Are Fibromyalgia Treatments Covered in Health Insurance?

Fibromyalgia Treatment & Health Insurance: What You Need to Know

Health insurance in India covers a vast array of disease treatments, many times including fibromyalgia. This helps people to manage the rising costs of healthcare facilities without compromising on the quality of treatment. People also stay financially protected for various emergencies and even go for planned treatments for fibromyalgia as and when needed.

Read on to learn about the treatment options and health insurance available for fibromyalgia, as well as other associated details about the condition.

What is Fibromyalgia, and How Serious is It?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic health condition wherein the person experiences fatigue, widespread pain, and sleeping problems. While it is not a life-threatening disease, if left untreated, it can reduce the quality of life.

Additionally, if the treatment is delayed for a substantial period, serious health complications can arise. Some of the common complications of fibromyalgia include:

• Hospitalisation due to pain or fatigue
• Problem with memory
• Development of mental health problems
• Difficulty in concentrating

Is Health Insurance Available for Fibromyalgia Treatment?

Most health insurers offer coverage for the treatment of fibromyalgia. However, the premium costs and policy terms differ considerably from one insurer to the other. The treatments covered, inclusions, and exclusions also vary.

Listed below are some of the most common inclusions available for policies offering fibromyalgia treatment coverage:

• Prescription Medication Costs: The policy often covers the costs associated with purchasing medicines that doctors have prescribed for treatment.
• Doctor Consultation Fees: The insurance plan even allows you to claim the fees that you have spent on doctor consultations. However, there are limitations to this.
• Physical Therapy Charges: Since physical therapy is an essential treatment associated with fibromyalgia, you may also be eligible for coverage for this service.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Some policies even offer coverage on the money that you have to spend on rehabilitation during fibromyalgia treatment.
• Diagnosis Expenses: The cost of diagnosis is often substantial. So, the plans often include financial coverage on this.
• Disability Benefits: If policyholders experience a disability due to fibromyalgia, they may be eligible for financial assistance as outlined in the policy terms.
• Alternative Therapy Expenses: Certain insurance plans cover alternative therapies, as recommended by a doctor, for fibromyalgia treatment.

How to Choose the Right Health Insurance for Fibromyalgia Treatment?

Purchasing the appropriate health insurance policy can be a challenging task, given the vast number of plans available.

Listed below are some points to consider during your purchase to make the best decision regarding your policy:

• Policy Terms: Read through the policy terms to understand the deductibles, co-payments, and other details.
• Network Hospitals: Check the insurer's network of hospitals to access cashless treatment options. For instance, Star Health has over 14000 network hospitals all over the country.
• Waiting Period: Understand the waiting period associated with policy claims to align your treatment plans accordingly.
• Premium Costs: Find out the cost of premiums that you will have to pay to ensure that you can accommodate it within your budget.
• Physical Therapy: Verify if the policy covers physical therapy, a crucial treatment for fibromyalgia.
• Medications: Review the inclusion sections to ensure you receive coverage for the medicines required for fibromyalgia treatment.
• Alternative Therapies: Check if your insurance plan covers alternative treatments for fibromyalgia.
• Psychological Support: Check if the insurance plan provides financial coverage for psychological support related to fibromyalgia.

What are the treatment options for fibromyalgia?

There are several treatment options available for fibromyalgia. Usually, they are prescribed in combination to enhance the outcomes. The options include:

• Over-the-counter Medications: Consumption of various over-the-counter pain relief medicines can minimise pain sensations in the body. These include ibuprofen, such as Motrin IB or Advil; acetaminophen, like Tylenol; or naproxen sodium, like Aleve.
• Antidepressants: Doctors often prescribe antidepressants such as milnacipran, like Savella, and duloxetine, like Cymbalta, that help reduce stress. Furthermore, they help with managing fatigue and pain associated with fibromyalgia.
• Therapy: Therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, sleep therapy, and stress management therapy actively participate in fibromyalgia management.
• Exercises: Doctors also recommend strength training and stretching exercises to improve flexibility and minimise body aches.

To be sure that your health insurance offers coverage for fibromyalgia treatment, read through the terms and conditions of the policy that you are planning to purchase. Additionally, stay informed about the claim processes to ensure a simplified, cashless treatment for the condition.