Are Neurological Therapies For Parkinson's Disease Covered?

Yes, neurological therapies for Parkinson's disease are generally covered by health insurance, including modern treatments like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), medications and hospitalisation under their neurological and critical illness plans. Coverage generally offers symptom management, though plans typically have specific waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.

Key Details of Coverage for Parkinson’s Disease

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Recognised as a modern treatment approach covered for managing tremors and movement issues in Parkinson’s.


• Coverage Scope: Includes inpatient hospitalisation, consultation fees, and in some cases, therapies like physiotherapy.


• Policy Type: Coverage generally comes under specific critical illness policies, which provide a financial shield against such neurodegenerative ailments.


• Waiting Periods: If considered as a pre-existing disease, then the policy will be subject to a waiting period before claims can be made.

Different Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative ailment commonly divided into 5 stages, ranging from mild, one-sided movement symptoms to severe, full-body impairment. Stages typically progress from mild stiffness to bilateral symptoms, balance loss, significant assistance needed and finally a bedridden state.

The different stages of Parkinson’s Disease include-

Stage 1: People experience mild symptoms, limited to one side of the body, and typically do not disrupt daily routines. Only one-half of the body shows tremors and difficulty with movement. Differences in posture, gait, and facial movements may also occur.

Stage 2: Symptoms affect both sides of the body, but balance is not impaired, resulting in slower activities. The entire body experiences tremors, rigidity, and other movement difficulties. An individual can live alone despite the longer and more demanding daily activities.

Stage 3: This is considered mid-stage. This phase involves balance loss and sluggishness of movement (bradykinesia), which are common. While not completely incapacitating, these symptoms seriously hamper daily tasks like getting dressed and eating, though the patient may still be independent. By stage three, falls become more frequent as well.

Stage 4: The symptoms are severe and disabling. Patients may stand without any assistance, but moving about will probably require a walker or wheelchair. At this stage, a patient cannot be left to live alone and needs someone to assist with their actions.

Stage 5: Standing or walking may be impossible due to leg stiffness. The patient is either bedridden or needs a wheelchair. Everything the person does requires round-the-clock professional care. Delusions and mental confusion could be faced by the person during this stage.