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Benefits of separate health insurance for women

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Women undoubtedly play numerous roles in society. From a beloved daughter to a doting mother, supporting life partner and a successful professional, she portrays many roles at the same time. But with being an all-rounder comes a lot to do, and this sometimes leads to them ignoring their own needs. Many women do not pay attention to their health and fail to plan for unforeseen events. Seldom you find them investing in a good women health insurance plan.

In spite of being the backbone of most families, women health insurance plans go amiss. Women are prone to illnesses like cancer, heart diseases, reproductive issues, thyroid, etc., and lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension. There are additional health concerns like issues related to reproductive organs, menopause, pregnancies, and various cancers like cervical, breast and ovarian. With such issues, a separate health insurance plan is the need of the hour.

Why many women do not look for women’s health insurance?

Less awareness: Many women are not aware of women-specific health insurance plans that cater to the specific health needs of women. But there are various innovative plans in the market to look for.

Worry of higher premium: Since women tend to have a higher life expectancy than men, they are more prone to chronic illnesses. Hence, the premium may be higher.

Lack of financial independence: There are many women who are still relying on their husbands or fathers for key financial decisions and hence, they are often included in the family insurance plan.

Ignorance: Many women tend to keep their families and other responsibilities first, and hence, resort to ignoring their health needs or even home remedies. The factor of a women health insurance plan is often not a part of their tasks.

What is the need for individual women health insurance?

Listed below are some of the reasons that show the relevance of a women health insurance plan -

Gynaecological concerns: A health insurance plan meant for women helps in addressing female-specific healthcare needs. These include conditions like PCOS, fibroids, thyroid issues, endometriosis, ovarian cancer and pelvic inflammatory diseases.

Critical illness cover - Many women are more prone to critical illnesses like breast cancer, heart issues, anaemia, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. This could be due to lifestyle choices as well as genetic reasons. With rising medical expenses, it is vital that women have critical illness coverage to offer them the best possible care in times of need.

Coverage for cancer treatments: Women are prone to some of the common cancers like breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and many more. These cancers, if detected at an early stage have a high chance of survival and a health insurance plan that covers these can come in handy.

Diabetes cover: Women are more prone to diabetes than men, especially due to gestational diabetes, which is developed during pregnancy. While gestational diabetes returns to normal after childbirth, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life increases. This makes it essential to have a women's health insurance plan that covers diabetes and its related disorders.

Higher chances of heart-related problems: With carrying on multi-dimensional roles comes a stressful life which puts women at a high risk of heart disease. A health plan that can cover these issues at an early age ensures better treatment as well as lower premiums.

Getting coverage for mental health: With more and more women seemingly getting diagnosed with mental health issues like depression, anxiety etc. there is a growing popularity for women health insurance plans that offers coverage for mental illnesses.

Maternity cover: Motherhood is a beautiful journey but the rising cost of healthcare means heavy medical expenses during pregnancy and childbirth. While many insurance plans offer a maternity benefit as an add-on cover, a women's health insurance plan that covers maternity is no doubt a better choice. The option covers all expenses related to maternity including the cost of labour and complicated pregnancies. Hence, any woman who plans to have children in future must opt for maternity coverage to meet her needs. In fact, many insurers also offer additional covers like cover for termination and infertility treatments etc.

The benefit of annual health checkups: Most women tend to visit the doctor only when something is wrong and are prone to ignore smaller signs that signal a bigger issue. With regular annual checkups, it is easier to monitor health and detect a risk of underlying diseases. These check-ups are helpful in avoiding lifestyle diseases like cholesterol, liver diseases, diabetes etc. regular mammograms and pap smears as a part of the annual health check-up can also help in the early detection of cancers of the breast and cervix, helping in timely treatment.

Coverage beyond corporate health insurance: Many women already have the benefit of corporate insurance which comes in handy. But, in case the cost of treatment exceeds the sum insured, it can impact your finances adversely. Additionally, in case you plan to retire or lose your job, you lose all the coverage. Having individual women's health insurance will help you stay covered in spite of such circumstances.

Tax benefits: Women who have invested in a health insurance plan can claim tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

It offers financial independence: Having an individual health insurance plan means you do not have to rely on someone to meet your healthcare needs. This offers financial independence and stability.

It is vital that women prioritise their healthcare needs. Not having sufficient women's health insurance coverage can lead to financial worries and your savings. Hence, as a woman, it is important to opt for a health insurance plan that caters to your healthcare needs and offers financial independence.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.