Health Insurance for Kidney Patients in India

Health insurance plans tailored for kidney patients in India are designed to cater to the specific needs of individuals with renal health concerns. Such policies cover a range of medical expenses related to chronic kidney disease, dialysis, kidney transplantation, and other related treatments. The goal is to ensure access to quality healthcare without the worry of exorbitant costs.

Health insurance plans tailored for kidney patients in India are designed to cater to the specific needs of individuals with renal health concerns. Such policies cover a range of medical expenses related to chronic kidney disease,...
Health insurance plans tailored for kidney patients in India are designed to cater...

ACKO Health Insurance Plans starting at Rs.21/day*

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What is Meant by Health Insurance for Kidney Patients?

Health insurance is an essential aspect of every individual's life, providing a safety net against unexpected medical expenses. For kidney patients in India, having a reliable health insurance plan is of paramount importance. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires ongoing treatment, dialysis, and possibly kidney transplantation, all of which can be financially burdensome.

Kidney Patients Health Insurance Plans at ACKO

ACKO Standard Health Insurance Plan

The Standard Plan offers comprehensive coverage at affordable rates. The sum insured options include Rs. 10 Lakhs, Rs. 25. Lakhs, Rs. 50 Lakhs, and Rs. 1 Cr. 

 

ACKO Platinum Health Plan

Get complete coverage with a high sum insured under the Platinum Plan. Benefits like Zero Deductions on claims and Zero Waiting Period makes this the perfect choice to get the maximum value out of your health insurance plan.

ACKO Platinum Super Top-up Health Plan

The super top-up is a great option for creating a back-up to your current health plan or funds meant to be used for medical treatment. After a set deductible, you get access to features like no waiting period, high sum insured, etc. 

What are Kidneys and What is Kidney Failure?

The kidney, a pair of bean-shaped organs, filters toxins from the blood, releasing waste as urine through the ureters into the bladder. It also manages blood pressure and balances water levels. When one or both kidneys can't perform these vital functions, it results in a life-threatening condition called end-stage renal disease or kidney failure. This condition necessitates either ongoing dialysis or a kidney transplant. Prolonged diabetes and high blood pressure are the most frequent causes of this condition.

Types of Kidney Failure

The different types of kidney failure are crucial to understand for both treatment and recognizing symptoms. Here are the main categories:

Acute Prerenal Kidney Failure

Caused by insufficient blood supply to the kidneys, preventing them from filtering impurities. Identifying reduced blood flow can lead to successful treatment.

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Intrinsic Renal Failure

Results from severe trauma, toxin overload, or ischemia (lack of kidney oxygen). Ischemia can stem from conditions like severe bleeding, blockage of kidney blood flow, or inflammatory disorders affecting kidney capillaries.
 

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Chronic Renal Prerenal Failure

Long-term insufficient blood supply causes the kidneys to progressively lose function.

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Chronic Renal Intrinsic Failure

Occurs due to long-term damage resulting from direct kidney harm, causing issues like excessive bleeding or lack of oxygen.

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Chronic Post-Renal Kidney Failure

Persistent urinary tract blockage leads to pressure buildup on the kidneys, causing organ damage.

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Renal Kidney Failure Symptoms

The following lists the common symptoms related to kidney failure. The important thing to note is how frequently you are experiencing these symptoms. Get in touch with a certified doctor to resolve any issues at the earliest.

  • Swelling of hands, feet, and face
  • Confusion
  • Coma
  • Seizures
  • Internal bleeding
  • Urgent need to pass urine with inability to do so
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Lower stomach pain
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Easy bruising
  • Vomiting
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Muscle weakness and cramps
  • Yellow skin (jaundice)
  • Nausea and irritability
  • High blood pressure
  • Anemia
  • Metallic taste in mouth
  • Sleep apnea
  • Seizures or coma

Kidney Failure Diagnosis

Diagnosing kidney failure involves assessing the kidney's overall function, primarily through measuring the "glomerular filtration rate" (GFR). GFR, indicating the rate at which blood is filtered by the kidneys, is typically around 100 ml/min but can fluctuate based on age and gender. Elevated levels of creatinine, a waste product, in the blood often signal reduced kidney function. Diagnosis methods include:

GFR calculation

Through blood tests, levels of creatinine help determine GFR, providing insights into kidney function. Higher creatinine levels suggest impaired kidney function.

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Urinalysis

Analysing a urine sample for abnormal proteins, sugar, red/white blood cells, cellular casts, or bacteria.

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Kidney tissue specimen

A kidney biopsy can reveal abnormalities or infections in tissue samples.

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Measuring urine output

Evaluating urine output helps detect kidney issues, especially decreased output indicating urinary obstructions.

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Imaging tests

CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds visualise the kidneys to detect blockages or other structural problems.

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Blood tests

Monitoring kidney-related chemicals such as creatinine and urea nitrogen in blood tests can indicate acute renal failure if levels rise abruptly.

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Kidney Failure Treatment

Monitoring

Regular monitoring by your doctor helps in managing kidney function. They'll check your blood pressure, perform blood tests, and give necessary medications.

Dialysis

This procedure helps filter the blood when the kidneys can't do it properly. Hemodialysis cleans the blood using a machine and is often done in hospitals. Peritoneal dialysis uses a catheter and a special fluid to clean the blood and can sometimes be done at home.

Kidney Transplant

A healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor is surgically placed to replace a failed kidney. With proper care, a person can lead a normal life with one healthy kidney.

Preventing Kidney Failure

To protect kidney health:

Minimise alcohol intake, which can harm the kidneys and worsen kidney failure.

Properly manage medications and avoid overdosing.

Monitor salt, sodium, and potassium intake.

Get regular health checkups.

 Maintain a healthy weight and diet.

 Avoid smoking and drug use.

Manage diabetes and hypertension, keeping a close eye on blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

By being mindful of lifestyle choices and maintaining a healthy routine, one can significantly reduce the risk of kidney failure.

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Its Impact

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a developing condition distinguished by the gradual decline of kidney functionality as time passes. It affects millions of people worldwide, including a significant number in India. CKD can lead to complications such as high blood pressure, anaemia, bone disease, and cardiovascular issues. Effective management and timely treatment are vital to improving the quality of life for kidney patients. Here health insurance for ckd patients can be helpful to reduce the financial burden.

Diet Plan for Kidney Patients

Kidney patients should limit the amount of certain nutrients like protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. So, while creating a diet chart for kidney patients it is important that food containing these nutrients should be avoided.

Note: Please consult a certified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalised advice.

 

Sample Diet Plan for Kidney Patients in India

Here is a sample diet chart for kidney patients.

  • Poha: Made with flattened rice, vegetables (low potassium options like carrots and beans), and minimal salt.
  • Fruits: Apple or papaya slices.
  • Drink: Herbal tea or jeera water.
  • Roasted Makhana: Lightly seasoned.
  • Drink: Coconut water (if potassium is not restricted) or plain water.
  • Dal: Moong dal or masoor dal, cooked with minimal salt and spices.
  • Rice or Roti: White rice or chapati without added salt.
  • Vegetables: Steamed or sautéed okra or bottle gourd.
  • Drink: Buttermilk (if allowed) or plain water.
  • Fruit Chat: A mix of low-potassium fruits like apple, guava, and pear.
  • Drink: Lemon water or plain water.
  • Grilled Chicken or Fish: Marinated with turmeric, cumin, and coriander (no salt).
  • Quinoa or Ragi: Cooked without salt.
  • Vegetables: Steamed or sautéed pumpkin or cauliflower.
  • Drink: Herbal tea or plain water.
  • Kurkure Murmura: Puffed rice lightly seasoned.
  • Drink: Herbal tea or plain water.

The Importance of Health Insurance for Kidney Patients

Health insurance for kidney patients in India serves as a critical lifeline, offering financial support and access to the best medical facilities. With the rising costs of healthcare, especially for specialised treatments like dialysis and transplantation, having comprehensive health insurance can ease the burden and ensure that patients receive the necessary care without delay.

What is Critical Illness insurance for Kidney Failure?

A critical illness insurance for kidney failure is a health insurance policy. It will be kidney failure as one of the life threatening diseases. The concept of critical illness insurance is quite simple. If a policyholder is diagnosed with any of the listed conditions, then there will be a lump sum payout. Unlike normal health plans, the policyholder can choose to spend this payout towards treatment costs or create a financial backup for future needs.

Kidney failure is a major medical issue that can prove to be fatal and thus one can buy a critical illness health plan as a backup for the same. In case of a diagnosis, the insurance company will pay the policyholder as per the terms and conditions of the plan.

Dialysis vs. Kidney Transplant

Kidney failure creates two alternatives to be considered: dialysis and kidney transplant. Let’s take a look at both the alternatives.

Dialysis: A Lifeline with Limits

It acts as a connecting bridge, doing the job of purifying the blood that is normally done by healthy kidneys. To countless people, it serves as an important rescue offering two ways: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis. In hospitals or dialysis centres, hemodialysis is usually performed three times weekly. On the other hand, peritoneal dialysis allows one to use their own tissues at home in the filtration of blood.

Despite being less invasive than transplantation and a possible stopgap for those not eligible for transplant surgery, there are also several issues with dialysis which include time-consuming nature, exhaustion, regular hospital visits and risk of infection along with other complications.

Kidney Transplant: A Hope for Normalcy

To many people, hope comes with kidney transplant. Picture life without being tied to repeated sessions of dialysis; where you can go back to the life you had. There are obvious benefits; more freedom or greater closeness to ordinary quality of life or improved prospects of better health later on.

However, this alternative requires a major surgery, life-long commitment to drugs against organ rejection and the big challenge of finding a compatible donor. The choice between dialysis and transplant is not an easy one. It depends on the personal health status of the person, availability of a donor and preferences.

Dialysis vs. Kidney Transplant: Verdict

Some people may go for dialysis as it is immediate and not surgical while others could prefer transplantation in search of permanent solutions and chances of a better lifestyle. Ultimately though, each person has to make their own highly individualised decision based on their specific health condition, lifestyle, or circumstance.

Coverage Options for Health Insurance for Kidney Patients

When exploring health insurance options for kidney patients in India, it's essential to consider policies that provide extensive coverage for CKD-related treatments. Some key coverage options include:

Comprehensive health insurance plans should cover expenses related to hospitalisation, including room charges, medical procedures, and nursing care during the patient's stay.

Ensure that the policy includes coverage for medical expenses incurred both before and after hospitalisation, such as diagnostic tests and follow-up consultations.

Since dialysis is a critical aspect of kidney disease management, the policy should cover dialysis expenses, whether it's hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

A robust health insurance plan should cover kidney transplantation expenses, including pre-transplant evaluation, surgery, and post-operative care.

Transportation to and from medical facilities can be expensive. Look for policies that offer coverage for ambulance services in case of emergencies.
Daycare Treatments: Certain medical procedures that don't require overnight hospitalisation, like specific dialysis techniques, should also be covered under the policy.

If a kidney transplant is necessary, a good insurance plan will cover the medical expenses of the donor as well.

The Process of Choosing the Right Health Insurance

Selecting the most suitable health insurance for dialysis patients requires careful consideration. Here are some useful tips.

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Assess Your Needs

Determine your specific medical requirements and assess the coverage required for your ongoing treatment and potential future needs.

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Compare Policies

Thoroughly compare various health insurance policies available in the market, paying attention to coverage, premiums, waiting periods, and exclusions.

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Check Network Hospitals

Ensure that the insurance provider has a wide network of hospitals and healthcare facilities, especially those specialising in kidney treatments.

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Review Premiums and Deductibles

Consider the affordability of premiums and deductibles while balancing them with the level of coverage provided by the policy.

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Read Reviews and Testimonials

Research the insurance company's reputation by reading reviews and testimonials from existing policyholders.

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Seek Expert Advice

If needed, consult a financial advisor or insurance expert to guide you through the process and help you make the best decision.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Health Insurance Policy

Once you've selected the right health insurance plan, here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your policy:

Understand the Policy

Read and understand all the terms and conditions of your health insurance plan to avoid any surprises during the claims process.

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Regularly Pay Premiums

Ensure timely premium payments to avoid policy lapses and maintain continuous coverage.

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Keep Track of Renewal Dates

Stay informed about your policy's renewal dates and make sure to renew it on time to prevent a break in coverage.

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Utilise Cashless Facilities

Opt for cashless hospitalisation whenever possible, as it reduces the financial burden and simplifies the claims process.

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Keep Documents Handy

Maintain a record of all medical documents, bills, and reports to facilitate smooth claim settlements.

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Know the Network Hospitals

Familiarise yourself with the network hospitals where you can avail cashless services.

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Securing Your Kidney Health with the Right Insurance

Health insurance for kidney patients in India is a lifeline that ensures access to quality medical care without the burden of exorbitant costs. By choosing the right policy with comprehensive coverage and following the tips to make the most of your insurance, you can safeguard your renal health and focus on living a healthy and fulfilling life.

Remember, prevention and timely treatment are the keys to effectively managing chronic kidney disease. Prioritise your health and well-being, and secure the future with a reliable health insurance plan.

Also read: Health insurance for family

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about Health Insurance for Kidney Patients in India.

Health insurance for kidney patients typically covers hospitalisation expenses, dialysis treatments, kidney transplantation, ambulance services, and more.

Some health insurance plans may have waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, including kidney-related issues. Check the policy details for specific coverage.

Yes, some comprehensive health insurance policies cover the medical expenses of organ donors during kidney transplant procedures.

Yes, dialysis expenses are typically covered by health insurance plans designed for kidney patients.

Yes, most health insurance policies cover pre and post-hospitalization expenses, including follow-up consultations.

Yes, you can switch providers, but it's essential to consider waiting periods and exclusions before making the switch.

Yes, some health insurance plans may cover the cost of dialysis in their plan.

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