FOR EXISTING POLICY
FOR NEW POLICY
Annual medical check-ups in a health insurance policy are regular health exams covered by insurance to monitor and detect health issues early.
Do you know how healthy you are? Do you have any hidden health issues that could affect your quality of life in the future? If you are not sure, then consider getting an annual medical check-up.
An annual health check-up is a preventive healthcare service that helps you monitor your overall health and detect potential problems early. It can also help you save money on medical expenses by avoiding complications and hospitalisations.
But how can you get an annual medical check-up without spending a fortune? The answer is simple: choose a health insurance policy that covers it.
Benefits of Getting an Annual Medical Check-up
Getting an annual health check-up can have many benefits. These are:
- An annual medical check-up can help you identify any signs or symptoms of diseases that may not be apparent otherwise.
- It can help you start the treatment sooner and prevent the disease from getting worse.
- An annual medical check-up can help prevent diseases by identifying and managing risk factors. For example, some risk factors that can be assessed and controlled through an annual medical check-up are cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and body mass index.
- If you have any chronic conditions, such as asthma, arthritis, thyroid disorders, etc., an annual medical check-up can help you monitor and manage them better.
- By knowing your health status and taking steps to improve it, you can feel more confident and motivated to achieve your life goals.
Is Annual Health Check-Up Covered by Insurance?
Most health insurers offer free annual health check-ups while providing rewards for being fit. Here are some tips to help you choose the right health insurance policy with annual health check-ups:
- Look at the health insurance plans available to you. Read their documents or ask for information about what they cover.
- Specifically, check if the plan mentions an "annual medical check-up benefit" in their inclusion.
- See how much you will pay in premium. Make sure it fits your budget.
- Find out if the plan includes doctors or clinics near your area and check their reputation.
- Check if there are any limits on the medical check-up benefit. For example, some plans may cover only a certain amount for the check-up.
Tests Covered Under an Annual Medical Check-up in Health Insurance
The tests covered under an annual medical check-up may vary depending on the health insurance policy you choose, your age, gender, family medical history, and personal preferences. However, some of the common tests that are usually included in a health insurance annual check-up are:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This checks the number and quality of red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. It can help detect infections, anaemia, bleeding disorders, etc.
- Blood Sugar Test: It identifies your blood glucose (sugar) level. It can help diagnose or monitor diabetes and its complications.
- Blood Pressure Test: This test measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. It can help detect or monitor hypertension (high blood pressure) and its complications.
- Urine Test: It analyses the chemical and physical properties of your urine. It can help detect infections, kidney problems, and diabetes.
- Kidney Function Test: It measures your blood's creatinine and urea levels. It can help evaluate how well your kidneys are working and detect any kidney damage or disease.
- Lipid Profile: It counts the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. It can help assess your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Liver Function Test (LFT): It counts the level of enzymes and proteins your liver produces.
- Lung Function Test: It calculates how much air you can breathe in and out and how fast you can do it. It can help diagnose or monitor respiratory ailments like COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- X-Ray: It uses electromagnetic radiation to create images of your internal organs and structures. It can help detect fractures, infections, and tumours.
- Sonography: It uses sound waves to create images of your internal organs and structures. It can help detect or monitor pregnancy, gallstones, and cysts.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Getting an Annual Medical Check-Up
Before getting an annual medical check-up through your health insurance policy, you should keep a few things in mind, such as:
- You should make an appointment with the hospital or diagnostic centre where you want to get the annual medical check-up. Inform them that you have a health insurance policy that covers the annual medical check-up and provide them with your policy details.
- You may need to fast for 8 to 10 hours before getting some blood tests, such as fasting blood sugar and lipid profiles. You should avoid eating or drinking anything except water during this period.
- You should avoid consuming alcohol and tobacco for at least 24 hours before getting the annual medical check-up. They can affect your blood pressure, liver function, etc.
- Wear a comfortable dress that is easy to remove and wear when getting the physical examination and other tests. Avoid wearing any jewellery or metal objects that may interfere with some tests, such as X-rays and ECG.
- Always carry your previous reports of any tests or treatments that you have undergone in the past. They can help your doctor compare your current and previous health conditions.
Conclusion
An annual medical check-up is a vital service that can help you to maintain your health and well-being. It can also help you prevent, detect, and treat diseases and conditions affecting your quality of life. Moreover, the health insurance annual check-up feature also has tax perks under Section 80D*.
Therefore, you should choose a health insurance policy that covers annual medical check-ups and avail its benefits regularly.
