Managing quality healthcare in India is not an easy job. Costs are always on the rise, and little restorative strategies can deplete your reserve funds. Fair like the structure of India ensures your rights, having the best health insurance in India can secure your investment funds and offer assistance to get the best treatment accessible.
So, this Republic Day, when you choose to select a more extensive scope with more considerations and benefits, you are required to be prepared to pay a greater arrangement premium. A health insurance premium calculator would help to examine what rate of compensation you ought to be contributing to a health insurance plan.
Why is Health Insurance Important?
There are numerous reasons why having the best health insurance in India is a must-have. Here are some of them:
1) You might be youthful and follow a healthy life, but ails and accidents can come without any previous warnings. So, while believing in your impunity is good, staying unrehearsed is not.
2) Know that anything from a mosquito bite to a wrong turn on the road can land you in a clinic, and it can eat up a major part of your savings. Which means, you need a health plan. Medical knowledge has made great progress over the decades and introduced cures for several life-threatening conditions. But this advancement has also inflated the price of quality healthcare establishments.
3) A health insurance plan covers your finances and gives you the choice to choose the relaxed treatment available without losing sleep over medical charges. It also pays for costs incurred during the pre- and post-hospitalisation period.
4) Indeed if you have a plan handed in by your employer, counting on it comprehensively can be tricky as its content may not be acceptable to cover your health requirements.
5) With a health plan, you get cashless treatment. This point saves the day when you don’t have enough cash in your bank.
6) There are a host of plans available in the market now, and they can be customised specifically to your requirements and budget. From a critical illness plan to maternity-specific ones, you can add different features if you want to.
7) There are numerous top-up plans available that give a further boost to your subsisting plan when the sum insured appears inadequate. You get other benefits like free periodic health check-ups, ambulance services, treatment charges for AYUSH, mental illness, etc.
Since there's a staying period for several ails in health insurance plans, buying one when you're healthy becomes advantageous because you can easily wade through that period without having to make any claim requests. Ultimately, you can use tax benefits by buying a health plan under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
Salary & health insurance
To start with, you can begin contributing anything between two and five per cent of your yearly salary to health plans. That’s what most money specialists propose. So, for an individual with a yearly bundle of INR 6 lakhs, the arrangement premium extension would be INR 12,000 to INR 30,000. In any case, there is no one-cap-fits-all approach to it. Everybody has distinctive needs.
For example, if you remain in a huge city where medical facilities are costlier, your whole safety net provider can’t be the same as somebody in a little town. So also, the needs shift concurring to components like age, pre-existing conditions, therapeutic history, nature of the work, etc. The greater the entire guarantor you need and the more benefits you would like to incorporate into the arrangement, the greater will be the premium.
Using a Health Insurance Premium Calculator
Since numerous variables play a part in choosing your health insurance, a health insurance premium calculator can offer assistance in deciding what will be the right approach for you. You can go to your insurer’s site, fill in the points of interest they inquire about and hit the ‘get quote’ button. At that point, you will be taken to the health insurance premium calculator page, where you can select the scope and check the premium sum for the distinctive combinations. The calculation will be done based on family measures, age, place of home, sort of arrangement required, basic way of life, etc.
In conclusion, managing healthcare costs in India requires careful planning and the right health insurance coverage. Utilizing a health insurance premium calculator can help determine the appropriate premium based on various factors such as age, location, and coverage needs. Investing in a health insurance plan, whether it's a comprehensive or a critical illness plan, ensures financial protection against unforeseen medical expenses. With the rising costs of medical treatments, having health insurance allows you to access quality care without depleting your savings. As you prepare for the future, make informed decisions about your health insurance to secure your financial and physical well-being.
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.
6 Healthy Habits For Families
The key to long-term health is to get the entire family involved. Right from making healthy food choices to leading an active lifestyle – incorporating healthy habits in your daily lifestyle can be simple and practical when everyone in the family is working towards the same health goals.
Over here we discuss 6 healthy habits for families. You can add these habits into your daily routine to ensure your family’s good health.
6 Healthy Habits for Families
Eating a healthy diet, together as a family
The easiest of all family eating habits to cultivate is eating together. In today’s hectic world, eating together may be a challenge, but it’s worth making the efforts. There are several benefits of eating together. Eating together will help everyone in your family stick to scheduled meal times. Combine this habit with a healthy diet. Make a variety of healthy food choices, preferably food made at home so that family members, especially children do not look for junk food.
Make meal prep a fun activity
For family health benefits, it is essential to lead by example.Make healthy food choices so that your children can follow suit. A great way to promote healthy eating habits is to invite your children to be part of the cooking process. Help them choose the recipe and shop the ingredients. This will go a long way in inculcating healthy food choices in children.
Have no-phone zones
Apart from instilling good and healthy family habits and practices with regards to meals, it helps to turn meal hours into exclusive family hours with no interruptions. Having no phone zones at the dinner table and in the bedroom can encourage your family members to get moving and spend less time sitting. Encourage your kids to play outside. Planning fun activities like play board games and treasure hunts with your children can prove to be highly rewarding.
Be more active as a family
Staying active as a family doesn’t have to be boring! You can let every family member choose one activity for every week. From taking strolls to doing yoga together, from biking to swimming, many fun-filled activities can help you and your family burn some calories, relieve stress, while forming healthy family habits and practices.
Practice hand hygiene
As a family, make sure everyone follows hand hygiene. Wash hands after going to the restroom, before preparing food, after touching a pet, changing a diaper, blowing your nose, coughing, or handling garbage. You can also make a 20-second song so that children thoroughly wash their hands.
Do not skip medical tests
The importance of keeping track of your health cannot be emphasised enough. By undergoing regular medical check-ups you can help your family make informed health care decisions. It can help you catch health problems in the early stages and make lifestyle changes accordingly. Do include dental and eye checkup for yourself and your children in the annual medical checkup. To reap family health benefits, it’s important to take the right precautions, at the right time and make the right changes to avoid the most common health illnesses
Why is family insurance a must?
Illnesses don’t come knocking on the door. So, it only makes sense to have a backup plan in case you or your family member falls sick or needs hospitalisation in case of an accident or a health condition. With medical expenses skyrocketing, a health insurance policy is the best protection cover for a family. A comprehensive health insurance plan will give you that peace of mind regarding your family’s health and your financial well-being.
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.
10 Worst Diseases That Smoking Can Cause
Smoking causes diseases but it is one of the most preventable causes of death worldwide. Every puff of a cigarette exposes the body to many harmful chemicals which can cause serious health problems. As awareness of these risks increases, so does the importance of having a reliable health insurance plan to help manage the financial burdens associated with these diseases.
12 Foods With More Vitamin C Than Oranges
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, vitamin C is crucial for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It aids in the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, and the proper functioning of the immune system.
20 Foods High in Vitamin A: A Guide to Boosting Health Through Diet
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining overall health, supporting vision, immune function, skin health, and more. As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin A exists in two main forms: retinoids (found in animal products) and carotenoids (found in plant-based foods). Retinoids are readily usable by the body, while carotenoids must be converted into the active form of vitamin A.
Given its essential functions, maintaining adequate vitamin A levels is crucial for both adults and children. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to significant health problems, underscoring the importance of including vitamin A-rich foods in one’s diet. This article explores the various sources of vitamin A, recommended intake, health benefits, and how to prevent deficiency.
What is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is essential for several physiological processes. It is found in animal-based foods such as retinol and in plant-based foods as beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Recommended daily intake levels differ based on age and gender. Adult men require approximately 900 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A daily, while adult women need about 700 mcg. Pregnant and breastfeeding women generally require higher amounts to support foetal and infant development.
Role of Vitamin A in Health
Vitamin A is associated with various health benefits, from antioxidant protection to immunity. Below are some of its primary roles:
1. Antioxidant Protection: As an antioxidant, vitamin A helps prevent cellular damage from free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases and ageing.
2. Immunity: Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining immune function, and enhancing the body’s response to infections.
3. Eye Health: Known for promoting good vision, vitamin A helps prevent night blindness and age-related vision problems.
4. Skin Health: Vitamin A supports skin health by promoting cell growth, reducing wrinkles, and addressing acne concerns.
5. Organ Functioning: It aids in the proper functioning of the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
6. Reproductive Health: Vitamin A plays a role in reproductive health and foetal development, making it essential for pregnant women.
7. Foetal Development: It is critical for foetal tissue and organ development during pregnancy.
8. Teeth and Gums: It contributes to healthy teeth and gums, supporting oral health.
Also Read: 6 Key Pregnancy Care Tips You Should Know
Animal Foods High in Vitamin A
Animal-based foods are an excellent source of preformed vitamin A, which is easily absorbed by the body. Here is a vitamin A foods chart showcasing some common animal-based vitamin A sources.
Name | Particulars |
Liver (beef, lamb, chicken) | Extremely rich in vitamin A; 100 grams provide more than 6 times the daily requirement |
Cod Liver Oil | A tablespoon provides up to 4,500 mcg of vitamin A |
Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Butter) | Source of vitamin A in moderate amounts, especially whole milk products |
Eggs | Egg yolks contain around 140 mcg per 100 gms |
Fish | Fatty fish is a good source of vitamin A, particularly retinol. |
Shellfish | Provides moderate amounts of vitamin A, along with other essential nutrients. |
Vegetables High in Vitamin A
Vegetables, particularly those that are orange, yellow, or dark green, are rich in carotenoids, which the body can convert to vitamin A. Here is a chart listing vegetables that are vitamin A high foods.
Name | Particulars |
Sweet Potato | Contains around 1400 mcg per medium potato, providing well over the daily recommended intake |
Carrot | A single large carrot offers about 1,000 mcg of vitamin A. |
Spinach | Once cup cooked provides approx. 943 mcg |
Kale | A cup cooked provides approximately 943 mcg |
Red Bell Pepper | Provides about 140 mcg per 100 grams |
Butternut Squash | Offers around 1,000 mcg per cup |
Collard Greens | Contains 770 mcg per cooked cup |
Swiss Chard | A good source, with 300 mcg per cup. |
Also Read: Sources of Vitamin D for Vegetarians
Fruits High in Vitamin A
Certain fruits, especially those with orange or yellow pigmentation, are rich in beta-carotene and contribute to daily vitamin A intake.
Name | Particulars |
Mango | Contains about 54 mcg of vitamin A per 100 gms. |
Cantaloupe | A cup of diced cantaloupe provides 270 mcg. |
Papaya | Offers around 47 mcg per 100 gms. |
Apricots | Dried apricots are rich in vitamin A, with 96 mcg per fruit. |
Guava | Contains about 31 mcg per 100 gms. |
Watermelon | A cup of watermelon offers around 43 mcg. |
Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency and Toxicity
Vitamin A deficiency is relatively common and can lead to symptoms like night blindness, dry skin, poor immune response, and growth delays in children. Severe vitamin A deficiency can cause complete blindness and increase the risk of infections. Here are a few signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency:-
1) Irregular white deposits in eyes
2) Delayed Growth (in children)
3) Infertility
4) Infections
5) Night Blindness
6) Lack of quick healing of wounds
If these signs are observed it is recommended to take the required tests and get medications from a doctor.
On the other hand, excess vitamin A, primarily from supplements, can lead to toxicity. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and even liver damage in severe cases. It’s essential to balance vitamin A intake and avoid excessive supplementation.
Conclusion
Vitamin A is essential for overall health, supporting skin, vision, immune function, and reproductive health. By incorporating a variety of vitamin A sources—such as liver, dairy, carrots, and leafy greens—one can easily meet daily requirements and enjoy a balanced diet. To safeguard long-term health, consider monitoring your diet and explore a health insurance policy that promotes regular health check-ups and preventive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How can I increase my vitamin A?
To boost vitamin A intake, incorporate foods rich in both retinoids (from animal products) and carotenoids (from plants) into your diet. Add liver, dairy, carrots, and leafy greens to your meals regularly.
2) How do you increase vitamin A absorption?
Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, pairing it with healthy fats (such as olive oil or avocado) can enhance absorption. This helps the body more effectively utilise the nutrient.
3) What are the symptoms of low vitamin A?
Signs of vitamin A deficiency include night blindness, dry skin, increased risk of infections, and, in severe cases, complete blindness. Other symptoms may include delayed growth in children and poor wound healing.
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.