MENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE DOES A HEALTH INSURANCE COVER DEPRESSION

‘’When you have insurance, you know that you are secured against any unforeseen events in life, and this gives you complete peace of mind.’’

What is Depression?

Depression is a complex medical condition that adversely affects the mental wellbeing of an individual and is a type of psychological disorder. It hampers the daily activities, mood, behavior, work mind, decision making, and even the thought process of the affected. In a study conducted recently, 43% of the Indian population suffers from Depression. According to the Mental Health Act, 2017, mental illnesses is to be given equal importance as physical disease as it impacts the daily life of an individual.

There are numerous reasons an individual can feel depressed, like it could be the workload, relationship issues, weak interaction, and peer pressure. Also, with the recent global spread of the pandemic, the lockdown practiced globally to stop the spread of the contagious coronavirus caused the feeling of confinement with no social interaction leading to mental health issues like stress, anxiety, hypertension, and Depression. Thus, it is essential to diagnose Depression on time as it can lead people to lose faith in their existence and take drastic steps ahead to harm themselves or their lives.

 

Symptoms of Depression

For Depression, along with medicines and exercises, doctors recommend lifestyle therapies to bring the change in the environment of the affected, making it more encouraging. The aim is to deal with the brain and heart towards positivity.

The general symptoms of Depression include;

• Sadness or desolation
• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Insomnia, excessive sleep, or disturbances during sleep
• Reduced appetite or weight loss
• Frequent adverse thoughts
• Angry outbursts or irritability
• Lack of energy or tiredness
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Shortness of breath or Dizziness
• Flushing or Headaches
• Chest pain or fatigue

 

Does a Health Insurance Policy Cover Depression?

Depression and hypertension are covered majorly under health insurance plans in India. As per the set regulations of the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India, it is necessary for all insurance companies to cover mental illnesses under health insurance. Insurance companies in India offer financial assistance to the policyholder to pay for the treatment cost of Depression and hypertension and look after the medical expenses incurred like the cost of hospitalization, medication, consultation, ambulance charges since they are a type of mental illnesses and have to be covered by a mental health insurance plan.

Depression and hypertension are becoming common in India, and individuals can include such psychological disorders under their health insurance plans to get sufficient and relevant coverage in case of diagnosis. It is essential to detect and treat such mental illnesses on time as they affect the daily growth of an individual.

 

Few tips to prevent Depression or Hypertension

• Regular exercise
• Proper sleep for 7-8 hours daily
• Avoid stress
• Keep a social circle of friends and families
• Boost self-esteem and be self-resilient
• Follow a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits
• Monitor blood pressure frequently

 

‘’Without health insurance, getting sick or injured could mean going bankrupt, going without needed care, or even dying needlessly.’’ – Jan Schakowsky

 

FAQs – Frequently asked questions.

Let’s look at some frequent queries on does a health insurance policy cover Depression;

 

Q1. Can the treatment of Depression go on for long?

Yes, the treatment of both Depression and hypertension can indeed go on for a more extended period of time. In severe or critical cases where major health complications have progressed, the patient may need hospitalization, and either situation may lead to heavy medical expenses.

 

Q2. Is Depression covered in all health insurance plans?

Yes, though Depression and hypertension are covered by almost all regular health insurance plans, some health insurance companies offer customized health plans for high blood pressure and such diseases. People can opt for customized plans if their base policy does not provide enough coverage for this disease.

 

Q3. Does Depression or Hypertension come with a waiting time or period?

Yes, both Depression and hypertension come with a waiting time or period. Since Depression is a kind of mental illness, it is covered by health insurance plans generally after a waiting period of two years. While hypertension is considered a specific illness and hence, it is covered by health plans typically after a waiting period of one to three years, depending on the plan chosen.

In case a person has been suffering from specific hypertension or Depression before buying the health insurance policy, it is considered a pre-existing disease. Like all pre-existing diseases, these diseases will be covered usually after a waiting period of two to four years, again depending on the chosen plan.