Tuberculosis Treatment Cost in India
Health Insurance

Tuberculosis Treatment Cost in India

A health emergency can crop up anytime. The expenses associated with treating a medical emergency typically depend on whether the illness can be treated quickly or if it requires extensive, long–term treatment. One such medical condition that demands long–term treatment is tuberculosis. If diagnosed with it, patients may have to spend huge amounts of money to recover fully. Let us understand what tuberculosis is and the tuberculosis treatment costs in India.

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis, generally abbreviated as TB, is a severe disease that affects the lungs. Caused by a type of bacteria known as the Mycobacterium Tuberculi Bacterium, TB can quickly spread to other body parts, including the brain and spine. It is a highly contagious ailment typically categorised into two types. The first is latent TB, wherein the patient has no symptoms and is not contagious because of their healthy immune system that prevents the germs from spreading. The second type is active TB, wherein the germs multiply, making the patient sick and contagious.

Tuberculosis treatment cost in India

Per a 2021 study by a leading medical professional in India and the subsequent report published by one of India’s most reputed publication houses, some forms of tuberculosis treatments are costly. They could be as high as “235% of individual income and 53% of annual family income”. The costs of treating tuberculosis also depend on the severity of the condition and the time taken to recover from the illness. The recovery period can range anywhere from three months to two years.

Cost of TB medicine in India and further steps

The TB medicine cost in India accounts for the majority of the treatment–related expenses. Per the study, patients spent more money – approximately 37% of the total treatment costs on TB medication alone. However, patients may need specialised intervention if the medication fails to work adequately. They may have to undergo brain surgery and spend an extended period of time in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The costs for the same can run into tens of lakhs.

Additional tuberculosis treatment costs in India

Besides the medication and surgery, the additional tuberculosis treatment costs in India include:

  • Cost of hospitalisation and the number of days spent there.
  • Costs of diagnostic tests prescribed from time to time.
  • Charges levied by the treating physician and surgeons based on their expertise levels.
  • Expenses related to the nutritional supplements prescribed to balance any side effects of TB medicines.
  • Costs associated with the patients’ recovery and rehabilitation.

The above costs vary from one medical institution to another but can be anywhere from several thousands to a few lakhs.

How to manage tuberculosis treatment costs in India?

The only way to manage the expenses associated with any health crisis, including tuberculosis treatment, is to buy health insurance plans with high sums insured. The insurer bears most of the medical costs, while you can focus on getting the best treatment available.

Invest in health insurance today

Today, you can buy health insurance policies online. Remember to compare the various insurance companies based on their reputation and claim settlement ratios before investing.

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.

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