- What Is Down Syndrome?
- Explore Health Plans
- Identifying Down Syndrome
Navigating Health Insurance For Down Syndrome
With World Down's Syndrome Day approaching on Mar 21, 2024 12:00 PM let us bring forth the difficulties for individuals with Down's Syndrome. It is an incurable condition affecting day to day activities of an individual. As per a 2021 health report published in ETHealth, nearly 30,000 to 35,000 children are born with Down's Syndrome in India.
With rising cases of Down syndrome, it is no wonder that new parents want to know if it is covered by health insurance in India. Long answer short, there are many hurdles you may have to face when trying to find health insurance for Down syndrome children in India.
General Trivia
WHO adopted March 21 as Down Syndrome Day because it is a rare genetic condition caused by the replication of chromosome 21. This article delves deeper into the details of Down syndrome such as its types, symptoms, causes, and health insurance for Down syndrome.
What Is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a rare genetic condition, also known as Trisomy 21. The name is given due to the formation of an extra copy of chromosome 21 in your body. It is essential to note that the additional chromosome interferes with the development of the body leading to multiple physical and cognitive challenges.
While there is no cure for Down's syndrome, it is essential to note that it can be diagnosed prenatally through ultrasounds and pre-natal screening. This allows new parents to prepare themselves mentally and manage childcare efficiently in the upcoming years. Furthermore, clinical examination and genetic testing can help confirm Down Syndrome postnatally.
Down's Syndrome has various types which can be explained further.
Types Of Down's Syndrome
The various types of Down's Syndrome found in young children are:
- Trisomy 21 is the most common type accounting for 95% of cases around the world. Under Trisomy 21, each cell of the body contains 3 copies of chromosome 21 instead of 2 normal copies.
- Mosaic Down Syndrome cases are rare accounting for 2% of cases globally wherein an extra copy of chromosome 21 is present in some cells of your body but not in all. This leads to varying levels of intellectual and physical challenges comparatively milder than Trisomy 21.
- Translocation Down Syndrome is a type wherein the extra part of chromosome 21 or the whole extra chromosome attaches itself to another chromosome, often chromosome 14.
Symptoms Of Down's Syndrome?
Down's Syndrome affects each individual differently, while some may require little to no assistance, others may require a considerable amount of support for daily activities. Children with Down Syndrome have distinctive symptoms like
- Distinguishable facial features like a small nose, almond shape, or slanted eyes, a flat facial profile, and low muscle mass
- Delayed physical and intellectual development is witnessed in individuals with Down's Syndrome
- Delayed motor skills or speech impediment wherein the child finds it difficult to speak or coordinate its bodily movements
- Congenital heart defects, gastrointestinal problems
- Vision and hearing impairment are also a part of Down syndrome
Is Health Insurance For Down Syndrome Available In India?
A health insurance plan can ease your financial and mental burden when raising a child with special needs. Investing in the right health insurance plan helps you with expensive therapies, treatments, regular doctor consultations, and more.
There are rarely any health plans designed specifically to cover Down syndrome. However, you may invest in health insurance plans that cover you for treatments required to help manage Down syndrome. The plan mentioned below covers treatments like speech therapy, behavioral therapy, educational support, and physical therapy which is helpful for people who are diagnosed with Down's syndrome
- Star Special Care
- Government-led health plans such as Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana covers treatments required for Down's Syndrome
Star Special Care provides coverage to children (3 years to 25 years) who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Unique Features
- No Pre-medical test
- Nursing Expense
- Emergency Ambulance Charges
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing Down Syndrome Health Insurance
Selecting the right health insurance for Down syndrome can be a task specifically when there are no dedicated health plans for the same. As parents of a child with special needs, it is essential to analyze the features and coverage offered by the plan. Here are some things to consider before investing in such a health plan:
- Look for specific coverage as not all health plans cover treatments and medical care required to aid children with Down syndrome. Ensure you are covered for specialized treatments, counselling, speech therapies, education support, and other important aspects.
- Consider waiting periods mentioned in different health plans as Down syndrome is a pre-existing condition and affects children before birth. Also, check the waiting periods for treatments related to Down syndrome.
- Consider health plan premiums before investing in a health insurance plan covering treatments related to Down syndrome.
- Check the claim settlement percentage of the health insurance provider to decrease the chance of possible claim rejection in the future.
Wrapping It Up
Down Syndrome is a genetic disease that unfortunately can not be cured and has to be managed for the entire life. It is essential to look for health insurance for Down syndrome that not only offers adequate sum insured but also provides you with coverage for required treatments and therapies.
Though many have heard about Down's syndrome in recent times, most of us still do not know the disease in detail. This article aims to generate awareness and educate people on Down's syndrome besides giving vital information. Many children and adults suffering from this disease are often victimized socially - all due to a lack of education on such rare but relevant genetic disorders. We must create a community where people with not just Down syndrome but any other genetic abnormalities can get recognition for their skills, and individuality and be confident with themselves at all times.
To explore more about health insurance for Down syndrome give PolicyX insurance advisors a call today.
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Health Insurance For Downs Syndrome: FAQs
1. What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic disease wherein the body replicates an extra copy of chromosome 21 giving it the name Trisomy 21.
2. What treatments are available for children diagnosed with Down Syndrome?
Children with Down syndrome can benefit from treatments like speech therapy, behavioral therapy, and physiotherapy.
3. Is Down syndrome covered by health insurance in India?
Down syndrome is not covered specifically by any health insurance company in India. However, you must look for health insurance plans covering treatments required to cure Down& 039;s syndrome such as physiotherapy, behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and more.
4. What is the Health insurance for Down syndrome children in India?
You can turn to companies like Star Health Insurance providing Star Special Care as it covers special treatments required to help manage Down syndrome. The Indian government has also launched a special health scheme Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana which covers children with Down Syndrome
5. How will an early detection and diagnosis help manage Down syndrome?
Early detection through pre-natal screenings helps young couples prepare early on in their parenthood for their child with special care needs. Investing in maternity plans that offer a wide range of coverage regarding pre-natal screenings will be beneficial.
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Written By: Simran Kaur Vij
Simran is an insurance expert with more than 4 years of experience in the industry. An expert with previous experience in BFSI, Ed-tech, and insurance, she proactively helps her readers stay on par with all the latest Insurance industry developments.
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