Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS as it is commonly called, is quite a common problem among the women population of India, especially during their reproductive age. As per a study by the PCOS society, 1 out of 10 Indian women suffers from PCOS. Another study conducted by AIIMS’s department of endocrinology and metabolism showed that 20% to 25% of Indian women of child-bearing age suffer from PCOS.
Such a common ailment but what does it entail? Let’s find out.
PCOS – meaning and complications
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome , is a disorder of the endocrine system, also called our body’s hormonal system. Under this condition, there is a hormonal imbalance in the body which causes various complications.
Some of these complications include the following –
- High blood sugar due to pregnancy, also called gestational diabetes
- Infertility
- Miscarriage
- Premature birth
- Sleep apnea
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Severe inflammation of the liver due to fat accumulation
- Type 2 diabetes
- Eating disorders or anxiety
- Depression
- Metabolic syndrome
Causes of PCOS
There are no known or proven causes of PCOS. However, medical findings attribute the ailment to the following reasons –
Low-grade inflammation
In this instance, white blood cells produce substances to counteract infections. This low-grade inflammation can lead to the production of excess male hormones, called androgen, which leads to problems in the heart and blood vessels.
Heredity
PCOS also be attribute to your heredity.
Excess insulin
Excess production of insulin, by the pancreas, can stimulate the production of excess androgen which causes problems with ovulation.
High level of androgen
If the endocrine system produces excess androgens, it might ultimately lead to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome .
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of PCOS include acne, hirsutism, obesity and irregular or long menstrual periods.
Treatment of PCOS
There is no surgical treatment for PCOS. Lifestyle changes, weight loss and medication work in treating it to some extent. However, it might not be fully curable.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and health insurance
While PCOS is not life-threatening, the aforementioned complications might lead to medical intervention. Given the rising medical costs, having a health insurance policy for covering PCOS-related complications becomes wise.
Does health insurance cover PCOS?
Yes, almost all health insurance plans cover PCOS and its complications. However, if you are already suffering from severe complications like diabetes, depression, metabolic syndrome, etc., there might be a waiting period before the coverage is allowed. The waiting period ranges from 12 months to 48 months depending on the policy that you choose.
Health insurance for PCOS-induced infertility
Infertility is a complication that might arise due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome . You can, then, opt for infertility treatments and assisted reproductive treatments like IVF. However, such treatments are expensive and having a health plan might help.
When it comes to covering infertility treatments, most health insurance plans do not come to your rescue. However, with modern-day innovations, many insurers have started offering health insurance plans that cover infertility treatments and assisted reproductive treatments. If you opt for such plans, you might be able to avail of the coverage and afford the expensive medical costs. However, here are a few aspects of the coverage that you should know –
- The coverage can be offered either as an inbuilt benefit or an optional one. In the case of optional benefits, you would have to pay an additional premium to avail of the coverage.
- There might be sub-limits or coverage restrictions for infertility treatments.
- Such treatments might get covered after a specified waiting period
- The coverage can come clubbed with maternity coverage
- The coverage is usually available in the higher variants of health insurance plans, i.e., variants that have a high sum insured.
You should, thus; look at the coverage benefits of the plan to understand whether infertility is covered or not. If covered, find out the terms and conditions of the said coverage. Choose a plan that has lower limits or restrictions to avail of a wider scope of coverage.
The bottom line
PCOS, though common, is not a critical illness that might prove fatal. It can be largely treated with medicine and lifestyle changes. However, for financial protection against unforeseen medical complications brought on by PCOS, invest in a health insurance plan. Declare your condition when buying the policy to enjoy unambiguous coverage. In the case of infertility, choose a plan that covers such treatments. Buy the policy as early as possible so that you can wait out the waiting period and enjoy the coverage that the plan has to offer.
While PCOS might be unavoidable, its financial repercussions can be avoided with a suitable health insurance plan. To know more http://blog.oneassure.in