Heart diseases are on the rise globally. Various treatments can successfully cure such conditions, one of which is known as angioplasty. A German–born scientist devised the surgery in the early 1970s. Presently, it is a widely used surgery to curb cardiovascular, i.e., heart–related diseases. This article explains angioplasty costs in India and how you can pay for them.

Angioplasty, also known as coronary angioplasty or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a surgery to open clogged arteries in the heart. It involves inserting a balloon to stretch open clogged arteries. Present–day angioplasty surgeries use stents or wire–mesh tubes. Once inserted, the stent is left permanently in the artery.

While performing the angioplasty medical procedure, the surgeon inserts a tube–like structure or catheter and guides it through the wrist or groin to reach the blocked artery. A non–inflated balloon and stent are attached to the catheter. The surgeon then inflates the balloon to push open the blocked artery and place the stent. The balloon is deflated and taken out while the stent is left inside.

Angioplasty procedure costs depend on the patient's condition and other critical factors. Typically, angioplasty costs in India include the following:

• Surgeon fees: The surgeon’s fees depend on their experience level and the hospital where the experienced surgeon performs the procedure.

• Hospitalization costs: The angioplasty surgery costs levied by government hospitals are usually lower than those charged by private medical institutions. While the procedure is minimally invasive, doctors recommend an overnight stay, thus increasing the treatment costs.

• Staff fees: Besides the surgeon, angioplasty surgeries require the presence of specialized cardiovascular nurses, which leads to added costs.

• Equipment cost: Patients can choose the preferred type of stent they would like inserted before undergoing surgery. The costs also vary based on the types and number of stents inserted.

Most medical Insurance plans cover angioplasty treatment. You can use your regular health insurance plan to pay for angioplasty costs. The policies come with a standard waiting period of 30–90 days, during which you cannot file a claim. Once you are eligible, your insurance policy covers you for the following:

• Diagnostics costs: The insurer covers the costs of diagnosis throughout the treatment, including pre and post–hospitalization expenses. This includes CPR tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, Doppler ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), etc.

• Doctor’s fee: Your health insurance policy covers the surgeons’ fees, including consultants, anesthetists, cardiologists, etc.

• Ambulance charges: Patients suffering from sudden heart attacks may need ambulance services, the cost of which is partially covered under health insurance.

• Hospitalization costs & medication: Costs like room rent, nursing, intensive care units (ICU) charges, etc., are also covered under your medical insurance plans.

Why health insurance matters

A health insurance plan protects you from bearing the high costs of medical treatment for various health conditions, including angioplasty surgery costs. Investing in an all–encompassing health insurance policy with a high sum insured gives you access to the best medical care.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.