Women are the bedrock of any family. A woman’s role in society can range from humble housewife to confident professional to loving mother. Women nowadays are multitaskers or ‘do-it-alls.’ But have they forgotten about themselves in the midst of caring for everyone else?
Although diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, polycystic ovaries, female sexual arousal disorder, cardiovascular and thyroid diseases are on the rise in women, women continue to lag behind when it comes to purchasing health insurance. According to the IRDA Insurance Awareness Survey Report, 2012, only 39 percent of total women have opted out for health insurance, and only 22 percent of these have their own health insurance plan, while the rest rely on policies purchased by their fathers or husbands.
A number of factors contribute to this, but one major factor is women’s lack of awareness. There are numerous insurance plans available that cover maternity and female-specific health-care expenses. However, due to a lack of awareness, there are very few takers. Furthermore, because women are charged more than men for medical services, owing to longer life expectancies, a higher likelihood of chronic disease and disability, and the need for reproductive care, many women prefer to be covered by their husband’s or father’s insurance.
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As a result, here’s why women should get their own health insurance:
Sedentary behavior and critical diseases
Women’s health needs and coverage utilization change as they age. The main culprit is sedentary lifestyle, which has not only exacerbated but also made women’s health issues more complex. Women face numerous health risks, ranging from cardiovascular disease and heart disease to breast cancer and osteoporosis. Thus, having the proper health insurance is critical, so that regardless of how serious the illness is, one’s financial independence is not jeopardized.
The rising cost of medical treatment for the most common women’s diseases in India, such as endometriosis, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis with pathological fracture, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and uterine fibroids, is one of the main reasons for every woman to have her own health insurance.
These diseases, unsurprisingly, affect women of all ages, but their severity increases with age. As a result, it is critical for women to plan for their financial future.
Health insurance and maternity leave
Motherhood is extremely important in a woman’s life. Childbirth has also become an expensive event in the current scenario. The fact that more and more couples are choosing Caesarian section over vaginal delivery; the ratio is now 65:35. As a result, treatment costs have risen.
Maternity insurance is not an exclusive insurance product in India; rather, it is offered as an added benefit to loyal customers, and maternity benefits can be claimed only after 3-6 years of purchasing and renewing the policy.
Purchasing health insurance is more than just protecting yourself; it is also an investment in yourself. We put money into things that are important to us, such as our education, family, and home. But isn’t health the most important, because we need good health to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities that await us in the future? Make sure you have comprehensive health insurance that covers all of your requirements.
Maternity health advantages
With rising healthcare costs, the experience of motherhood comes with significant medical expenses. With pregnancy complications and health issues on the rise, every woman should prioritize obtaining comprehensive health insurance coverage. Various insurance companies offer women’s health insurance plans that cover maternity healthcare costs.
Tax Benefit
Working women should consider purchasing separate health insurance in order to qualify for tax breaks under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act of 1961.
In conclusion
Women must take care of themselves in order to live a successful and fulfilling life. Women’s specific health issues can only be addressed with the help of separate health insurance coverage. Choosing the best plan available based on your needs is the key to reaping the most benefits!
