The function of the immune system is to protect our body from diseases. But sometimes, the immune system can attack the body’s healthy cells. One such condition is Multiple Sclerosis (MS). As a long-lasting illness, MS can drain your life savings. Thus, you should know if MS is covered under Health insurance plans. If it isn’t, how can you manage the costs associated with MS treatment?

Multiple Sclerosis is a condition of the central nervous system (CNS), i.e., the brain and the spinal cord. It affects a fatty substance known as myelin, which provides insulation to the brain and spinal cord.

The myelin sheath functions as a vehicle that transmits signals across the nervous system, allowing the brain to command the rest of the body. An unknown trigger causes the immune system to attack the myelin protecting the CNS. The damaged myelin disrupts the transmittance of the electric signals while slowing the brain and spinal cord functions.

Damage to the myelin causes blindness, numbness, fatigue, bladder problems, difficulty with balance and coordination, muscle spasms, etc. Relapsing-remitting, clinically isolated syndrome, primary progressive MS, and secondary progressive MS are the different types of Sclerosis.

The symptoms of MS can be mild or severe. Presently, a permanent Multiple Sclerosis cure is unknown. Plasma exchange, physical therapy and continuous medication are commonly used to treat MS tentatively.

Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis period is extensive, i.e., the patient may be in and out of the hospital indefinitely. Therefore, general Health Insurance plans may not suffice. However, insurers cover MS under Critical Illness Health Insurance plans.

Critical Insurance Plans specifically cover various long-term illnesses that require extensive treatment, e.g., cancer, cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, paralysis, MS, etc. The plans come with a higher sum insured, which the insured can use throughout the treatment duration. People with MS suffering from the motor and sensory function impairment for over six months can seek treatment under the Critical Illness Health Insurance policy.

The insurer typically mentions the various critical illnesses covered under the critical illness plan, and Multiple Sclerosis treatment is usually one of them. These plans generally come with higher sums insured, usually in the range of Rs 50 lakh, Rs 1 Crore, etc., but the insured can file a claim after completing the waiting period, which could be 2-4 years.

Upon being diagnosed with MS, the insured must inform their insurance provider about their intention to file a claim and provide the documents supporting the diagnosis. The insurer verifies the claim and disburses the sum insured as a one-time lump sum. The insured can use the funds as needed during the course of the treatment.

Chronic and long-term illnesses are on the rise. Therefore, you need a Health Insurance plan to cover such high costs. A Critical Illness Health Insurance plan covers several long-term conditions and gives you the peace of mind to seek the best treatment without worrying about the costs.