A heart condition can hit you anytime, and not just with health issues but also financial constraints. With increasing medical costs, heart insurance ensures you get the right treatment without worrying about hospital bills.
Plans like Star Health’s Star Cardiac Care Insurance Policy cover surgeries, hospitalization and even post-treatment care. Since heart disease is a leading cause of hospitalization in India, having a dedicated cover can be a lifesaver—both medically and financially.
Want to know how to get the best cardiac insurance plan? Read on!
What is Cardiac Insurance?
Cardiac insurance is a specific health insurance plan that covers heart-related diseases like heart attacks, arrhythmias, valve diseases and more. Since cardiac treatments are complex and costly, these plans help in managing hospitalization expenses, medicines, surgeries and other necessary procedures.
With the increasing number of heart diseases in India – heart attacks, strokes and high cholesterol – having dedicated health insurance for heart patients is a must. These policies are more beneficial for individuals with pre-existing conditions so that they get timely medical attention without the burden of heavy medical bills.
What’s Included Under Cardiac Insurance?
Cardiac insurance provides coverage for general medical expenses and heart-related treatments. Here’s what’s included under the Star Cardiac Care Insurance Policy:
1. Accident & Non-Cardiac Ailments Coverage
- In-patient Hospitalization: Hospital stays more than 24 hours due to illness, injury or accident.
- Pre & Post-hospitalization: Medical expenses up to 30 days before and 60 days after hospitalization. Post-hospitalization expenses are capped at ₹5,000 per incident.
- Room Rent: Room, board and nursing expenses up to ₹5,000 per day (2% of sum insured).
- Road Ambulance: Ambulance charges up to ₹750 per hospitalization and ₹1,500 per policy period.
- Day Care Procedures: Medical treatments and surgeries less than 24 hours of hospitalization due to technological advancements.
- Modern Treatments: Advanced medical procedures like robotic surgeries, intravitreal injections, and oral chemotherapy are subject to policy limits.
- Cataract Treatment: Cataract-related medical expenses up to the policy-defined limit.
- AYUSH Treatment: Alternative treatments under Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy for in-patient hospitalization.
- Co-Payment: Policyholders above 61 years of age are required to pay 10% of the claim amount.
2. Cardiac Ailments Coverage
- Gold Plan: All non-cardiac benefits along with hospitalization expenses for cardiac conditions, including medical management and surgeries.
- Silver Plan: Cardiac ailments only for surgical or interventional procedures.
- AYUSH for Cardiac Treatment: Alternative medicine-based hospitalization for heart-related treatments up to the sum insured.
3. Outpatient Benefits
- Outpatient Expenses: Necessary and reasonable medical expenses at network hospitals up to ₹500 per event and ₹1,500 per policy period.
4. Personal Accident Cover
- Worldwide Accident Benefit: In case of accidental death during the policy period, personal accident cover is available globally.
What are the Exclusions of the Cardiac Insurance Policy?
While cardiac insurance covers heart-related conditions and general medical needs, there are certain exclusions. They include situations where the claims may not be approved. Find them listed below:
- Unrelated Diagnostic Expenses: Any diagnostic tests not related to the current treatment or diagnosis will not be covered.
- Custodial & Terminal Care: Long-term care or services for terminally ill patients are excluded.
- Cosmetic & Gender Change Procedures: Cosmetic and plastic surgeries unless medically necessary due to an accident.
- Adventure & Hazardous Activities: Injuries or hospitalization due to high-risk sports and adventure activities.
- Criminal Activity & Substance Abuse: Medical expenses due to illegal activities, drug use, alcohol abuse or substance addiction will not be covered.
- Infertility & Maternity-Related Expenses: Infertility treatments and maternity-related expenses, including miscarriage, will not be covered unless due to an accident.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Treatment for STDs will not be covered.
- War & War-like Situations: Injuries or illness due to war, riots or similar conflicts will not be covered.
Know these exclusions when choosing a cardiac insurance policy so you know what is and isn’t covered.
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance for Heart Patients?
Choosing the right health insurance for heart patients requires multiple factors to be considered to get complete coverage and financial security. Here’s what to look for:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Policy should cover all heart treatments, hospitalization, surgeries and advanced medical procedures. Look for plans that also cover post-treatment care.
- Preventive Care Benefits: Policies that offer regular health check-ups and screenings can detect heart conditions early and provide timely intervention.
- Telemedicine & Remote Monitoring: Opt for plans that provide teleconsultations and remote health monitoring services for easy access to medical advice and continuous care.
- Sufficient Sum Insured: Ensure that the sum insured is enough to cover medical expenses, considering the rising costs of cardiac treatments.
The right health insurance can give you financial relief and access to the best care for heart conditions.
Cardiac insurance protects against heart-related medical costs. Given rising treatment expenses and heart disease rates, it ensures care without financial strain. For broader coverage, consider family health insurance, which includes cardiac and other medical needs for all family members, offering comprehensive financial protection.
Looking for a plan that fits your budget? Star Health’s Star Cardiac Care Insurance Policy covers many treatments, offers cashless hospitalization at 14,000+ network hospitals and provides e-pharmacy services across 2780 cities.
Call us today and safeguard your health and finances!
Also Read: Comparing Contact vs. Non-Contact Dispensing Methods