Prioritise Your Health with Preventive Healthcare

Maintaining good health is essential for a fulfilling life, and there are proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk of illnesses or diseases. Regular checkups, screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle changes are part of a preventive approach to healthcare that can help you maintain your well-being.

While diagnostic healthcare is important, taking preventive measures can significantly lower the chances of developing chronic diseases and promote a healthier and longer life. In this article, we will explore the benefits of preventive healthcare cover and provide practical tips to help you achieve your wellness goals.

What is preventive healthcare cover?

A preventive health plan is a type of healthcare coverage that focuses on preventing health problems. In the past, insurance companies provided coverage for preventive care to varying degrees, and policyholders had to pay an additional premium. However, it is now mandatory for insurance companies to cover such expenses without charging an extra premium.

This coverage typically includes the costs of preventive diagnostic tests and doctor visits. By enabling policyholders to detect serious medical conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes early on, preventive health plans help them take necessary precautions before the illness becomes severe or life-threatening.

Why is preventive healthcare cover required?

The primary objective of preventive healthcare cover is to promote your overall well-being and prevent potential health problems by detecting them early on.

By undergoing regularly scheduled visits and tests, your healthcare provider can identify any medical issues before they escalate into more severe conditions.

Other benefits of preventive care include:

• Early detection of medical problems allows for timely and proactive care and treatment
• Regular preventive care can help you remain mindful of your health goals and stay focused on achieving them.

Preventive healthcare examples

Preventive healthcare cover involves routine checkups, screenings, and immunisations that are conducted to maintain optimal health and detect any medical issues early on. Below are some examples of preventive healthcare services:

• Annual checkups - These include general health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and other health conditions.
• Cancer screenings: Regular screenings for cancer are essential as most people don't exhibit symptoms during the initial stages. For instance, women are recommended to undergo Pap tests and mammograms, while men may require PSA tests to screen for prostate cancer. Colorectal cancer screenings are advised for both men and women from the age of 45.
• Childhood immunisations- Immunisations such as hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, measles and MMR (mumps and rubella) are recommended for children.
• Adult immunisations- Tdap boosters and immunisations against pneumococcal conjugate and shingles are advised for adults.
• Yearly flu shots: Flu shots help reduce the risk of contracting the flu by up to 60%. In case of contraction, it reduces the severity of symptoms and the possibility of hospitalisation.

What does a preventive healthcare plan cover?

Preventive care can be categorised into three buckets

1. Adults
2. Women
3. Children

Each category has its list of preventive services.

Preventive care for adults

Preventive healthcare cover for adults typically involves a range of measures to maintain good health and prevent potential health issues from escalating. These services may include:

• Screenings for various health concerns, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, colorectal cancer, HIV, and obesity, among others.
• Medications such as aspirin for preventing cardiovascular diseases.
• Immunizations for diseases like hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Counselling for alcohol misuse, obesity, diet, sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, and smoking cessation intervention, among others.

Preventive care for women

Preventive healthcare services for women encompass a range of measures to maintain their health and well-being. These services are classified as:-

For all women

• Breast cancer genetic test counselling
• Breast cancer mammography screening
• Breast cancer chemoprevention counselling
• Cervical cancer screening
• Chlamydia infection screening
• Domestic and interpersonal violence screening and counselling
• Gonorrhea screening
• HIV screening and counselling
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test
• Osteoporosis screening
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) counselling
• Syphilis screening
• Tobacco use screening

For pregnant women

• Anaemia screening
• Breast-feeding comprehensive support and counselling
• Gestational diabetes
• Hepatitis B screening
• Syphilis screening
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) screening
• Tobacco intervention and counselling
• Rhesus factor (Rh) incompatibility screening and follow-up testing
• Folic acid supplements
• Breast-feeding supplies for nursing women
• Education and counselling on Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved contraceptive methods and sterilisation procedures.

For children

Preventive healthcare services for children and adolescents include:

• Screenings: Children and adolescents can receive screenings for various conditions, such as autism, blood pressure, hearing and vision problems, weight and BMI, lead and arsenic in blood, and alcohol and drug use. Other screenings include cervical dysplasia, depression, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, hepatitis B, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Medications: Some preventive healthcare services for children and adolescents involve medications. Examples include iron supplements for infants aged 6-12 months at risk of anaemia, and gonorrhoea, preventive medication to protect the eyes of newborns, and fluoride supplements for children who do not have fluoride in their water source.
• Immunisations: Children and adolescents can receive immunizations for various diseases, such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis A and B, influenza (flu shot), and human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Counselling: Counselling services for children and adolescents include interventions for obesity, prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and smoking and drinking cessation.

While purchasing a health insurance policy, it is important to ensure that your insurer provides you and your dependents (spouse, children, parents) with preventive healthcare services within the plan's network of healthcare providers, without any additional fees.

Conclusion

Prioritising your health is crucial, and preventive healthcare cover can help you achieve your wellness goals. By undergoing regular checkups, screenings, and immunisations, you can detect potential health problems early on and receive timely care and treatment. Preventive healthcare for adults, women, and children offer a wide range of services, including medication, immunisation, and counselling.

To maintain optimal health and prevent potential health issues, visit Aditya Birla Health Insurance's website and explore our preventive healthcare cover plans today. Start taking proactive steps towards a healthier, longer, and more fulfilling life.