Motherhood is one of the most cherished and important facets of a woman’s life. However, it comes with various responsibilities. Today, most mothers not only provide unconditional love to support loved ones but also play a significant role as equal financial partners in their households. A mother often goes to great lengths to provide for her family and prioritises everyone else’s needs, which may cause her to neglect her own well-being. However, her health and well-being are of utmost importance and health insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding it. This Mother’s Day, let us understand how comprehensive health insurance cover can help mothers support their health.
Why health insurance is important for all mothers
- To fight lifestyle diseases and other illnesses
Women need health insurance plans that are specially designed for them to take better care of their health. Some of the common ailments among Indian women are diabetes, cancer, chronic heart disease, anaemia, and thyroid disorders. To manage such health risks, it is better to select a health insurance plan that is tailored to address and include treatments for such specific healthcare problems. This helps in gaining access to many hospitals and specialty clinics that offer medical care and cover hospital costs through insurance coverage. Additionally, certain health insurance policies that also cover critical illnesses, some of which require continued treatment even post hospitalization. In such situations, choosing a critical illness coverage in addition to the current health policy is extremely beneficial.
2. Financial preparedness for motherhood
New mothers-to-be can avail of a health insurance policy to prepare themselves financially for various expenses incurred at different stages of motherhood. Many comprehensive Insurance plans includes maternity cover with added benefits like medical tests, sonography, prenatal and postnatal care along with insurance for new-born babies for a certain period, depending upon the chosen policy.
3. Access to quality healthcare providers
Health insurance often comes with a network of healthcare providers, ensuring that mothers have access to quality care. This can lead to better health outcomes for both the mother and the baby, as well as peace of mind knowing that they are receiving the best possible care.
4. Purchasing health insurance is an act of self-care
Self-care involves doing everything you can to take care of your physical and emotional needs, and efficiently manage daily stressors in order to benefit your health in the long run. Health insurance is one of the most essential steps when it comes to selfcare. It helps prevent financial stress related to sudden health emergencies.
5. A step closer towards financial security
With rising medical expenses, a comprehensive health insurance cover can provide the stress-free health protection your mother needs. When purchasing health insurance, several factors must be considered such as sum insured, cover for pre-existing illnesses, value-added services, cover for alternative therapies like Ayurveda and Homeopathy, etc. Additionally, health insurance plans provide a number of advantages such as affordable premiums, cover for preventive health check-ups, the addition of family members to the policy with the option of floater cover, and tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
All mothers, in fact, all women, should have a health insurance plan that guarantees financial support in case of health issues. It is essential so that they never have to compromise their health and wellness, irrespective of the situation. To avoid any financial distress, it is important to secure yourself and your loved ones through an adequate and comprehensive health insurance plan. The earlier one buys health insurance, the closer one gets towards achieving steady financial independence and stability.
Views expressed by: Subramanyam Brahmajosyula, Chief Technical Officer, SBI General Insurance
