Critical Illness Insurance for Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is one of the most unknown diseases in India due to its lack of awareness. However, statistics show that more than 1 million cases come to light every year. Parkinson’s Disease patients experience extreme shaking and stiffness of muscles and limbs making it difficult for them to walk, balance, and coordinate their body actions. The disease is caused by a neurological defect that leads to permanent suffering. Legendary boxers Muhammad Ali, Stephen Hawking, and Pope John Paul II all suffered from this disease.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement control. The disease is named after James Parkinson, the British physician who first brought to light the symptoms of this disease. As per research, Parkinson’s disease is caused by less dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter that helps in regulating movement and coordination of the body.
Types of Diabetes:
The following are the types of Parkinson’s Disease found in patients:
1. Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease:
This is one of the most common types of Parkinson’s faced by patients. This type of Parkinson’s arises suddenly therefore the cause of this type of Parkinson’s is unknown. Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease is usually common in patients aged above 60 years. The progression of this type of Parkinson’s is usually slow and gradual.
2. Vascular Parkinsonism:
This type of Parkinson’s is caused by cerebrovascular conditions caused due to disruption in the flow of blood in blood vessels. This condition arises due to stroke or multiple strokes thereby affecting the part of the brain that is responsible for the proper functioning of the motor movements of the body.
3. Drug-induced Parkinsonism:
As the name suggests this type of Parkinson’s is caused due to overuse or wrong usage of medication. The cause or side effect of wrong or overuse of medication is instability and/or tremors. Therefore, this type of Parkinson’s is called drug-induced parkinsonism.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease:
The following symptoms are seen in Parkinson’s patients:
1. Tremors:
Involuntary shaking or trembling of the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or other parts of the body.
2. Bradykinesia:
Slowness of movement, making simple tasks like walking or getting out of a chair difficult.
3. Muscle Rigidity:
Stiffness in the muscles, can lead to pain and limited range of motion.
4. Postural Instability:
Impaired balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls.
5. Bradyphrenia:
Cognitive changes such as slowed thinking, difficulty with multitasking, and problems with memory and decision-making.
6. Micrographia:
A small, cramped handwriting that develops over time.
7. Freezing:
Momentary episodes where a person with Parkinson’s feels as though their feet are glued to the ground, making it challenging to take steps
Parkinson’s Disease: Causes of Parkinson’s Disease and Treatment
Parkinson’s disease is caused due to malfunction of a brain region called lower ganglia responsible for the body regulation and movement. Additionally, imbalance in production of dopamine and norepinephrine contribute to the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Apart from these there are other contributing factors as follows:
• Age:
Parkinson’s disease is rare amongst young but the risk increases as the age progresses. Research states usually individuals more than 60 years old are affected by the disease.
• Exposure to Chemicals:
Prolonged exposure to pesticides can increase the risk of developing the disease.
• Family History:
It is correctly said it is all in the genes. if you have a family medical history where your close relative has the disease the chances of you having the disease increases.
• Gender:
Research suggests that the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease is more amongst men as compared to women.
Parkinson’s Disease, typically incurable, is generally treatable through various approaches recommended by healthcare experts. These treatments encompass:
1. Engaging in aerobic exercises with high cardio such as running, walking or even swimming, etc.
2. Undergoing speech therapy administered by a speech specific pathologist.
3. Participating in physiotherapy to alleviate joint pain with stiffness.
4. Incorporating lifestyle changes through occupational therapy.
5. Considering a stimulation surgery of the deep brain.
6. Utilizing medications like levodopa, amantadine and dopamine agonists.
Does all Critical Illness Plans provide Coverage for Parkinson’s Disease?
Yes, most Critical Illness Health Insurance Plans do cover Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and its treatment expenses.
When a patient is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, he/she files for a claim, once the claim is filed the insurance provider will disburse the claim amount. It’s important to note that the specific terms, conditions, and coverage details can vary significantly between insurance providers and policies.
Therefore, when considering Critical Illness Insurance, it is crucial to carefully review the policy documentation and discuss your specific needs and concerns with an insurance agent or broker.
Parkinson’s Disease related Medical Expenses:
When seeking treatment for Parkinson’s disease, individuals often encounter a range of medical expenses that are integral to their care. These expenses encompass:
1. Medical Tests:
The medical test refers to the lab test and CT scan or x-ray required by the doctors.
2. Hospitalization:
The hospitalisation expenses like the room rent come under this head.
3. Treatment Costs:
The entire cost of treatment includes complimentary and supportive therapies like physiotherapy, speech therapy etc.
4. Medication Costs:
The cost incurred on the medicines required for the patient.
Managing these medical expenses can become a tough task for the patient’s family. Thus, having insurance coverage will help to alleviate the financial burden associated with Parkinson’s disease treatment.
What is the Clause for Survival Period Under Critical Illness Insurance Plans for Parkinson’s Disease?
The survival period refers to the period that the insured individual must live after being diagnosed with a medical condition before becoming eligible for coverage benefits under the policy. During this specific time frame, any claims submitted will not result in compensation.
In the case of Critical Illness Insurance covering Parkinson’s disease, the typical survival period ranges from approximately 14 to 30 days. To determine the precise duration of the survival period for a particular insurance plan, you can refer to the policy document or inquire directly with the insurance provider.
Also, there is usually an Initial Waiting Period of 90 days during which no claim would be entertained, except for accidental claims. The details of the waiting period are mentioned in the policy document. alternatively, you can ask the insurance provider before buying the policy.
What Benefits can you Avail of in a Critical Illness Insurance Plan for Parkinson’s Disease?
Living with Parkinson’s disease is a long-term struggle, but having Critical Illness Insurance can provide valuable support. It allows you to concentrate on adapting to lifestyle changes and improvement without the burden of financial concerns.
Additionally, this condition may impact your ability to earn a living, making the lump sum payment from your insurer a vital resource for managing your expenses. Moreover, you may be eligible to claim an Income Tax benefit under “Section 80D,” potentially up to Rs. 25,000 (subject to changes), for the premiums you have paid for yourself, in case of premiums paid for your spouse or dependent children the amount is Rs 50,000. Note the age of your spouse is up to 60 years of age. You can avail an additional amount of tax exemption of Rs 50,000 for premiums paid for your dependent parents if any one of them is more than 60 years of age.
How to Prevent and/or Avoid Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological disease which to date does not have a permanent cure however research has found some ways that help in slowing down the degeneration caused by the disease.
Carrying out or including activities like aerobics, exercise, walking, balance training, swimming, and numerous functional activities can help in slowing down Parkinson’s Disease symptoms.
Additionally taking medicines and supplements can also help in avoiding parkinson’s disease. Research shows that intake of vitamin B9 commonly called folic acid helps in reducing the risk associated with the disease. Folic acid or Vitamin B9 is commonly found in green vegetables like broccoli and spinach. Omega 3 fatty acids is another helpful supplement that helps in keeping the risk associated with the disease at bay. Omega 3 fatty acid is commonly found in soyabean oil and in fish.
The Importance of Critical Illness Insurance for Critical Illness Insurance for Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological condition which needs proper care and attention. The treatment of this disease does not only include medication but a holistic treatment is required for the patient. Below are a few of the common treatments prescribed by doctors:
• Medications
• Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapies are prescribed in order to make lifestyle changes
• Speech Therapy
• Physical exercises like Aerobics, walking, swimming, etc.
Thus as the treatment is vast having critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s Disease will help to cover the expenses incurred during the treatment of the disease thereby making the journey towards healing financially less stressful.
Who Needs Critical Illness Insurance for Parkinson’s Disease?
Critical Illness Insurance for Parkinson’s Disease is beneficial for individuals for the following reasons:
• Individuals with a family history might be at a higher risk of developing the condition therefore having critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s Disease can help in offering financial support in case of diagnosis of the disease
• If an individual is the primary breadwinner of the family having critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s Disease will provide a financial cushion to the family in challenging times.
• Having critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s Disease will offer peace of mind to both you and your family.
Thus, having critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s Disease is beneficial. It is best to evaluate your financial and insurance needs before purchasing the insurance cover.
Importance of Opting For a Standalone Critical Illness Plan for Parkinson’s Disease:
(even if you hold an indemnity health insurance plan?
Both, critical illness insurance and indemnity health insurance plans are best suitable for every individual however both these insurance covers offer different insurance purposes. The purpose of an indemnity health insurance plan is to offer insurance coverage to cover a wide range of medical costs related to illness and its associated hospitalisation.
However, a standalone critical illness is a fixed-benefit health insurance plan. So, if you are diagnosed with any of the listed critical ailments, you would get the entire sum insured as a claim and the policy would terminate. So, a critical illness insurance cover is designed to offer financial cover in the event of a specific severe illness. Therefore, having critical illness insurance for severe medical conditions is beneficial along with an indemnity health insurance plan.
List of Insurance Policies for Parkinson’s Disease
The following is the list of insurance policies covering Parkinson’s Disease:
| Care Health Insurance- Super Mediclaim Plan | Care Health Critical Mediclaim which is an indemnity-based health insurance plan for listed 32 critical illnesses including Parkinson’s Disease upto Rs. 10 lakhs, except if it has been caused due to a drug or alcohol abuse. |
| HDFC Ergo Critical Illness Health Insurance | The platinum plan of HDFC Ergo Critical Illness Health Insurance offers coverage towards Parkinson’s Disease. Under this plan the survival period is 30 days. |
| Activ Secure Critical Illness Plan | This plan covers 64 critical diseases including Parkinson’s Disease. The plan offers upto Rs 1 Crore. |
| Chola MS Critical Healthline Insurance | This plan offers 3 variants offering different sums insured to the policyholder so that they can choose the plan as per their financial and insurance needs. The survival period under this plan is 30 days while the waiting period under this plan is 90 days. |
| ACKO Health Insurance Policy | The plan offers financial compensation in case of a diagnosis of the disease. |
Inclusions and Exclusions of Critical Illness Insurance for Parkinson’s Disease
The following are the inclusions of critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s Disease:
• Expenses before and after Hospitalization
• Medical costs before and after hospitalization.
• Expenses related to diagnostic tests.
• Doctor’s fees incurred prior to, during, and after a hospital stay.
• Treatment expenses cover room rent, ICU charges, doctor’s fees, transfusions, medications, tests, and more.
• Ambulance charges.
• The option for cashless claims is available.
The following is the list of exclusions for critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s Disease:
• Hospitalisation for conditions other than Parkinson’s disease, unless specified in the policy.
• Hospitalisation occurs before the completion of the waiting period specified in the insurance policy.
• Pre-existing health conditions.
• Parkinson’s disease results from substance abuse, including drug or alcohol abuse, etc.
Eligibility for Critical Illness Insurance for Parkinson’s Disease
The eligibility criteria for buying critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s Disease is that the individual to be covered must be in the age group of 18 years to 65 years. The age of the proposer for availing the critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s disease should be more than 18 years of age.
Critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s disease offers financial support upon the diagnosis of the condition. The financial support is paid as a lump sum and this amount is completely tax-free.
Features of Critical Illness Insurance for Parkinson’s Disease
Critical Illness Insurance for Parkinson’s Disease as the name suggests offers insurance coverage to an individual in case he/she develops the disease. The specific features of the insurance policy differ as it depends on the insurance policy selected by the person and the insurance provider. However, the following are few of the most common features of critical illness insurance for parkinson’s Disease.
1. Diagnosis Coverage:
The insurance provider will offer coverage against the disease upon its diagnosis. The policy document will consist of the terms and conditions of the diagnosis.
2. Lump Sum Payout:
One of the prime features of critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s Disease is that it is covered and offers financial compensation to individuals upon diagnosis of the disease. The amount received under the lump sum payout can be utilised to cover for the medical expenses and rehabilitation of the patient.
3. Waiting Period:
Some policies have a waiting period clause in its critical illness insurance. This waiting period varies from one insurance policy to another. Therefore it is best to read the policy document carefully.
4. Survival Period:
Some critical illness insurance policies require the insured to survive for a certain period post the diagnosis of the parkinson’s disease. This period is usually 30 days, however it is in best interest to read the policy document to understand the exact terms and conditions of the insurance coverage.
5. Exclusions:
It is important to know the exclusions of the critical illness insurance. The details and terms and conditions related to the same are mentioned in the policy document.
thus, above are some important features of the critical illness insurance for parkinson’s disease that every individual planning to buy should understand in detail.
Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease Covered
There are numerous treatments available for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease including medication, surgery, and complementary and supportive therapies. It is best to understand the terms and conditions related to the treatments mentioned in the policy document.
Who Should Buy Parkinson’s Disease Health Insurance Plans?
People with a family history of Parkinson’s Disease should buy a health insurance plan that covers the medical expenses related to Parkinson’s Disease. Having a health insurance plan in place will help cushion the financial expenses arising in challenging times.
Tax Benefits of Critical Illness Insurance for Parkinson’s Disease
An individual can avail tax benefits for the premiums paid towards the critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s Disease. Under section 80DDB, Neurological diseases like Parkinson’s can claim for tax deduction provided the disability level is 40% or more. For claiming the tax benefit a medical certificate from a neurologist is a must along with documents like a self-declaration stating the cost incurred for treatment, and premium payment receipts. the tax deduction allowed under section 80DDB for senior and super senior citizens is Rs 1 Lakh.
Key Factors to consider while purchasing Critical Illness Insurance for Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological condition which is hard to cure but the symptoms can be prolonged with proper medication and holistic treatment. The following are the key factors to be considered while purchasing critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s Disease:
1. Medical history:
If you have a medical or hereditary history of Parkinson’s Disease it is best to avail of insurance coverage to help ease the financial stress in challenging times.
2. Sole Breadwinner:
If you are the primary earning member of the family and if upon diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease would impact the financial stability of your family then opting for critical illness insurance is a must.
3. Peace of mind:
Having a financial cushion to cover medical expenses, caregiving, and lifestyle impact is important. Therefore, quality of life is one key factor to be considered while purchasing critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s Disease.
The Cost Associated with Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
The following is a list of costs associated with the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease:
• Medical tests
• Hospitalisation
• Treatment costs
• Room rent
• ICU expenses
• Doctor’s fee
• Medication costs
• Ambulance charges, etc.
How to buy for Parkinson’s Disease Insurance Plans Online?
Here is a step-by-step guide to purchasing critical illness insurance for Parkinson’s Disease online
• Select the plan
• Opt for a sum assured that covers your financial needs
• Fill out the proposal form
• Pay the premium
• Carry out medical tests as required and stated by the insurance provider
• Once the payment is done the insurance company shall send the policy document in a physical or electronic method.
In order to purchase the plan offline, you can contact the branch office of the insurer.
Conclusion:
Thus, to sum it up we can say a critical illness health insurance plan is a beneficial tool to be financially cushioned in case of challenging times. In case, if you have a family history of Parkinson’s or get diagnosed with the disease having a critical illness insurance will be beneficial as a lump sum payout shall be made to cover for the expenses incurred.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Regular health insurance might not cover Parkinson’s Disease but a critical illness policy will cover Parkinson’s Disease. It is best to review the terms and conditions of the insurance policy before purchasing.
In Critical Illness Insurance, compensation for Parkinson's disease matches the chosen sum assured, typically ranging from Rs. 5 to 10 lakhs. Keep in mind, that a higher sum assured means a higher premium, and vice versa.
No, it is not. Typically, once you file a claim and receive the full sum assured from your insurer, the plan is usually deactivated, and further claims may not be allowed.
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