a photocopy as a backup.

8. Treatment bills obtained 30 days prior and 60 days after hospitalization are generally applicable for reimbursement, so keep them safely.

9. A co-payment means the claim amount will be divided between you and your insurance company by a certain percentage. It is wise to check for this option beforehand.

The Don'ts

1. If possible, avoid unprepared visits. Call the insurer first to discuss your cover including any waiting periods, exclusions, minimum benefits, excess and copayments.

2. Do not opt for rooms or facilities that have upper limits and various sub-limits to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Do not assume that the health insurance cover is for lifetime or does not have a maximum renewable age.

4. Educate yourself about limits on specific treatments insurers may have.

Whether it's a planned visit to a hospital or an unfortunate one, it is imperative that we familiarize ourselves with the procedures of claim insurance so we can focus all our attention on our loved ones. Thankfully, health insurance exists to ease the stress of financial burdens during such trying times. Stay safe and healthy!

Coronavirus — that started from China — has spread thick and fast across countries, has the world cornered. So far, 6000 [1] have lost their lives due to the disease, and the number of infected cases is only growing. Now declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 has sent individuals, governments and markets into a tizzy.

With the virus forcing lock-downs in several nations, Italy, for instance, health authorities and governments across the globe are leaving no stone unturned to curb its spread. Considering the severity of the situation, it will require a concerted effort by the global community to tackle and contain further transmission of the coronavirus.

Here are its symptoms, variants and treatment; that can help you tackle it effectively. Let’s get started:

Coronavirus variants

Coronavirus gets its name from the presence of crown-like projections on its surface. In Latin, the word Corona means ‘halo’ or ‘crown’. There are four different subgroupings of coronavirus – alpha, beta, delta and gamma.

The common human coronaviruses are:

• HCoV-229E
• HCoV-NL63
• HCoV-OC43
• HCoV-HKU1
• MERS-CoV
• SARS-CoV
• SARS-CoV2

229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1 are the most common coronaviruses affecting people. Coronaviruses such as SARS and MERS, which infect animals, can also make people sick. The cause of the present pandemic is COVID-19.

Coronavirus symptoms

The symptoms of coronavirus are like that of cold and flu. The symptoms set in after 2-4 days of infection, and are generally mild. The symptoms include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Shortness of breath

Also, note that the coronavirus symptoms may vary from people to people and in severe cases, it may lead to an illness, which can prove fatal.

Coronavirus treatment

Precaution is better than cure

There’s no specific vaccine or treatment for coronavirus. However, you can take the precautionary measures mentioned below to ensure your safety:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap or sanitiser and avoid touching your mouth and eyes.
• Don’t rub contaminated hands on mouth and eyes as this increases the chances of transmission of the virus.
• You must use tissue or handkerchief while sneezing and maintain a distance of at least a meter from individuals sneezing and coughing.
• Avoid large gatherings as it increases the chances of getting infected.
• Avoid travelling to areas that are battling the threat of coronavirus.

It’s in your interest to follow the advisory issued by the local health authorities and the Government to stay safe.

If any of your friends and relatives have recently come back from an international trip, it’s best to restrict personal visits. In case you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, it’s essential to seek medical attention at the earliest. At the same time, if you are travelling to the workplace or otherwise, make sure to use masks.

Also, if anyone you know has contacted coronavirus, avoid all visits with the person unless he/she has completely recovered. It’s important to note that post coronavirus outbreak, a lot of rumours are doing the rounds, particularly regarding its treatment. However, you must not give in to them and follow advice strictly issued by the Government and the health authorities.

Here, the body from where the organ is removed is called "donor" and the body into which it is transplanted is called the "recipient" The donor can be a recently deceased person or a living person.

Organ Transplants As We Know It

Although transplants have been attempted since ages, and many historical accounts are available to corroborate them, the first successful major organ transplant was attempted between identical twins in 1954. The first successful major organ transplantation (lung) between two unrelated persons was attempted in 1963. The patient survived for 18 days, but died due to kidney failure.

Types of Organ Transplants

Transplants, also called "grafts," are primarily of two types - Autografts and Allografts. While Autografts do not require different donors, Allografts do.

Other types include Xenografts (animal donors) and Isografts (transplant from genetically similar and identical twin).

Challenges Faced in Transplantation

The biggest problem, apart from the fact that it is very difficult to get an organ for transplantation, is its rejection by the donor's body. This rejection reaction is triggered by our immune system that protects our body from various infections. It recognises the transplanted organ as foreign and thus a danger to the body and hence, destroys it. The very system that protects our body from “foreign” substances is simply doing its job.

Thus, it is vital to match the donor and the recipient. The higher the degree of tissue similarity between the two, the better is the chance of the transplant’s survival in the recipient's body. In any case, immunosuppressive drugs have to be used by the recipient to ensure long-term survival of the transplanted organ. Also, one needs to check with their health insurance provider regarding the coverage for organ transplant.