The air we breathe in is essential for life. But lately, the air quality in many cities is getting worse. Air pollution has become a big concern to everyone’s health as it affects the lungs and develops respiratory diseases like asthma. People are also developing heart ailments, skin and eye irritation, and many other complications.
Hence, the importance of having a health insurance policy cannot be ignored. There are many medical insurance plans that you can choose from. You can compare health insurance plans to understand what is covered so that you get the best coverage in case a health issue arises.
Air Pollution: Who is At Risk and Ways to Protect Yourself
Air pollution means the presence of harmful gases and particles in the air. These pollutants come from factories, car exhaust, burning, etc. Air pollution can impact your lungs and make it harder to breathe.
Children, older adults, people with existing health conditions, and pregnant women are more at risk of developing health issues due to air pollution.
There are many ways to protect yourself from air pollution. You can stay indoors when the air quality is really bad, wear a mask before going out, etc. However, the best way to be prepared to combat air pollution is to have good health insurance plans.
How Do Medical Insurance Plans Help?
Health insurance plans provide you coverage against medical bills if you get sick from air pollution. There are different types of health insurance plans, like regular health insurance plans, senior citizen health insurance plans, critical illness health insurance plans, individual health insurance plans, etc.
Here are a few common coverages offered under medical insurance plans (as per the terms and conditions of the insurance).
- Hospitalisation bills: In some cases, air pollution can lead to hospitalisation, and your health insurance can help you pay for the costs.
- Doctor visits: Symptoms of air pollution may require you to visit a doctor. Some health insurance plans provide coverage against the cost involved in doctor visits.
- Medication: Your doctor may prescribe you medications to help you breathe better. Some health insurance policies provide coverage for medication bills.
- Diagnostic tests: Some health plans also cover the cost of diagnostic tests, saving you from spending money on them.
How to Find the Right Health Insurance Plan?
Finding the right health insurance policy needs some research and you need to be sure of the kind of coverage you want from it. You may purchase health insurance online and compare the aspects of each plan before making the final decision. Here are some important aspects that you need to consider before purchasing a health insurance plan, especially if you are living in a city where the air pollution is higher.
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Look for the Right Policy Coverage
Look for a health insurance plan that provides extensive coverage, like pre and post-hospitalisation coverage, critical illness coverage, ambulance charges, maternity benefits, cashless treatment, etc.
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Check Your Requirements
Before buying health insurance for you or your family, check what your requirements are. You may check online medical policies to know their features. Knowing your requirements will help you get the best coverage and value for money.
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Know Your Budget
Budget is an important factor when choosing a health insurance policy. Know your budget and how much you are comfortable spending on the insurance premium. Remember, health insurance plans need renewal every year, so choosing a budget-friendly plan will help you continue with the plan and get coverage as and when you need it.
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Check the Waiting Period Clause
Some health insurance plans cover pre-existing diseases after a period called the waiting period. Be sure of the waiting period to get maximum benefits from the medical insurance plan.
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Check the Co-Payment Clause
When choosing a health insurance plan, check for sub-limits or co-payment clauses. A co-payment clause entails that with the insurance company, you also need to pay a percentage of the hospital bills each time you file a claim. Choose a plan without any sub-limits or co-payment clauses.
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Choose a Plan with Lifetime Renewability
Health insurance plans are necessary throughout, especially as you grow older. Choose a plan that offers lifetime renewability. Renew your health coverage plan every year to stay protected from unwanted bills arising from medical attention.
Conclusion
The rising concern over air pollution leads to the requirement of health insurance. Air pollution causes significant health risks that particularly affect the respiratory system and lead to conditions like asthma and more. It can also lead to other health complications that may require immediate medical attention.
To protect against these risks, individuals, especially vulnerable people like children, the elderly, and people with existing health conditions, should consider purchasing health insurance online with extensive coverage.
