Sun Sep 29 04:58:57 UTC 2024: ## World Heart Day Highlights Growing Need for Health Insurance
**New Delhi, September 29, 2024** – World Heart Day, observed annually on September 29th, underscores the alarming prevalence of heart disease, which claims the lives of 17.9 million people worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Unhealthy lifestyle choices, including poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and alcohol consumption, are major contributors to heart disease. With rising treatment costs, experts urge individuals to prioritize heart health and invest in comprehensive health insurance.
“The cost of heart disease treatment is escalating, making it a significant financial burden for many,” said Siddharth Singhal, Head of Health Insurance at Policybazaar.com. “In India, bypass surgery can cost upwards of ₹3,50,000-4,00,000, while a heart valve transplant can cost ₹6,00,000. Angioplasty can cost ₹1,75,000-3,00,000, especially in Tier 1 cities.”
Comprehensive health insurance becomes crucial in the face of these escalating costs. It covers hospitalisation expenses, pre- and post-hospitalization charges, and ambulance fees. Health insurance providers offer specific plans for heart patients, including critical illness insurance, which covers conditions such as first heart attack (myocardial infarction), open chest CABG (coronary artery disease surgery), and stroke.
By ensuring adequate health insurance coverage, individuals can safeguard themselves from the financial strain associated with heart disease treatment, allowing them to focus on their recovery and well-being.
First Piper 