What is the Coverage for Cirrhosis Treatment in Health Insurance?

Does Health Insurance Cover Cirrhosis Treatment in India?

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that disables the normal functioning of primary cells of hepatocytes and lobules, leading to the formation of scar tissue. As it progresses, the expense of treating cirrhosis, from routine visits to liver transplantation, can become overwhelming.

Though modern medicine treats liver diseases, whether treatment for cirrhosis is covered by health insurance is still a question. So, it is important to know how your insurance policy handles cirrhosis care, as it influences treatment choices, financial planning, and long-term consequences for patients and families.

Keep reading for better insight!

Does Health Insurance Provide Coverage for Cirrhosis Treatment?

Yes, in India, liver cirrhosis is covered under health insurance, which comes under critical illness insurance policies. Those who have an unhealthy lifestyle or a history of liver problems are recommended to buy a critical illness insurance policy along with their regular health insurance.

These policies pay a lump sum amount equal to the insured amount, irrespective of the cause of the treatment. The money can be used to pay for the cost of a liver transplant, along with any other charges incurred when hospitalised, and also assist in recovering the sum expended due to the hospital stay.

Role of Health Insurance in Cirrhosis Treatment

For patients with liver cirrhosis, health insurance is significant in providing financial security and quality healthcare. Below are some important advantages of possessing health insurance coverage for liver cirrhosis:

• Coverage of Medical Expenses : Star Health offers a Star Critical Illness Multipay Insurance Policy that covers various medical expenses related to liver cirrhosis. These include hospital expenses, doctor consultation charges, laboratory and diagnostic test expenses, medicines, and surgical procedures.
• Preventive Care and Early Detection : Most health insurance policies cover preventive care, including regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations. These preventive services can detect liver cirrhosis early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.
• Access to Expert Medical Professionals : Health insurance ensures access to specialised medical experts, such as hepatologists, gastroenterologists, and liver transplant specialists. They play a critical role in the proper management and treatment of liver cirrhosis.
• Financial Security : Liver cirrhosis treatment may have high medical expenses, such as long-term care, hospital stays, and potential liver transplantation. Health insurance is a source of financial security that pays for part or all of these charges, reducing the economic burden on patients and families.
• Support Services : Some health insurance plans can provide additional supportive services, such as counselling, nutritional guidance, and access to support groups. These services can help individuals and their families cope with the difficulties of living with liver cirrhosis.
• High Treatment Costs : Although liver cirrhosis is not curable, its progression can be controlled through early diagnosis and proper treatment. If treatment is not possible, physicians may suggest a liver transplant, which is very costly.

The cost of a liver transplant in India can be anywhere from ₹25,00,000 to ₹35,00,000, depending upon the city, type of hospital, and medical procedures. Fortunately, critical illness insurance plans can pay for the treatment costs of liver transplant surgery.

Who Needs to Purchase Health Insurance for Liver Cirrhosis?

The following people must buy health insurance for liver cirrhosis:

• People diagnosed with chronic viral hepatitis
• People aged 50 years and above
• People with a history of heavy alcohol consumption
• Overweight people
• People with a history of liver disease
• Individuals who have an unhealthy lifestyle
• People with metabolic syndrome

How Can I Prevent Liver Cirrhosis?

If you are not prone to autoimmune liver diseases, you can follow some measures to avoid liver cirrhosis. These are some of the effective methods:

• Have a Balanced Diet : Steering clear of fatty, protein-rich, and excessively salty foods is important in maintaining liver health. These foods help avoid fat accumulation in the liver, whereas fresh veggies and fruits aid overall well-being.
• Limit Alcohol Use : Alcohol harms your digestive system. Too much alcohol intake can affect your liver, damage metabolic processes, and result in the scarring of liver tissues. This is a major contributing factor to cirrhosis progression.
• Schedule Regular Health Check-Ups : Regular health check-ups are vital for detecting prospective health complications in the early stages. Since liver cirrhosis tends to be caused by lifestyle decisions, check-ups can identify complications before they become serious.
• Avoid Self-Medicating : Taking drugs without proper advice can result in liver damage from side effects. Misuse of over-the-counter medications can result in drug intolerance and interfere with the natural metabolism of the liver. Always take your doctor's advice on drugs and avoid prolonged use without consultation.

Getting insurance can effectively minimise the monetary burden of treatment for cirrhosis—yet only if you know what its limits are and what it entails.

It is essential to review your insurance policy and investigate all potential options to best receive treatment. The ideal insurance plan can be the difference between delay and timely intervention.