Is Multiple Sclerosis Covered Under Health Insurance Plans?

Jun 24, 2022

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?

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

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.

Is Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Covered Under Health Insurance?

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.

How Does a Critical Illness Plan Work?

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.

Invest in Critical Health Insurance Today

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.

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.

Recent Blogs

Health Insurance

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.

Health Insurance

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.

Health Insurance

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.

Health Insurance

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.