Diabetes is no longer an ailment of the old or middle-aged. Even youngsters can fall prey to the illness; especially the type 1 diabetes which is an autoimmune disease common in children.
India is considered to be the youngest country as more than 50% of its population is below 25 years of age. 65% fall under the 35-year age bracket. In this demography, type 1 and type 2 diabetes is prevalent in 40% to 45% of individuals. Moreover, the onset of type 2 diabetes in India is found to be 20 years before that of Western countries. So, finding youngsters suffering from it is not uncommon.
How can youngsters deal with the ailment?
Types of diabetes and its management
There are two types of diabetes and managing each is different. Have a look –
- Type 1 diabetes
The type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition wherein the pancreas either does not produce any insulin. Nor it produces very minimal amounts of it. Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes; as it is commonly found in children.
Management of Type 1 diabetes
Insulin injections are quintessential in treating type 1 diabetes. Such injections provide the body with the insulin needed.
- Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is more of a lifestyle condition in which the body’s ability to process glucose (sugar) is impaired. Under this condition; the body either does not produce the required quantum of insulin or resists insulin altogether. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition which usually continues lifelong.
Management of Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. Changing the diet to exclude sugar, regular exercising and medication can help you manage this form of it.
Health insurance and diabetes
It is not usually life-threatening. However, it can lead to various medical complications like –
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Kidney failure
- Nerve damage
- Eye damage like glaucoma
- Skin conditions
- Depression
- Increased chances of infection
If these complications arise, you might need medical attention or hospitalisation. The cost of such attention or hospitalisation might put a financial strain. As such, you need a health insurance plan to cover your medical costs.
Do health insurance plans provide coverage against pre-existing diabetes?
If you think they don’t, you are wrong! Health insurance plans do provide coverage if you are suffering from it. Even when you are young and suffer from it, you can opt for a health insurance policy to cover possible medical complications. Here are a few points to remember about the coverage –
- If you are suffering from it when buying the health plan; your illness would be considered a pre-existing condition. Coverage its related complications would be provided after a waiting period. This period might range from 12 months to 48 months.
However, some health insurance plans allow you to reduce the waiting period at the payment of an additional premium. So, if you seek coverage earlier, look for such plans and choose the available option.
- In the case of severe issue, insurance companies might reject your policy. This, however, is not very common. Usually, insurers accept the proposal. But might restrict coverage for its related complications. So, read the policy wording carefully.
- The premium would, usually, be higher given the increased health risk that you present.
Furthermore, many insurers offer such specific health plans. You can look up such plans. However, check the type of it that the plans cover. Usually, such plans cover both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Group v/s independent health plans
Group health plans cover diabetes from Day 1. However, only a group health plan might not suffice your medical needs. Though the policy would cover your complications without any waiting period. You need an independent health plan too for supplementing your coverage. Here are some reasons why –
- To avail of a higher sum insured
- To get customised coverage features
- For lifelong renewability
So, despite having a group plan, invest in an independent health plan too for enhanced coverage. Use the group plan during the waiting period for the independent plan. Thereafter, both the policies would provide an all-around scope of coverage.
The bottom line
Diabetes is a chronic condition. However, thanks to health plans. You can protect yourself against the financial repercussions of the illness. So, invest in a suitable and comprehensive health plan. Read the policy terms and conditions to know the exact scope of coverage. Even when you have group health coverage, supplement the coverage with an independent health plan. So that you can afford quality medical facilities when you need them the most.