Every year, October 12 marks World Arthritis Day. Arthritis is an ailment that many people, particularly those in the age bracket of 60 and above, deal with. The ache and stiffness in the joints can make everyday tasks like walking or holding a cup challenging. The number of people being diagnosed with this painful ailment is rising manifold. According to statistics presented in ‘Number of cases of arthritis in senior citizens across India from 2011 to 2050', until 2020 40.8 million senior citizens were affected by this condition. And the report forecasted this number to increase to 96.7 million by 2050.
This World Arthritis Day, let's pause a bit and see how we can support our elderly loved ones deal with this group of conditions. And how choosing the right health insurance policy can help them avail timely diagnosis and medical attention.
Understanding Arthritis in Seniors
Arthritis is a group of conditions categorised by stiffness and inflammation in the joints. Pain in the joints reduces one's mobility and affects his/her quality of life. The most common types in older adults are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis happens when the protective cartilage between the joints wears down or undergoes changes in structure, making movement painful. Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed when the body's immune system attacks the joints, resulting in swelling and pain.
Although there is no cure for this ailment, with the right care, senior citizens can manage the symptoms of this chronic condition. Individuals diagnosed with arthritis require ongoing medical care, and this is where a comprehensive healthcare policy can come in handy in availing quality healthcare.
Choosing the right health insurance policy for Arthritis care
When it comes to arthritis, having adequate health insurance is vital. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a healthcare plan for arthritis care:
- Doctor Visits: Senior citizens coping with arthritis need regular check-ups with specialists. See to it that the insurance plan covers these visits.
- Medications: Managing arthritis often requires ongoing medication. Your chosen health insurance plan must cover the medication expenses.
- Physical Therapy: This can help keep the joints moving and reduce pain. A good health insurance plan should cover these sessions.
- Surgery: Sometimes, surgeries, like joint replacement, are necessary. So, your health insurance plan should cover such procedures.
- Help at Home: As arthritis progresses, some senior citizens might need domiciliary care. Check if the insurance plan covers domiciliary treatment.
- No Upfront Payments: Choose a plan that offers cashless hospitalisation, so if senior citizens need to go to the hospital, they don't have to worry about cash for treatment.
- Wellness Programs: Some offer wellness programs to help with exercise and diet, which can help manage arthritis.
A comprehensive healthcare plan will help cover expenses related to doctor consultations, medicines, physical and occupational therapy, and surgical interventions. Although arthritis is not considered a critical illness, a critical illness insurance plan may cover certain arthritis-related conditions, such as cardiomyopathy. Hence, investing in both, a standard health insurance policy and a critical illness insurance policy, will offer complete peace of mind.
Conclusion
Arthritis can be a life-altering condition, but having adequate health insurance can make things easier. On World Arthritis Day, why not check if your loved ones have the necessary insurance coverage? With adequate and reliable insurance coverage, they can get regular check-ups, the medicines they need, and treatment. Let's underline this year's theme - It's in Your Hands, Take Action.