Health Insurance for Hip Replacement

Health Insurance Options for Hip Replacement Surgery

Introduction:

In case you have been dealing with persistent pain in your hip that is severely impacting your movement and creating obstacles in your daily activities, then it is a serious matter! If conventional treatments like medication and therapy are unable to provide any relief, hip replacement surgery may be a viable treatment option for you. However, if the cost of hip replacement surgery is your biggest concern and the question ‘does health insurance cover hip replacement surgery’ can bother you while planning to take a health insurance plan, keep reading to learn everything about hip replacement and the coverage for the cost of hip replacement surgery with an ideal mediclaim policy.

Do not worry; we will go into specifics of health insurance as it relates to hip replacement surgery in this extensive guide, providing you with the knowledge and resources you need while selecting an ideal health insurance plan for hip replacement.

Understanding the Basics of Hip Replacement

Hip replacement or hip arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to replace or remove the damaged bone or cartilage of the hip. It is replaced with prosthetics or implants, including a metal stem. The hip joint consists of a ball and a socket that is responsible for free movement.

It would be wise for us to understand the basics of hip replacement surgery before diving into the health insurance coverage for hip replacement. Alternatively referred to as a hip arthroplasty, this feat of surgery involves replacing damaged or malfunctioning hip joint segments with prosthetic equivalents made of durable polymers, metal alloys, or ceramic composites. The list of conditions for which such procedures are indicated is extensive and includes hip fractures, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions that result in severe pain and limited movement.

You may ask: Does insurance cover hip replacement? Well, the answer is yes, most health insurance plans cover hip replacement surgery when medically necessary, but coverage details, waiting periods, co-pay, specific policy terms, and exclusions vary significantly. That is why checking with your insurer and reviewing your policy is crucial before the procedure.

When Do You Need a Hip Replacement?

Seeking health insurance for hip replacement surgery opens up many possibilities, each with its own pros and cons. The extent and complexity of coverage primarily depend on the health requirements of an individual's insurance plan and provider. However, some signs and symptoms indicate that you need hip replacement surgery. The following signs and symptoms, along with some diagnostic tests, can help you decide whether you should opt for hip replacement surgery or not. In case:

• You experience unbearable Pain

If your damaged hip is causing severe pain between your hip and knee, you are facing discomfort while walking, climbing, and bending, painkillers do not help much, and no conventional treatment is worthwhile. It is an indication that you might need hip replacement surgery.

• Stiffness in the hips is Prolonged and Persistent

When you are facing chronic stiffness in your hips and cannot lift your legs due to an injury, visit a nearby healthcare consultant without any delay. Chronic stiffness that does not go away is a clear sign of hip joint damage.

• Your mobility and daily activities are affected

A damaged hip joint is affecting your body movement. You are not able to do your daily tasks, including wearing socks and shoes, standing, or walking because of the inability to balance your weight.

• Diagnostic Tests results reflect joint damage

If your diagnostic tests expose joint damage, your healthcare provider may recommend hip replacement. For instance, your X-ray image reveals a deformity in the hip joint, or an MRI scan reflects the deteriorating conditions of the soft tissues and your hipbone.

• If conventional treatments are not helpful

All treatment options, like medication, physiotherapy, steroid injections, and acupuncture, have tried by the patient, but nothing has provided any relief from the pain. If these treatments are ineffective, hip replacement surgery is the only option to improve hip joint function.

Common Causes of Damage in the Hip Joint

You may ask: What causes damage in the hip joint? So includes:

• Hip Disease in childhood, due to which the hip does not have normal growth, which causes arthritis in older age.
• Osteoarthritis leads to wear and tear of the cartilage cushion of the hipbones with age.
• Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the hip joint, which ultimately leads to stiffness and pain. It may slowly impact your mobility because of the damage to the cartilage.
• Osteonecrosis, caused by an injury like a fracture or trauma, may cause damage in the hip joint due to the death of cells due to loss of blood supply to the bone.

Does Your Health Insurance Plan Cover Hip Replacement Surgery?

Generally, an ideal health insurance plan cover the cost of hip replacement surgery. However, the coverage is provided as per the terms and conditions outlined in your health insurance plan and is subject to the waiting period specified in the policy. Hence, it is advised to opt for a health insurance plan that offers comprehensive coverage.

On the other hand, extra Services looks forward, with auxiliary modalities frequently taking center stage in the comprehensive care continuum that includes hip replacement surgery. Ancillary devices like crutches or walkers, as well as post-operative rehabilitation and pre-operative examinations, are essential components of the surgical journey. Examining the features of one's insurance policy allows for a more accurate evaluation of the scope of coverage and related financial obligations.

Expenses Covered by Health Insurance for Hip Replacement Surgery

How much does a health insurance plan offer for a hip replacement? Well, it will depend on the expenses covered under your medical plan. Every health insurance plan offers different coverage, but some common expenses covered by almost all health insurance plans include:

• Inpatient care, including room rent, nurse charges, OT charges, etc.
• Expenses related to medical supplies during hospitalisation
• Doctor’s consultation fees
• Prosthetics or implants Costs
• Diagnostic tests and prescribed medicines
• Pre and post-hospitalisation costs
• Ambulance charges as per the policy’s terms and conditions

Moreover, the policyholder has to pay a portion of the medical costs in case there is a co-payment. Opting for a co-payment helps in reducing the premium amount. However, it is recommended opt for a plan with zero co-payment so that you do not have to deal with any out-of-pocket expenses.

Conclusion

When it comes to ensuring that elderly people have access to the best care. Star Health offers a comprehensive medical insurance policy with coverage for hip replacement surgery. With Star Health, you can get financial assistance for hip surgeries and associated expenses, from pre-operative consultation to the post-surgery care. Specified health insurance plans are designed to provide extensive coverage, such as a shorter waiting period and cashless treatment for pre-existing medical conditions.

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