According to a report by the World Health Organization, over 17.9 million deaths are caused every year due to “Cardio Vascular Diseases” (CVD). This brings to light the harsh reality that CVD is one of the leading causes of death in the world today.

This World Heart Day, you should take a moment to pause and contemplate how to take good care of yourself and your heart. The hectic lifestyles which most of us lead, are highly stressful and incidences of life-threatening diseases are growing rapidly. Hence, “it is important to listen to your heart”. How often have you heard this saying? Yet, when was the last time you took a break, just to listen to your heart? Are you taking good care of it? Is your heart in tune with your goals for a healthy life?

On a day that has been earmarked to emphasize the importance of this vital organ, resolve to do just two things for your heart.

Take good care of your heart

Focus on your health and eat right. Train your mind as well as your body to lead a life that helps you in staying physically and emotionally healthy.

Stay insured 

Despite undertaking multiple measures to take better care of your heart and health, uncertainties may hit you. Hence, it’s important to be backed by a strong insurance plan. Considering the high cost of treatment for Cardio Vascular Diseases, regular medical indemnity plans may not be sufficient. During such medical emergencies, you have more than just hospitalization expenses to worry about. Bear in mind that critical illnesses require prolonged treatment even after you are discharged from the hospital and could include expenses like medicines and travel costs if you are moving to another city for treatment and many more such expenditures. Being adequately insured will ensure that in case of health emergencies, you have access to high-quality health care treatments.

One of the most cost-effective ways to ensure your peace of mind is to have a Critical Illness policy or a Critical Illness rider with your existing Health Insurance policy. This will ensure that any unexpected medical emergency does not drain you financially.

What is a Critical Illness cover?

A Critical Illness cover provides a lump sum benefit on the first diagnosis of a critical illness. Such an amount can help you pay for the cost of care and treatment towards specific illnesses and recuperation expenses.

Critical Illness covers with Health Insurance:

Critical Illness covers provided by general insurers come in two ways: Standalone policy or a rider to your base Health Insurance policy.

Here are some things to keep in mind while buying a Critical Illness cover:

Brand reputation – First and foremost, look for an insurance company that is known for its strong customer service & claim settlement capabilities. Insurance purchase is largely based on trust and hence it is imperative to opt for a trusted insurance company.

Sum Insured – Check your options for the sum insured amount and opt for an adequate cover based on your family history, life stage and financial state. Check your family’s health history as well to ensure that you are covered for any specific ailments that run in the family.

Check for Critical Illness rider with your Health Insurance policy as an alternative – If you are buying a Health Insurance, explore the options to add Critical Illness as a rider.

Individual plan or family floater – You can buy Critical Illness cover as an individual plan or as a family floater, depending on your family members’ financial requirements and medical history.

Keep in mind that a standalone Critical Illness policy can be ported to other insurers but Critical Illness rider alone cannot be ported.

This World Heart Day purchase a Critical Illness policy to protect your heart and stay healthy aur hearty dono!

(Subramanyam Brahmajosyula is Head -Underwriting & Reinsurance at SBI General Insurance)