Critical Illness Insurance for Parkinson’s Disease

The legendary boxer Mohammad Ali, the eminent physicist Stephen Hawking and Pope John Paul II have one thing in common. They all suffered from a medical condition called Parkinson’s Disease. A neurological disorder that inhibits natural body movements. If you know these personalities, you may be familiar with this condition. Although rare, it can be life-altering and the treatment costs could amount to a lot. In this article, we will be discussing if Critical Illness Insurance covers Parkinson's Disease.

The legendary boxer Mohammad Ali, the eminent physicist Stephen Hawking and Pope John Paul II have one thing in common. They all suffered from a medical condition called Parkinson’s Disease. A neurological disorder that inhibits natural...
The legendary boxer Mohammad Ali, the eminent physicist Stephen Hawking and Pope John...

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What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease is a nervous disorder. It usually affects the nerve cells in the brain that are responsible for the production of a brain chemical called Dopamine. This chemical is typically responsible for the regulation of body movement. Hence, symptoms of this condition may include progressive imbalance and incoordination. Fortunately, with proper treatment, these symptoms can be managed to some extent.

ACKO Health Insurance Plans

ACKO Standard Health Insurance Plan


Get comprehensive coverage at affordable rates with our Standard Plan. Choose from coverage options of ₹10 Lakhs, ₹25 Lakhs, ₹50 Lakhs, or ₹1 Crore.

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ACKO Platinum Health Insurance Plan


Our Platinum Plan offers extensive coverage with a high sum insured, featuring no deductions on claims and no waiting period, making it perfect for maximising your benefits.

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ACKO Platinum Super Top-up Health Insurance Plan

Enhance your existing health coverage with the Super Top-up Plan. After meeting a deductible, enjoy added protection with no waiting period and a high sum insured.

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Parkinson’s Disease causes and symptoms

The exact causes of Parkinson's Disease are currently unknown. Nonetheless, it is speculated that it may be caused by genetic and environmental factors. Below are some of the common symptoms that show up in individuals suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.

Tremors in Limbs

This consists of shaking or trembling of hands, arms, legs, or any other part of the body, which generally happens at rest.

Stiffness of Hands and Legs

A person who has Parkinson's experiences stiffness in the hand and legs due to muscle rigidity. As a result, movements are very hard and movement could be difficult.

Bradykinesia

Bradykinesia is slow physical movement, due to this everyday tasks may take longer than usual.

Balance Problems

Parkinson's disturbs the balance and coordination of the body, leading to frequent events of falls and difficulty in maintaining posture.

Loss of Subconscious Movements of the Body (such as blinking)

Because it affects motor control, subconscious movements, such as blinking or swinging of arms while walking, are lost in individuals with Parkinson's.

Fine motor skill coordination is lost

Parkinson's can affect fine motor skills, thereby changing the performance of activities related to precise hand movements, such as buttoning up a shirt or writing.

Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

Usually, Parkinson's Disease cannot be cured. However, it may be treatable in most cases. Below are some of the common treatments prescribed by doctors.

Usually, Parkinson's Disease cannot be cured. However, it may be treatable in most cases. Below are some of the common treatments prescribed by doctors.

  • Aerobic exercises like walking, running, swimming, etc.
  • Speech therapy from a speech pathologist
  • Physiotherapy to relieve stiffness and joint pain
  • Occupational therapy to implement lifestyle changes
  • Deep brain stimulation surgery
  • Medications such as levodopa, dopamine agonists, amantadine, etc.

Disclaimer: The above-mentioned treatments for Parkinson’s Disease are purely informational. If you or your loved one suffers from the disease, kindly seek the medical advice of a qualified doctor.

Also read: Family health plan

Does Critical Illness Insurance cover Parkinson’s Disease?

Fortunately, Critical Illness Insurance offers financial compensation for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. So, once the disease is diagnosed and a claim is raised, your insurer will pay you the sum assured as defined in the policy. This lump sum can be used to settle medical bills and take care of other expenses. The insured reserves the right to decide on how this amount is spent.

Medical expenses for Parkinson’s Disease

The following are the usual medical expenses that crop up while availing treatment for Parkinson’s Disease.

Medical tests

Costs for diagnostic tests like blood work, X-rays, and scans.

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Hospitalisation

Expenses related to your stay in the hospital for treatment.

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Treatment costs

Charges for the medical procedures and surgeries you undergo.

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Room Rent 

The cost of the hospital room where you stay during treatment.

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ICU expenses

Fees for intensive care unit (ICU) services if critical care is needed.

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Doctor’s fee

Charges for consultations and visits from your treating doctors.

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Medication costs

Expenses for prescribed medicines during and after treatment.

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Ambulance charges

Costs for emergency transportation to the hospital by ambulance.

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Survival period for Parkinson’s Disease under Critical Illness Insurance

The survival period is the duration the insured is required to survive a condition before receiving a policy’s coverage benefits. Claims raised during this time will not be compensated. Under Critical Illness Insurance, the survival period for Parkinson's Disease is usually around 14 to 30 days. You can find the exact survival period duration of a plan by reading your policy document or by asking the insurer.

 

Benefits of Critical Illness Insurance for Parkinson’s Disease

Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease can be a life-long challenge. Having health insurance for Parkinson's patients in India can help you focus on coping with lifestyle changes, without needing to worry about finances. Also, your earning capacity may be hindered by this condition. Hence, the lump sum that your insurer will pay, may help you manage your expenses. Also, under “Section 80D”, you may be able to claim a tax benefit of up to Rs. 50,000 (subject to changes) for the premium paid.

Also, read: 1 Crore Sum Insured

How to Avoid Parkinson’s Disease?

Below are some tips to avoid getting Parkinson’s Disease.

  • It is speculated that Parkinson’s Disease may result from exposure to pesticides. Thus, using organic alternatives may help.
  • Intake of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, like fish and soybean oil, is believed to prevent the disease.
  • The intake of B9 vitamin popularly known as folic acid, usually found in vegetables like spinach and broccoli, may reduce the risk of incurring the disease.
  • Regular practice of Aerobic exercises may also play a role in reducing the risk.

Exclusions of a Critical Illness Insurance Plan

Parkinson's disease insurance coverage cannot be claimed in the following instances.

  • Pre-existing conditions are usually not covered. Pre-existing conditions refer to health conditions incurred prior to the purchase of the plan.
  • Claims raised during the waiting period. Waiting period is usually the duration before the commencement of a plan's coverage for certain situations. It spans around 90 days.
  • As previously mentioned, claims made during the survival period will not be covered.
  • Procedures that are not carried out by a medical professional.
  • Congenital conditions are not covered. Congenital conditions usually refer to diseases or disorders that an individual is born with.
  • Complications arising from birth control procedures or hormone replacement therapy.
  • Illness arising from unauthorised self-medication.
  • Health complications that may result from receiving alternative medical treatments like ayurveda, homoeopathy, acupuncture, etc.
  • Sexually transmitted diseases like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
  • Illness arising from indulging in substance abuse.
  • Injuries and medical conditions that result from indulging in adventure sports like skydiving, bungee jumping, hunting, etc.
  • Illness that may result from not following the medical advice of a doctor.
  • Medical conditions that may come about while indulging in illegal activities.
  • Illnesses that may result from being exposed to radioactive materials.
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Other Conditions Covered Under a Critical Illness Insurance Plan

Critical Illness Insurance also covers other critical health conditions. So, you can receive protection from multiple health conditions by investing in a single plan. Below are some of the other health conditions that are covered under a Critical Illness Insurance Plan.

Heart attack

A sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart, leading to damage of heart muscle tissue.

Cancer

A disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, potentially spreading to other parts of the body.

Paralysis

Loss of muscle function in part of your body, often caused by damage to the nervous system.

Stroke

A medical emergency where blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cell death and possible loss of function.

Renal failure

The kidneys lose their ability to filter waste from the blood, leading to a dangerous buildup of toxins.

Multiple Sclerosis

A chronic disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, leading to communication issues between the brain and the body.

Kidney failure

A condition where the kidneys stop functioning properly, often requiring dialysis or a transplant.

Certain Organ Transplantation Procedures

Medical procedures involving the replacement of a failing organ with a healthy one from a donor.

Coverage for Critical Illnesses Under ACKO Health Insurance Policy

ACKO Health Insurance Policy covers critical illnesses and has a sum insured value of Rs. 1 crore. Since the sum insured is high, you may be able to cover all your medical expenses within that sum. Also, there is no waiting period. Thus, you can avail of coverage from day one!

Additionally, pre-existing conditions are also covered. Usually, insurers cover pre-existing conditions only after the completion of a waiting period of 2 to 4 years. However, under an ACKO Health Insurance Policy, you can avail of coverage as soon as you buy the policy!

Note: Coverage for pre-existing conditions under ACKO Health Insurance Policy is applicable only if the conditions are disclosed at the time of buying the policy.

Key takeaway

Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease may cause a lot of stress. But with proper treatment, support and motivation one may be able to lead a normal life. Since this disease may require major lifestyle changes, buying Critical Illness Insurance may help you sort out your finances. Alternatively, you can consider buying an ACKO Health Insurance Policy. That way, you can focus fully on fitting into your new normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions may help answer queries you may have regarding Critical Illness Insurance for Parkinson’s Disease.

Yes, Parkinson’s Disease is considered a critical illness. It is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Because it requires ongoing medical care and treatment, many health insurance policies include Parkinson’s Disease under their critical illness coverage.

The Parkinson's disease treatment cost in India can vary depending on the type of treatment, medications, and the hospital you choose. On average, it can range from ₹50,000 to ₹3 Lakhs per year. This includes expenses for medications, consultations, and possible surgeries. However, the total cost may be higher if advanced treatments or long-term care are needed.

Regular health insurance may not cover Parkinson’s Disease or other critical illnesses. That is why we recommend that you buy a Critical Illness Insurance plan in addition to your regular health insurance.

Usually, the monetary compensation offered by an insurer for Parkinson’s Disease is equivalent to the sum assured value of the plan. The sum assured offered under a Critical Illness Insurance Plan may range from Rs. 5 to 10 lakhs depending upon the plan you choose. However, the premium is usually proportional to the sum assured amount. So, the higher the sum assured amount selected, the higher the premium payable may be and vice versa.

No, you cannot make multiple claims under a Critical Illness Health Insurance Plan. Once you raise a claim, you will be paid the full sum assured amount by your insurer. After that, the plan will usually be deactivated and you may not be able to make any more claims.

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Written by Roocha Kanande

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Reviewed by Rupinderjit Singh Author info Icon

I find the world of policies and premiums absolutely fascinating! Join me as I unravel health insurance with a dash of creativity and a fresh perspective.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet; and is subject to changes. Please go through the applicable policy wordings for updated ACKO-centric content and before making any insurance-related decisions.

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