Are Oxygen Therapy Expenses Covered for COPD?

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Yes, ideal health insurance providers in India cover oxygen therapy expenses for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) when it is part of essential inpatient hospitalisation or covered daycare treatment procedures.


Coverage Details For COPD Health Insurance:



  • Inpatient Treatment: Oxygen fees are covered during hospitalisation when treating COPD complications.

  • Home Care/ Nebulisation: Comprehensive plans, such as extra protect or add-ons, provide coverage for home nebulisation for mild COPD conditions.

  • Durable Medical Equipment: Some specific plans may cover the rental oxygen concentrators up to a certain amount in a policy year.

  • Pre-existing Conditions: Health insurance policies that cover COPD, though a waiting period may apply before coverage for this condition begins.

  • Excluded Treatment: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is specifically listed as an excluded therapy in some policies.


Key Symptoms of COPD


Symptoms of COPD usually develop gradually. It is often observed in people over 40 years of age. As COPD progresses, clinical signs and symptoms become more identifiable with breathing issues. The stage when COPD symptoms worsen is called an exacerbation.


Early-Stage: Mostly, people made a mistake in recognising COPD as a cold with mild symptoms. Early-stage lung disease symptoms are:



  • Occasional breathing issues, such as shortness of breath after exercise.

  • Mild Coughing

  • Tiredness


Moderate Stage: In this stage, the lungs become extremely damaged. Certain factors, such as cold air, smells, flu, and colds, can contribute to worsening of the lungs in this stage.


Symptoms that one should not overlook may include:



  • Breathing shortness during daily activities

  • Obstacles to deep breathing

  • Chronic cough without or with mucus for a constant 3 months or longer, for a minimum of 2 years.

  • Chest tightness

  • Persistent wheezing, noisy breathing

  • Frequent chest infections


Last Stage:


In the severe or advanced stage of COPD, several symptoms are observed with worsening health issues, including:



  • Sudden weight loss

  • Fever

  • Changes in mucus thickness or colour

  • Having trouble breathing

  • Bluish lips or fingernails

  • Swelling in the ankles, legs, and feet

  • Weakness or fatigue most of the time


The individual should book a doctor's appointment for proper treatment and professional evaluation.