Introduction

Chronic kidney disease, identified as chronic kidney failure, is defined by a slow deterioration in kidney function. The kidneys perform a vital function in filtering waste and surplus fluid from the blood to produce urine. During the advanced phases of chronic kidney disease, there is a risk of the body amassing hazardous levels of fluid, electrolytes, and waste products.

Individuals may encounter minimal symptoms or indicators in the initial phases of chronic kidney disease. Renal disease can go unnoticed until it progresses to an advanced stage, posing a challenge for detection without a comprehensive examination.

Diagnosis of Kidney Disease

Your doctor will first ask about your personal and family history to diagnose kidney disease. Your doctor’s inquiries may encompass various aspects, including but not limited to identifying a family history of kidney disease, assessing whether you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, and determining if you are currently taking any medications that could impact kidney function.

After that, your doctor does a neurological exam and a physical exam, looking for any indications of heart or blood vessel issues.

You might also require specific tests and procedures to diagnose kidney disease to ascertain the stage and severity of the condition. Possible tests include:

1. Blood Examinations: Tests for kidney function measure the amount of waste products in your blood, such as urea and creatinine. 
2. Urine Test: By detecting anomalies that point to chronic kidney failure, urine analysis can assist in identifying the underlying cause of chronic kidney disease. 
3. Imaging Tests: Your doctor may assess the size and form of your kidneys using ultrasonography. It is possible to use different imaging tests in some circumstances. 
4. Extracting a Kidney Tissue Sample for Testing: Your physician might suggest a kidney biopsy, which entails extracting a sample of kidney tissue. A kidney biopsy typically entails the insertion of a long, thin needle through your skin and into your kidney while you are under local anaesthesia. A lab receives the biopsy sample to assist in determining the cause of your kidney problem.

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.

If you are not getting a good night's sleep regularly, it may lead to a disorder called insomnia. Insomnia disorder is characterised by difficulty falling asleep, waking up in between, and low-quality sleep. This can significantly affect the daily productivity of an individual. In this article, we’ll explore the various insomnia symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Insomnia Disorder?

Insomnia disease symptoms may vary from mild restlessness to harsh mental and motor instability.
The main insomnia symptoms include the following:

• Not able to fall asleep easily during bedtime or taking a long time to fall asleep.
• Frequently waking up in between sleep.
• Not getting good quality sleep.
• Not able to fall asleep again in the night after waking up in between.
• Falling asleep late at night and waking up too early.
• Feeling tired even after a full night's sleep.
• Mood disturbances and getting irritated very easily.
• Not able to be focussed during work or while driving, facing sleeplessness symptoms
• Issues with remembering things.
• Feeling depressed just due to not being focused at work.
• Increased anxiousness about small things.
• Feeling light headache all the time.
• Slow response to any action in the surrounding area.
• Slow thinking while working.
• Higher number of errors during work or enhanced mistakes in daily activities.

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.

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.

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.

High energy drinks to hydrate, satiate, and boost energy

Consumers these days are reaching out for more and more ready-to-consume and healthy beverages than ever before. They are reaching out for drinks with less sugar and calories and organic super-drinks, which are season-neutral.

What Are Hyper Functional Beverages?

Hyper Functional Beverages are non-alcoholic drinks that keep body hydrated and provide overall nutritional wellness. These fortified drinks prevent or help address health issues across all age groups. The fortification could be herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, probiotics, anti-oxidants, fruits, vegetables, and extracts that helps to maintain balance and boost immunity.

Types of Hyper Functional Beverages

Hyper functional beverages can be categorised based on their type into energy drinks, sports drinks, nutraceutical drinks, dairy-based beverages, juices, enhanced water, and others. Energy and sports drinks account for the most of these beverages but consumption of protein drinks is gradually on the rise.
Cultural focus on protein, wellness, and natural drinks are all driving innovation in the field of hyper functional beverages. A new class of ultra-healthy beverages like vitamin-dusted waters is trending that include inventive health concepts like green-tea extracts, apple cider vinegar, medicinal mushroom etc.

Benefits and Wellness Trends

Hyper functional beverages provide immediate energy boost, which makes you feel ready for the day, or helps you get over with the dull period at work. Consumers are increasingly discerning and want better results without putting in appropriate efforts.
Increasing numbers of children and adults are regularly consuming energy drinks to get relief from fatigue and improve mental alertness. The future of the hyper-functional beverages is to make every calorie and ingredient count towards its purpose and function.
Tea is the most consumed beverage all over the world. There are many variants in organic green tea, which are also ready-to-drink. It has ingredients, which are bioactive. Flavonoids in tea also have cardiovascular and metabolic benefits.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) and turmeric have been a predominant staple for both dietary and supplement usage. They have high phenols such as Gallic acid, Catechin, and Caffeic acid, which protect the gut by quenching free radical damage and reduce inflammation.

Hyper Functional Beverage Industry

The Hyper-functional beverage industry includes a wide range of beverages targeting different health-related concerns apart from hydrating, satiating, and boosting energy. These hyper-functional beverages include performance drinks, fruit drinks, soy drinks etc., which claim to improve immunity, digestion, memory aides and even heart health.
The functional beverage industry in India has to compete with traditional and homemade drinks. It is an established fact that herbal and natural extracts have a great impact on the overall well-being along with appearance and attitude. Plant and Fibrous protein are replacing traditional protein shakes and powders.

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.

You must have experienced the thumping of your heart, increased breathing, and an adrenaline rush that makes you feel alive when you are out for a run, jog, or even brisk walk.
These activities have been proven to not only keep your body fit and healthy but also affect the brain with the release of endorphins - the feel-good chemicals that counteract physical discomfort your body experiences due to a strenuous activity. These endorphins are natural anti-depressants and keep you away from the blues.
Recently, with enhanced awareness towards wellness, there has been an increase in activities such as walkathons, marathons, cyclothons and yoga camps being organised on a large scale. In India alone, more than 190 marathon runs are to be organised between July 26, 2016 and March 26, 2017.
Marathon organisers focus on creating a health buzz and raising awareness in the society through NGOs, sponsors and media. Thus, as mass events like these attract thousands of professionals and amateurs, the proceeds from the participation and charity, which are often in crores depending on the scale, are used for social causes.

Busting Common Running Myths

Myth #1: Stretch before you start

Static stretching, that is holding a stretch for some time, is not always the ideal way to start a run. It could make your muscles sore and taut, especially if you have had no recent physical activity.

Lesser-known Facts about Marathons

Origin
• In 490 B.C., when the Greeks achieved victory over Persians in the Battle of Marathon, a soldier named Pheidippides was believed to be sent as a messenger to deliver the news. He is fabled to have run about 40 km and addressed the assembly in Athens with the news before collapsing due to exhaustion and dying. Distances

• A full marathon is 42.195 km long, and often half marathons - 21K, 10K, 5K, 3K, and 2K are organised in parallel to suit varied runners.
The best way to start is a warm-up with brisk walking, climbing stairs, or slow jogging. Static stretching should be carried out after your workout session.

Myth #2: Take no breaks in a week

Experts recommend no-run days to help relax muscles and avoid a burnout. For beginners, it is also advisable to start slow and extend the time and length of run gradually while resting adequately in between.

Myth #3: Running is painful

Running pushes your body to its physical limits. But, it does not mean running has to be painful for your feet. You must never ignore a minor injury while running and get your feet and gait checked by professionals to avoid further damage.

Myth #4: No lifestyle change is required

If you are planning to incorporate a running schedule, you need to make major lifestyle changes. It includes the food you eat everyday, which should be balanced and well cooked, investing in good quality workout apparel and pair of shoes, and parting ways with unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking.

Myth #5: Follow a fixed routine

Running a marathon requires discipline, hard work, and proper training. However, a fixed routine can soon bore you out. To avoid such a slump, mix up your workouts with strength training and cardio to increase your core strength. You can also seek professional guidance to chalk out a weekly workout and diet schedule to keep things interesting.

Dos and Don'ts for Marathons Runners

If you have been training for a while or are a seasoned marathoner, you must abide by the following dos and don’ts for a marathon run:

Before a Marathon

Do
• Learn about the track you will be running and weather conditions
• Maintain your routine; this includes waking up the exact time you would for the marathon day, eating the same food and practising your run
• Practice long runs or even over-distance runs to train your mind and body a month before. Taper down the intensity of your runs a week prior to the big day
• Relax before the race
• Lubricate your skin that is prone to chafing, on the race day
Don't
• Experiment with a new diet or essentials like shoes the day before
• Load up on carbs
• Drink too much water
• Ignore any aches or pains

During Marathon

Do
• Have a time goal in mind
• Enjoy the course
• Maintain a steady pace
• Stop for bathroom breaks
• Have a disposable water bottle handy
Don't
• Be de-motivated
• Consume energy bars until you absolutely feel the need to
• Run too fast
• Hesitate to ask for help if you are not feeling well

After Marathon

Do
• Change your clothes
• Grab a healthy bite
• Replenish the electrolyte balance of your body
• Give time for your muscles to heal, do light jogs and backward walks for the next week
Don't
• Stop running abruptly or sit down as it may cause cramps
• Consume a heavy lunch
• Get a massage until your muscles are healed
• Forget to collect your medal(s)
• Worry if you didn’t meet your goal

Plan more trips for better health

The daily hustle and bustle can leave even the best of us feeling drained and empty. Increased stress is a potent contributor to many lifestyle diseases and is the leading cause of burnout.
Travel can be your saviour. Various research and studies show that a timely holiday can benefit your health in more ways than one. It is about time we think them more as health regime than a luxury of time. Here are some health advantages of travelling.

Stronger Immunity

When travelling, our bodies are exposed to various antibodies. Antibodies are a large Y-shaped protein that are utilised by our immune system to identify and neutralise bacteria and viruses. Exposure to different bacteria overtime strengthens your gut and body thus improving your immunity to take a better load.

Decreases Stress

Travel increases happiness and reduces the symptoms of depression. Even a three-day break can work wonders for your health. It takes you away from the nasty reminder of deadlines and lowers your overall stress level.
The effects of a vacation last even after the trip has ended. The release of stress hormones also triggers happiness and a feeling of well-being.

Makes You Active

Travelling pulls us out of our sedentary lifestyle. It is an opportunity to escape and incorporate an active routine that is different from your desk based job back home. Walking and visiting places to sightsee forces you to get off your feet.

Feel Recharged

A travel is as close to hitting the reset button. Travelling to unknown places and connecting with new people allow you a tremendous amount of growth and introspection. It gives you a fresh perspective on life and makes you more compassionate to empathise. This refreshed mental state is ripe with creative ideas for efficient productivity.

Boost Brain Power

When travelling, you are constantly learning and stretching your cognitive abilities. It makes your mind sharper as you are required to be flexible and learn a new culture and their language. Additionally, people who love to travel are known to be open and emotionally stable compared to their counterparts.

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 this 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

• This 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.

Critical illness insurance can prove to be a saviour when, often without prior warning, we are afflicted by a serious health condition. To tackle such circumstances that test our mental, emotional, and financial preparedness, prior thought and a wise investment in a good policy is the best decision we can make for ourselves and our family. Here are a few tips that will help you choose the correct plan to invest in.

What is a critical illness insurance?

Critical insurance covers pay you a lump-sum amount, free of taxes, in case you are diagnosed with any of the serious health complications within the ambit of your policy. Your policy may cover conditions such as cardiac arrest, stroke, several types of cancer, coma, multiple sclerosis, paralysis and kidney failure, to name a few.
Risk covers vary with the companies offering the policy. It is crucial to carefully consider the list of illnesses not covered in your policy before making the final decision to buy it.

Things to consider before buying a critical illness policy

Before buying critical illness insurance, it’s important to evaluate certain aspects to ensure you get the most suitable coverage. Here are the key things to consider:

1. Know why you are buying your policy. A critical illness plan can be utilised in paying off debts related to medical costs, making modifications to your home, and paying off a mortgage.
2. A policy will help you if you do not have enough savings to cover serious illnesses or if your employment benefit plan is not conducive towards providing you enough relief while you are sick.

Know the process of filing your claim. Learn what renewal benefits you will receive from your insurance company for the period of time when no claim is filed.

1. Read the policy in detail before buying, lest you miss any exclusions or other factors within it. Check what hospital network your insurance company endorses.
2. Consider factors such as costs of treatment, medicine and follow-up plans while deciding your sum insured. You have the choice of opting for either a stand-alone plan or just a rider. Stand-alone plans, although more expensive, will allow you a higher claim amount.
   
3. Careful consideration prior to buying an insurance will ensure that when the time comes, the cover yields optimal benefits to mitigate the situation at hand.

Hence, a health insurance policy is a valuable asset to have. In times of need, it can take care of all the medical expenses at hand, so that focus is kept on treatment rather than worrying about taking care of the bills piling up.

Can critical illness insurance replace health insurance?

While critical illness insurance offers useful financial support when it comes to serious health conditions, it cannot be used to replace your regular health insurance. Health insurance covers several medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, diagnostic tests and minor illnesses or injuries, which makes it an essential part of your healthcare planning.

Critical illness insurance is not a replacement but an added boost to the regular insurance policy. It covers costs that are sometimes left out by the policies, such as travel, for treatment or home care during prolonged illness. You should consult the insurance provider and come up with a way to use both policies together to ensure that you are secured whether it is a general health issue or a severe illness that requires long-term financial support.

Conclusion

Getting a critical illness insurance policy in addition to your regular health insurance plan is a simple step that proves beneficial in the time of need. It gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can cover the medical costs while focusing on recovering. By understanding the scope of coverage, waiting periods, the sum insured and the insurer’s reputation, you can make an informed decision that adds to your existing health insurance.

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.