Kashmir’s breathtaking beauty and striking snowy scenery make it a tourist hotspot. But the weather, which is a blessing, can also lead to several health problems that affect the quality of life of many Kashmiris, especially the vulnerable sections. A health insurance policy can offer financial protection and peace of mind when it comes to dealing with health issues related to winter. Choosing the right health insurance policy for you and your family depends on certain factors. If budget is your primary concern, you can begin by looking for health insurance quotes online through the health insurance companies’ apps and websites. Alongside the budget, you may also have to take into consideration issues faced during the winter months and how health insurance can address the same.
So, here are the health risks one may face when in Kashmir and how health insurance can help tackle them.
- Respiratory illnesses: One of the biggest culprits when it comes to diseases that native Kashmiris and tourists have to contend with is respiratory illnesses. The winter months may provide a great escape from the rest of the country, but the cold air, coupled with dry conditions, is not great for lung health. What exacerbates this already lethal combination is air pollution, which there is plenty of in Kashmir during the winters. Respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia are pretty common occurrences during the winter season. While those who are on the healthier side of the spectrum may be able to ride these illnesses out without too much worry, the same can’t be said for the elderly, children, and those with comorbidities.
Pneumonia can lead to loss of life, and the flu can lead to hospitalisation. If you have elderly parents and relatives, a senior citizen health insurance plan can help you with hospitalisation costs related to these illnesses. Children can be included in family floater plans, and this can extend coverage to them when they require it. If you are wondering about the premium for such plans, a health insurance premium calculator can help you figure it out based on factors such as age and medical conditions.
- Cardiovascular diseases: For the elderly with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, the winter season can be tough on their health. The cold climate in Kashmir can induce vasoconstriction, a condition that leads to the shrinking of the blood vessels around the muscles. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure, which in turn raises the risk for heart attack and stroke, especially in those with certain pre-existing conditions. The elderly in Kashmir can choose senior health insurance plans, some of which may have reduced or no waiting periods for pre-existing conditions to get coverage for cardiovascular diseases in the winter.
- Weather-related emergencies: Injuries are next to unavoidable in the winter with the deluge of snow that Kashmir experiences. This can be an especially scary time for the elderly, who may not be steady on their feet. Falls at their age can lead to instant hospitalisation. Accidents can also occur due to poor driving conditions due to the weather. These types of accidents and the treatments related to them can be covered by health insurance.
- Weather-related mental illnesses: Cold and gloomy weather can have a massive impact on one’s mental health. The harsh winters of Kashmir are known to bring about seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder. Symptoms such as fatigue, a behaviour change, feelings of sadness/depression, aches/pains, and disturbed sleep are common. While symptoms do get better as the season changes, for some, these feelings may linger and affect their daily life. Most health insurance companies these days do offer mental health coverage as part of their plan. This can be used to seek intervention and treatment as and when required by the policyholder. Ensure that you read the inclusions, exclusions, terms and conditions, and waiting period involved to get a good understanding of your health insurance policy.
- Critical illnesses: Critical illnesses such as cancer, especially those affecting the lungs and the breast, are on the rise in Kashmir. Most health insurance companies have a waiting period in place before coverage can be claimed for this set of illnesses. Kashmiris who are worried about the threat of cancer can look for insurers who offer a specialised insurance plan for critical illnesses. If you don’t want to invest in a separate plan, you can look for plans that have a critical illness add-on. This may increase your premium, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Health insurance policies have long ceased to exist as just a luxury. They have very much become a need rather than a want. Most of the health issues faced by Kashmiris due to the brutal winters can be managed with the right insurance plan and a combination of add-ons/riders. Keeping factors such as age, pre-existing conditions, overall health, budget, etc, in mind can help you make the right choice that can ultimately save your life as well as that of your loved ones.
