Author: Ankita Sejpal

With cases of covid-19 setting new records daily, the healthcare system of the country is bending backwards. Doctors and health experts have been appealing to people to keep themselves safe and seek medical people in case their symptoms worsen. A drop in the oxygen level in a patient is a severe symptom. Over the past few days, there have been numerous reports where patients have been seriously ill due to lack of oxygen. In such a scenario, it has become extremely important to keep your health parameters under check.

Till a few months ago, the device ‘pulse oximeter’ was new to many. People with lung or heart conditions may have used it periodically to monitor their condition. Others may have seen it on their visit to a hospital. Regardless of one’s familiarity with them in the past, one must have lately heard of it in news or in social circles, in conversation with family and friends, all due to Covid-19.

What is an Oximeter and How Does it Work?

A pulse oximeter is a reliable and painless way to monitor a person’s blood oxygen levels. It is a small device that is quite similar to a cloth clip. The oximeter is put on a person’s finger (nail side up) and within a few seconds, it displays the numbers which indicate the person’s oxygen saturation level in the body.

When a person breathes, the oxygen enters the lungs and eventually enters the blood. The blood cells then carry this oxygen to various organs of the body. An oximeter helps in measuring the amount of oxygen that is sent to different parts of the body from the heart. It uses infrared light refraction to measure how well the oxygen is being mixed with your red blood cells. It indicates the amount by flashing different wavelengths of light through the stream of blood that flows inside the finger on which the oximeter is placed.

Why do I Need an Oximeter?

The fear of pandemic has made everyone overly conscious about their health. It is important to keep a regular check on our temperature because a fever is one of the first indicators of COVID-19. However, a new study by medical scholars has suggested the use of pulse oximeters instead. One of the concerning symptoms of Covid-19 is a drop in the oxygen levels in the patient’s body. An oximeter helps by alerting the person about such a situation, early.

So, it is advisable to keep a pulse oximeter at home. It will help to keep a tab on your oxygen levels regularly. In case the oxygen levels fall below normal, you should seek medical help without delay.

What is the normal reading for Pulse Oximeter and what does it indicate? 

As explained earlier, the blood oxygen level is a measurement done to check how much oxygen, O2, is being carried by the blood cells. A SpO2 displays the percentage of Oxygen concentration in the patient’s blood. As per experts, 92% or higher is a normal level of oxygen. An oximeter thus becomes very helpful in alerting the patient/ the caregiver about such a situation.

Below Normal 

A SpO2 reading when below 92%, is considered to be alarming. When the blood oxygen level is below the normal level it is called hypoxemia. Hypoxemia is indeed a matter of concern as it can lead to complications in the tissues and organs of the patient’s body. This can prevent the lungs from inhaling adequate oxygen from the air and exhaling carbon-di-oxide. The next effect would be disorders and problems in the circulatory system, preventing the blood to pick oxygen and transport it across the body. 

The patient may experience the following symptoms:

1. Shortness of breath
2. Pain/ Pressure in the chest
3. Mental Confusion
4. Headache
5. Fast heartbeat
6. Blue discolouration of nails, lips, skin

Keep in mind that if someone’s SpO2 falls to 90 or lower and/or experiences any of the above symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor at the earliest. 

Things to Remember Before Using an Oximeter:

The way our hospitals are crowded, doctors are advising the infected people to keep a regular check on their oxygen level and visit the hospital only if there is a fall in the level below 92-93%. Doctors are also claiming that a lot of people can be cured if they follow the medical advice appropriately while in self-isolation at home.

Pulse oximeters can prove to be very helpful in monitoring the oxygen levels without any medical assistance by the patient himself or a caregiver. But before using it, one should keep in mind a few things. 

1. Before taking the reading, it is important that the patient rests or relaxes for 10 to 15 minutes
2. If you are laying down, keep a hand (left or right would not make a difference) on your chest and keep it still

   If you are sitting keep your hand on the armrest and take the reading while keeping it still

   Place and set the oximeter either on the middle finger or the index finger of your hand

   Don’t change the position of your hand till the reading on the device becomes stable

   Record the highest result after the reading on the device has stabilised

   Record the reading correctly

   Start to record the reading from the baseline. Record it thrice or four times a day unless you notice a difference in health

   Call your medical care provider and seek help in case there is shortness of breath or a fall in the oxygen level to 92% or less.

How to correctly use Pulse Oximeters?

SpO2 oximeters indicate the percentage of oxygen level in the blood of the patient. There are a few tips to consider before one starts using the device.

• Ensure that your finger is not covered with Heena 
• As your finger is inserted into the oximeter nail side up, make sure that your nail does not have nail paint on it.
• Rest and relax for a few minutes before you put your finger into the device
• Once the oximeter is placed on the finger, the movement of the hand should be restricted
• The pulse oximeter should be worn on the finger for at least a minute, till the reading on it stabilizes.
• Make sure that the device fits well onto the finger. Too loose a probe, it may fall off. It should not be too tight as it would then constrict the blood circulation.

In these covid-stricken times, it is essential to keep a check on your oxygen levels and a pulse oximeter is a useful and convenient way to do so. The margin of error is slight, and most oximeters are accurate enough. Remember that when in doubt relying on the oximeter alone, is not enough. If you or any family member is experiencing any Hypoxia symptoms, they need emergency treatment as hypoxia can worsen very rapidly. 

References:

1. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/in-older-adults-use-oximeter-rather-than-temperature-to-screen-for-covid-scientists-7302279/
2. https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-oximeters-3656129.html
3. https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-covid-how-to-use-pulse-oximeter-correctly-step-by-step-guide/381901
4. https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/covid-19-how-to-use-pulse-oximeter-correctly-to-monitor-oxygen-saturation-7296682/
5. https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-oximeters-3656129.html

The second wave of COVID-19 has been all the more devastating for India. The surge that began in the mid of March, has rapidly reached a point where almost 4 lakh cases are being recorded every day. The weekly fluctuations in the number of cases are regarded as signs of the peak still being distant. Though an accurate assessment of the virus’s extent is possible only with extensive testing. 

After being calamitous in the big cities, where hospitals and burial grounds have run out of space, the virus is now spreading to the small towns. With a firm grip over the small Indian cities, the devastation is still under-reported. 

The national helpline number 1075, 1930, 1944 are toll-free and are active 24X7. The previous helpline number +91 11 23978046 is also available. 

A helpline email ID has also been launched by the Union Ministry: ncov2019@gmail.com

To raise awareness as well as curb the spread of any misinformation, a WhatsApp chatbot has been introduced. You can reach out to the health ministry at +91-9013151515. When you send a ‘Hi’ message to this number you would receive an automated message. After this, you can receive relevant answers to any Covid related query.

A 24×7 control room has also been set up to deal with COIVID-19 related queries: 

011-22307145, 22300012 and 22300036

• North Delhi: 011-27708768
• South Delhi: 011-29531277
• West Delhi: 011-25195529
• North-West Delhi: 011-25951182
• South-West Delhi: 011-25066674
• South-East Delhi: 011-26476410
• North-East Delhi: 011-22115289
• New Delhi: 011-23385743
• Central Delhi: 011-23270151
• Shahdara: 011-22111077

With the activation of these helpline numbers and portals, the Government is trying to:

1. Help the citizens gather accurate information about COVID-19 and also clarify their doubts about the disease
2. People in distress can call these numbers to get information about the nearest COVID-19 prevention centres, their address and contact details
3. One can also get in touch with the district surveillance units to report cases of COVID-19.

With heartbreaking stories coming from the length and breadth of the country, the second Covid wave is wreaking havoc. Amid the unabated rise in the cases, our healthcare system seems to crumble by the day. The launch of these helplines is another endeavour of the authorities to make the information as well as prevention of this deadly disease more accessible.

‘Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus’, a best-selling book by John Gray, an American psychologist, talked about the psychological differences between men and women. The title of the book, however, has become a catchphrase to highlight the differences between men and women as a whole. 

Women are definitely different from men, both in terms of their psychological needs as well as physiological ones. Then why is it believed that a basic health plan would be suitable for women too?

Women’s anatomy is different from men. They are prone to specific illnesses or ailments which men don’t suffer. For example, women suffer pregnancy related complications, breast cancer, cancer of the reproductive system, degradation of bones resulting in osteoporosis, etc. As such, women need a comprehensive health insurance policy which specifically covers these women-centric illnesses. But is this what women get?

Trends in health insurance for women

When it comes to covering women under a health insurance plan, the answer is most commonly a family floater policy. The policy provides coverage to all family members, including women. Additionally, if women are employed, they might also have a group health scheme sponsored by their employers.

Though women enjoy coverage under group or family floater plans, such coverage might not be comprehensive enough to cover them against illnesses that they specifically suffer. For example, most group health plans do not cover maternity. 

Health insurance for women – what women want?

For the woman of today, the following coverage benefits are a must –

• Maternity 
• Critical illness
• Other minor illnesses that they suffer

  If a health insurance plan offers these coverage benefits, women can avail of quality healthcare facilities without worrying about affording the same.

  So, for empowering women through health insurance, here’s what should be done –

• Enhancing the coverage of an existing family floater plan

  If there is a family floater policy that covers the women of the family, a review of the coverage is a must. You should check if the coverage is sufficient to provide an all-round coverage to women. The health insurance policy should be rejigged to provide coverage for the following –

• Maternity related expenses and complications suffered during pregnancy if family planning is on the near horizon
• Opting for a critical illness rider at the time of renewals
• Enhancing the sum insured of the policy for optimal coverage 

  If your existing policy does not provide maternity and/or critical illness coverage, you can always port to another, more comprehensive plan. Ensure the sum insured is at least INR 10 lakhs and above so that the plan covers the medical bills optimally.

• Buying a new comprehensive plan

  If you do not have a health insurance plan altogether, buy a comprehensive coverage ASAP. Ensure the coverage has maternity cover, optimal sum insured and the critical illness rider. You can opt for an independent women-centric health plan or a family floater policy for covering the entire family.

• Buying a standalone critical illness policy

  If the critical illness rider is not available or if you want to opt for a comprehensive coverage against critical illnesses, a standalone critical illness policy would be better. You can opt for a women-specific critical illness policy that covers women-related illnesses like the different types of cancers, burns, etc. The policy has affordable premium allowing you to opt for an optimal coverage amount.

• Buying a super top-up policy

  An optimal sum insured is a must. This fact cannot be stressed enough especially if you look at the rising costs of medical treatments. So, whether you buy a family floater policy or an independent plan, choose a high sum insured. If affording the premium becomes a concern, go for super top-up health insurance plans. Super top-up plans help in increasing the coverage at very affordable premiums. Choose a deduction that matches the sum insured of the base policy. This way, claims up to the deductible would be covered by the base policy while claims exceeding the deductible would be covered by the super top-up plan. 

Empowering women through health insurance – the road ahead

The healthcare needs of women require specialized coverage. If your normal health insurance policy is not equipped to provide the coverage that women need, it’s time for a change. Women are caregivers but they need care too. Empower women with a suitable health insurance policy that would take care of their medical needs. If you are a woman yourself, it’s time to take action. Invest in a suitable health insurance policy that provides an all-round coverage for your needs and take the next step towards financial empowerment.

Millennials have become aware about the importance of a health insurance policy. They understand the need of a financial cover if medical emergencies strike and so, they are investing in a health plan for themselves as well as their family. Health insurance, however, is a technical cover and so, here is a simple guide to the policy if you are thinking of investing in it –

• There are different types of plans

  Health insurance is not only available for covering your medical bills in case of hospitalisation, there are different plans that you can avail of for comprehensive coverage. Besides the basic plan for covering hospitalisation, you can buy critical illness cover for protecting against major illnesses. Then there are COVID plans if you are worried about being infected. So, expand your coverage. Opt for other plans and build a layered coverage against medical contingencies.

• Check for sub-limits

  Some health insurance plans impose room rent sub-limits which restrict your coverage. Check for these sub-limits. Try and avoid plans which have such limits because your claim would be considerably affected if the actual amount exceeds the limit. Moreover, there are coverage limits on various benefits like ambulance costs, maternity expenses, AYUSH coverage, domiciliary treatment, etc. Check the limits when buying and try and opt for a plan which has a higher coverage limit so that your out-of-pocket expenses reduce.

• Riders are beneficial 

  Health insurance plans allow optional riders that you can choose by paying an additional premium. Riders like critical illness cover, maternity and new born cover (if you are planning a family), personal accident cover, etc. make for good coverage additions as they provide a wider scope of coverage. So, look for the available riders and try and add them for an inclusive coverage in your policy.

• A healthy lifestyle is rewarding

  Modern day health insurance plans reward you for living a healthy life. Daily exercising, walking, meditation, Yoga, balanced and nutritious meals, etc. not only keep you fit but also help in reducing your health insurance premium. So, if you are a health conscious millennial, use your healthy lifestyle to get rewarded under your health plan. If not, it’s time you adopt a healthy lifestyle, both for your health and your wallet.

• Insure parents separately 

  If you are buying a health insurance plan, try not to include your parents under the same cover. There are two reasons for this –

  1. Since your parents would be the eldest members, the premium would be calculated based on their age. This would drive up your health insurance cost
  2. If they make frequent claims on the policy, you would not be able to accumulate the no claim bonus

  So, opt for a separate health plan for your parents and buy another plan for yourself. Besides ensuring a suitable coverage, you would also be able to avail additional tax benefits on the premium paid.

• Don’t depend on your group health plan only

  If you are employed, your employer might provide you with a group health scheme. Though the plan provides the basic coverage, the coverage is limited and not customizable. Moreover, the coverage is available for as long as you are employed. Invest in an independent policy so that you can get optimal coverage that can also be renewed life-long. 

Understand the basics of health insurance and invest in a suitable policy. You might be a modern age individual in the prime of your health but, remember, contingencies come unannounced. Prepare yourself against medical contingencies by investing in health insurance plans. Believe me, you would be thankful that you did!

It is that time of the year again when all eyes are directed at the Union Budget which would be presented on 1st February 2020. As always, before the actual budget is delivered, industry experts make their assumptions on what possible changes are expected. This year is no different. With the last year largely overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the budget is expected to have considerable health reforms.

Health insurance has always been an important cover against the financial implications of a medical crisis. Many individuals have opted for the cover to protect their savings against expensive medical treatments. Moreover, over the last year, the pandemic highlighted the importance of having health insurance plans. With hospital bills amounting to lakhs in case of severe COVID cases, people woke up to the importance of a health insurance policy. Even the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) directed the launch of COVID specific health plans – Corona Kavach and Corona Rakshak – which found many takers. 

From the tax angle, health insurance plans allow deduction on the premiums paid under Section 80D. The deduction limit is INR 25, 000 on a policy covering self, spouse and dependent children. Senior citizens, aged 60 years and above, can enjoy a deduction limit of INR 50, 000. Moreover, for buying a policy for parents, you can claim an additional deduction of up to INR 50, 000.

Earlier, the additional deduction for parents was INR 25, 000 but in an earlier budget, the limit was increased to INR 50, 000. Experts believe that this year, as the importance of health insurance has increased, the Finance Minister can come out with enhanced deduction limits. It is expected that the limit of deduction for individuals below 60 years of age would also be enhanced to INR 50, 000 from the current limit of INR 25, 000. 

This limit enhancement would have two benefits –

• It would motivate buyers to opt for high coverage levels and opt for a comprehensive coverage
• It would drive the penetration of health insurance policies

Health insurance penetration in India is steadily increasing since 2015. From a 22% penetration in 2015, the number increased to 35.6% in 2018. (Source: Statista). However, the numbers are still not very impressive. For the penetration to cross the 50%-mark, aggressive reforms are needed, both by the health insurance segment as well as by the Government. While the health insurance segment is constantly reinventing itself, with better reforms in the 2020 budget, it is expected that the Government would also do its part.

What reforms would be proposed by the Government would be disclosed on 1st February 2020. Meanwhile, the outlook is positive about strong health reforms for the next financial year.

What, according to you, is the right age to buy a health insurance policy? 

Many of you believe that health insurance is needed when you are older because that is the age when you are most likely to suffer from illnesses or diseases. However, the fact is quite different from this belief. A health insurance policy is needed at all ages, even for a new born, because illnesses, injuries and diseases are not age specific. Even children can become a victim to diabetes or heart related ailments. So, you need to insure yourself and your family members under suitable health insurance plans at all ages. 

Health insurance plans are also designed in such a manner that they fulfil the specific needs of individuals at different ages. So, let’s have a look at the relevance of health insurance at different ages and which insurance policy would be right to provide the required coverage – 

• Health insurance for new-borns

  Why? – New-borns are prone to infections and illnesses since their immunity is very weak. That is why you take utmost care when raising a new born baby. If the baby suffers from any illness after delivery or if the delivery is complicated and baby needs additional medical attention, the medical costs can be considerable. Moreover, the cost of vaccinations in the first year is also quite high. That is why a health cover is needed for new-borns.

  How? – You can invest in a family floater health plan which has coverage for the new born baby as well. Usually, such plans cover the baby for up to 90 days post birth. After that, you need to pay an additional premium to get the baby covered. Look for plans that also cover first-year vaccinations so that the vaccination costs are also handled. 

  Pro tip: Check the limit of coverage on the new born baby. Opt for a plan which has a high coverage level for adequate cover.

• Health insurance for infants and dependent children

  Why? – Infants are also in their growing stages when they are prone to illnesses and diseases. In case of children aged 5 years and above, there are increased chances of accidental injuries. Moreover, children can also contract diseases and lifestyle illnesses given their changing lifestyle habits. That is why you should have a health insurance cover for your children so that when they get sick, the policy would cover your medical expenses.

  How? – Buy a family floater health plan and cover your dependent children under it. Ensure that the plan has an optimal sum insured to cover the expensive medical costs.

  Pro tip: Dependent children can be covered from 91 days to up to 23 or 25 years. After the maximum age, you need to insure your children under an individual health plan.

• Health insurance for young adults

  Why? – Young adults, i.e. those in the age group of 25 to 35 years, need health insurance plans to cover them against possible illnesses and injuries. Moreover, when you buy a health plan young, you can avail comprehensive coverage and even wait out the waiting period applicable for pre-existing illnesses. 

  How? – If you are married, invest in a family floater health plan for you and your spouse. Choose a plan with maternity coverage if you are planning a family soon so that the maternity costs would also be covered under the plan. If you are not married but would be married soon, you can buy an individual coverage and then convert it to a floater plan after marriage.

  Pro tip: For your dependent parents, opt for an independent senior citizen policy. This would help you avoid frequent claims and also give you an additional tax benefit.

• Health insurance for adults

  Why? – As you age, you become prone to illnesses. As such, a health insurance policy is a must for you and your family members.

  How? – Invest in a comprehensive family floater plan covering all your family members. Choose a senior citizen policy for your dependent parents and cover them separately. Opt for a high sum insured or buy super top-up plans to enhance the coverage at affordable premiums.

  Pro Tip: Try and supplement your health plan with a critical illness plan as well. This policy would give you an added financial assistance in case of critical illnesses.

• Health insurance for senior citizens?

  Why? – Once you cross 60, your health slowly starts deteriorating and different ailments set in. Your employer sponsored cover also expires once you retire leaving you without coverage. A health insurance plan is, therefore, essential in older ages.

  How? – Choose senior citizen health insurance plans if you don’t have an independent health insurance policy. If you already have an independent health plan, check the sufficiency of the coverage. While your existing plan allows lifelong renewals, you should enhance the sum insured for sufficient coverage. 

  Pro tip: Health plans that cover senior citizens have a co-payment ratio wherein you are responsible to pay a part of the claim yourself. Check the co-payment ratio of the policy when buying.

As you can see, health insurance is needed at all ages and there are policies designed to provide you coverage at whatever age you are in. So, assess your and your family’s health insurance needs and pick the right coverage for an all-round protection.

Cancer has become a dreaded illness in recent times as more and more individuals are falling prey to one or the other form of the illness. According to a report from the National Cancer Registry Programme conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the projected incidence of cancer in India for the year 2020 was 94.1 per 1 lakh male lives and 103.6 per 1 lakh female lives. (Source: Ascopubs.org). The numbers are rapidly increasing and when cancer strikes, the medical expenses are too expensive to bear. In such cases, having a dedicated insurance cover for cancer seems to be like the most ideal solution.

Many individuals have realized the importance of coverage against cancer and are opting for specialized cancer care plans for themselves and their families. Even health insurance companies are offering multiple solutions to individuals for coverage against cancer. Besides a comprehensive health insurance plan, critical illness and cancer care plans are offered for specialized coverage against cancer. But which plan is better – critical illness or cancer care?

Let’s have a comparative analysis of both these options to find out –

What is a critical illness plan?

A critical illness plan is a health insurance plan which covers a list of critical illnesses, cancer included. If you suffer from any of the covered illness, the sum insured is paid in lump sum and the plan terminates.

What is a cancer cover plan?

A cancer cover plan is an illness-specific health insurance plan which covers only cancer. Under this plan, all stages of cancer are covered and the benefit pay-out depends on the severity of cancer that you suffer from. Usually, in a minor stage cancer, 25% to 50% of the sum insured is paid and future premiums are waived for some years. If the cancer advances, the remaining sum insured is paid and the coverage is terminated.

Difference between the two

Both critical illness and cancer cover plans differ from one another in the following respects –

Pros and cons of critical illness and cancer care plans

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of both these types of plans so that you know which plan scores over the other and in what aspect –

Critical illness insurance 

Pros 

• The plan covers other illnesses as well. This makes its scope wide and allows you coverage against other dreaded illnesses too
• The sum insured is paid in lump sum which helps you take care of your financial obligations if you face any critical illness

Cons

• The plan provides a generic coverage against cancer of a specified severity. It, therefore, has a restricted scope of coverage
• Coverage for early stage cancer might not be allowed under the policy
• Once the claim is paid, the coverage is terminated. If there is a relapse of cancer or if the cancer advances to a major stage after the payment of claim, you would not be covered

Cancer care insurance

Pros

• Provides a comprehensive scope of coverage against all types and severity of cancer
• In an early stage cancer, you get financial assistance as a part of the sum insured is paid. The premium waiver benefit helps you enjoy coverage without the strain of paying the premium after suffering from cancer.
• If your cancer advances, the plan pays the remaining sum insured to help you meet the financial costs of the illness
• Some plans also allow coverage against recurrence of cancer

Cons

• This plan is limited to cover only cancer. If you suffer from any other illness, the plan would not give you any coverage benefits
• Since the claim payment depends on the severity of cancer, the claim might be limited at an early stage cancer when you need funds to avail advanced medical treatments

So, both critical illness cover and cancer care insurance have their respective pros and cons. Assess these aspects and then make your choice. If you want a comprehensive scope of cover against different types of illnesses, a critical illness plan would be better. However, if you need only a cancer specific coverage, opt for cancer care plans for an inclusive coverage. Either of these plans would be a good addition to your existing health insurance plan and would provide enhanced protection against cancer. So, understand your coverage needs and then make your choice.