Health Insurance Options for Infectious Disease Care
Does Health Insurance Cover Hansen’s Disease?
Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, upper respiratory tract, eyes, and peripheral nerves.
Significant symptoms include nerve damage, skin lesions, loss of sensation, and potential eye problems. This mainly spreads through droplets from an infected person if they are in close contact.
What are the Treatment methods for Leprosy?
Doctors use multi-drug therapy (MDT) to treat leprosy, which consists of dapsone, clofazimine, and rifampicin. MDT eventually kills the pathogen and permanently cures the patient. This treatment is available to everyone worldwide for free.
These drugs are administered for 6 months, which include:
- Rifampicin:10mg/kg of body weight. (Once time in a month)
- Clofazimine: 1mg/kg of body weight daily and 6mg/kg of body weight once a month.
- Dapsone: 2mg/ kg of the total body weight.
The treatment treats affected individuals based on clinical and bacteriological evidence.
How Does Health Insurance Help in Leprosy Treatments?
Most insurance companies in India offer coverage for leprosy treatment through critical illness riders or add-ons to ensure financial security for the patients. Here is a detailed explanation of leprosy treatment coverage:
1. Critical Illness Coverage
Leprosy treatment is usually covered under critical illness care coverage in health insurance policies, which generally acts as an add-on or rider based on the base health insurance plan.
2. Policy Inclusions
Before choosing the correct plan, it is necessary to review the clauses of the health insurance policy. After that, it should be mandatory to ask the insurer about the extent of leprosy treatment coverage offered.
3. Network Hospitals
You must choose a hospital that is in the insurance provider’s network. If you choose a network hospital, you will benefit from cashless treatment. This means insurance providers will directly settle the medical bills with hospitals.
4. Free Treatment
The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP), a centralised health scheme, ensures free treatment of leprosy patients. Health insurance covers this scheme for leprosy patients who belong to lower-income groups.
5. MDT Treatment
Multi-drug treatment (MDT) is a key form of treatment for leprosy patients. It aims to reduce the number of active cases in India. MDT is highly effective and has cured many patients over the years.
6. Pre Authorisation
In some instances of medical emergencies for leprosy patients, hospitalisation requires pre-authorisation from insurance providers for verification. After getting permission, they must submit all the documents to the insurance company.
How to Apply for a Health Insurance Policy?
Let us discuss the steps to apply for a health insurance policy:
1. Compare the Policies
Research different health insurance plans offered by various insurance companies properly. Consider factors like benefits, premiums, coverage, and claim settlement ratios. Then, determine your healthcare needs and budget to choose a suitable plan.
2. Check the Hospital Networks
It is essential to consider the hospital network of these insurance providers. Policyholders must check the hospital network before buying insurance plans. The wider network suggests proper assurance of quality treatments to the policyholders.
3. Gather Documents
Documents required for the application process include:
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, driving license and passport.
- Income Proof: Salary slips, bank statements and Income Tax return forms.
- Medical Documents: Prescriptions and previous medical records.
You should collect all these documents before initiating the application process.
4. Apply Online
Visit the company's official website and start the application process. After filling out the application form provided on that website, upload all the necessary documents.
5. Premium Payment
You must pay the premium according to the guidelines provided by the insurance company. Many companies have different regulations for policyholders' premium payments.
An insurer will issue the policy document after receiving the premium and related documents. It is recommended that you keep this document for future official purposes.
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Confused? We’ve got the answers
We're Star Health. We offer the coverage that's designed to help keep you healthy. It's the care that comes to you and stays with you.
Yes, leprosy treatment is covered primarily through critical illness riders or under specific health insurance, particularly if hospitalisation is required. Coverage usually applies after a specific waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
Yes, leprosy is considered a pre-existing disease under a specific health plan if it was diagnosed or if you received treatment within 36–48 months before buying the policy. However, you will be eligible for treatment after a PED waiting period of 2 to 3 years (or maximum 36 months).
Yes, health insurance generally covers hospitalisation for leprosy treatment, often covering expenses for inpatient care, surgery, and related medication. Coverage is typically provided through comprehensive health insurance plans, often covering pre-existing conditions after a specified waiting period, generally a year.
Yes, comprehensive health insurance covers complications caused by leprosy, primarily after a specific waiting period for pre-existing diseases (often 12–36 months), subject to policy terms and conditions.
Yes, leprosy treatment can be covered as a cashless claim under health insurance, particularly through specialised plans. Coverage is facilitated through network hospitals for cashless treatment, subject to policy terms.
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Health Insurance Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions is subject to underwriting review and may involve additional requirements, loadings, or exclusions. Please disclose your medical history in the proposal form for a personalised assessment.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only. Availability and terms of health insurance plans may vary based on geographic location and other factors. Consult a licensed insurance agent or professional for specific advice. T&C Apply. For further detailed information or inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at marketing.d2c@starhealth.in
