Obesity has emerged as a significant global concern, with its prevalence rising in India as well. It is a medical condition linked to numerous adverse health outcomes, including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, strokes, arthritis, and certain cancers.

 Here is a complete guide about obesity for you. Continue reading to learn more about what obesity is, how it is measured, risk factors, signs and symptoms, as well as some preventive measures for maintaining standard body weight.

Symptoms of Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) serves as a widely used metric for diagnosing obesity in individuals. To calculate BMI for both men and women, the standard formula involves dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.

For instance, if an individual has a height of 172 centimeters and weighs 70 kilograms, their BMI would be calculated as follows: 70 / (1.72 * 1.72) = 23.66, falling within the healthy range.

How BMI is determined

  • If BMI is below 18.5 - an individual is in the underweight category
  • If BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 - an individual is in the healthy weight category
  • If BMI is between 25 and 29.9 - an individual is in the overweight category
  • If BMI is between 30 and 39.9 - an individual is in the obese category

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Causes of Obesity

Calories Imbalance

The root cause of obesity often stems from an imbalance between the calories consumed and those expended through daily activities and exercise. Contributing factors to obesity results in genetic predispositions, behavioral patterns, metabolic rates, and hormonal influences, all of which influence body weight.

The proliferation of fast food 

Fast Food consumption and snacking habits has seen a surge in calorie intake, particularly affecting the younger population. Indulging in high-calorie fast food items and sugary beverages contributes significantly to the obesity epidemic.

Stress-induced eating

Stress-reducing eating also results in obesity, as individuals may continue eating despite feeling full. Factors such as prolonged work hours, late-night snacking, and sedentary lifestyles further compound the issue. Modern changes in work environments, characterized by reduced physical activity levels such as reliance on escalators, elevators, and online conveniences, lead to decreased calorie expenditure, exacerbating the problem of obesity

How Health Insurance Makes Obesity Treatment Hassle-Free?

For severe cases of obesity, bariatric surgery is suggested. This surgical intervention involves altering the digestive tract to aid severe obesity. Commonly known as weight-loss surgery. Doctors advise individuals whose BMI is exceeding 40 after exhausting all other treatment avenues to go for bariatric surgery.

In India, the cost of weight loss surgery starts at INR 1, 80,000 as of 2023. On average, bariatric surgery in India is approximately INR 2, 98,000, with the total expense ranging between INR 3, 00,000 and INR 5, 20,000 for various procedures.

Therefore, it is prudent to secure comprehensive health insurance early in life. Since obesity can lead to a reduction in basal metabolic rate (BMR) as individuals’ age, obtaining medical insurance at a young age is generally beneficial. This ensures protection against escalating medical expenses and potential health complications in the future.

Coverages offered under health insurance for obesity

  • Bariatric Surgery: Many health insurance policies provide coverage for bariatric surgery, a surgical procedure aimed at aiding weight loss in severely obese individuals.
  • Nutritional Counseling: Coverage may extend to nutritional counseling sessions, which are essential for addressing dietary habits and promoting healthier eating patterns.
  • Monitoring and Diagnostic Tests: Health insurance plans typically cover the costs of regular monitoring and diagnostic tests related to obesity management, such as blood tests, imaging scans, and metabolic screenings.
  • Rehabilitation Services: Coverage may include access to rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy and psychological counseling, to support individuals in their weight loss journey and promote overall well-being.

Inclusions in a health insurance policy for Obesity

A health insurance policy for obesity helps you cover the financial burden largely whenever there is a requirement for treatment due to severe health problems. Some of the inclusions may differ from company to company, however, the basics include-

  • Pre and post-hospitalization cover
  • Emergency road ambulance
  • Day-care procedures
  • Organ donor expenses
  • Wellness support
  • Health coach
  • Cashless hospitalization

Exclusions in a health insurance policy for Obesity

  • Any pre-existing diseases gets coverage only when the waiting period is over.
  • Self-inflicted injuries not covered under the health plan.
  • Health plans do not cover hospitalization caused due to war.
  • The plan does not provide for cosmetic surgeries.
  • Sexually or venereal transmitted diseases are not covered.

 

Top facts to consider while purchasing Health Insurance Plan

Network Hospital Coverage:

Ensure that your chosen health insurance plan includes a network of hospitals where you can avail of the cashless facility. These network hospitals are affiliated with the insurer, enabling you to receive treatment without incurring hefty expenses. Check for a wide network of hospitals both in your locality and across the country, facilitating access to appropriate care during emergencies at home or while traveling domestically.

Tailored Coverage According to Medical Needs:

It is crucial to select the right type of health insurance coverage based on individual medical requirements. For instance, if you have a corporate insurance plan, opting for a family floater plan that extends coverage to family members is advisable. This ensures financial protection against health-related risks even amidst job changes.

Premium

Avoid selecting insurance plans solely based on low premiums. While inexpensive policies may seem appealing, they often come with limited coverage or other restrictions. Opt for a policy that offers comprehensive coverage at a reasonable premium, striking a balance between affordability and adequate protection.

Key benefits of Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan for obesity patients

Financial benefit

Having financial support during a medical emergency is one of the most important benefits of buying a comprehensive health insurance policy. You can avail of this financial help in either a cashless or a reimbursement claim depending on where you choose to receive treatment.

Value added-services

Insurance companies may include various value-added services in their comprehensive plan. For example, free teleconsultations with certified doctors, preventive health check-ups, discounts on medicines, etc.

NCB

For example, a bonus of 5% can increase your sum insured by 5% for the next policy period. Say you have a health plan with a sum insured of Rs. 10 lakhs and you receive a 5% NCB. Your sum insured will increase to Rs. 10.5 lakhs

Tax Benefit

If you pay tax as per the old regime, then you get a tax benefit for buying health insurance for you and your family. Under section 80D of The Income Tax Act, you can claim up to Rs. 25,000 (if you are below 60 years of age) and Rs. 50,000 (if you are more than 60 years of age).

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Features of Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan

Wider Coverage

Comprehensive health insurance policies offer extensive coverage, encompassing various aspects of medical expenses. They typically cover in-patient hospitalization costs, pre and post-hospitalization expenses, road ambulance services, and day care procedures. 

 Outpatient Treatment

 In contrast to basic health plans, comprehensive health insurance often extends coverage to outpatient treatment or OPD expenses. This covers the costs associated with consultations and treatments received without requiring hospitalization.

Pre-existing Disease Coverage

All comprehensive health insurance plans provide coverage for pre-existing diseases. However, such diseases are covered only after a waiting period. Generally, pre-existing diseases come with a waiting period of 2 to 4 consecutive years.

Riders and Add-on Covers

Comprehensive health plans offer various riders or add-on covers in addition to the basic coverage. Policyholders can opt for these riders to enhance their policy's coverage level. Common riders available include critical illness cover, maternity cover, hospital daily cash, and personal accident cover, among others.

Cashless Treatment Facility

Similar to standard health plans, comprehensive health insurance policies provide cashless treatment facilities to policyholders. This feature allows for direct settlement of hospital bills by the insurance company. Policyholders can avail themselves of cashless medical treatment by visiting a network hospital affiliated with their in Cashless Treatment

Cumulative Bonus

A comprehensive health insurance policy comes with a cumulative bonus benefit. It increases your sum insured by a certain percentage if you do not raise any claim in the previous policy year for no extra cost.

In a Nutshell

Buying a comprehensive health insurance policy is the best decision that you make for the well-being of yourself and your family. You will be able to opt for the best treatment without worrying about paying the hospital bills. Just make sure to compare the plans before buying to find the most suitable plan for your health needs.

At PBPartners, we have 1.85 lakh partners registered with us, who can help you in getting the best health insurance plan.

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