What Waiting Periods Apply to Health Insurance Plans for Individuals with Asthma?

Vote: 1

For individuals with asthma, insurance providers in India cover it as a pre-existing condition (PED). Standard policies typically enforce a 36-month waiting period for PEDs. However, this can be reduced to 12 months with a PED add-on, or to just 31 days using an add-on available with specific plans.


Waiting Periods for Asthma:



  • Standard PED Waiting Period: 24 to 36 months for asthma

  • Reduced Waiting Period Plans: Some insurance providers minimise the waiting period to 1 to 2 months

  • Specific Plans with Zero Waiting Period: Available only under a specific chronic disease insurance policy

  • Specific Diseases: Certain specific conditions or surgeries have a waiting period of 24 months, generally.


Understanding these terms helps avoid claim rejection and ensures smooth treatment access.


Why Health Insurance is Significant For Asthma Patients?


Asthma treatment is a prolonged treatment process, and costs are incurred slowly yet gradually. Quality treatment involves diagnostics, a visit from a pulmonologist, inhalers, nebulisers, spirometry examination, allergy examination and even hospitalisation. In this context, comprehensive health insurance plans offer:



  • Immediate cashless hospitalisation in case of a serious asthma attack

  • Coverage for diagnostic, respiratory tests, medications, and drug expenses

  • Benefits for chronic disease management

  • Pre-existing asthma is covered beyond the waiting period

  • Assistance to patients in getting cashless treatment

  • Offers you peace of mind

  • Covers long-term treatment

  • Covers the costs of follow-up consultations

  • Gives you financial relief from hefty medical bills


So, choosing an appropriate policy will guarantee financial stability and peace of mind in the event of a chronic respiratory condition.


How Can I Prevent Asthma Attacks?


Although you cannot prevent asthma from occurring, there are strategies to manage your symptoms and reduce the severity of your condition. Common tips to prevent an asthma attack are:



  • At first, identify what triggers your asthma attacks. Many factors contribute to asthma, such as smoke, fumes, pollen, viral infections, cold air, etc. Once you are aware of what causes asthma triggers in you, take preventive steps to avoid them.

  • Monitor your breathing daily at home by using a peak flow meter. A peak flow meter helps track your condition and manage asthma symptoms.

  • Take your medications as prescribed by your healthcare professional without any delay or skipping doses.

  • Individuals experiencing any severe or unusual symptoms should consult a doctor immediately.

  • If you smoke, you need to quit immediately to prevent yourself from having an asthma attack.

  • If you drink alcohol, limit your alcohol consumption, as alcohol may also worsen your asthma symptoms.


In essence, asthma is a chronic condition that leads to swelling & narrowing of your airways, and is filled with mucus. This can further be responsible for breathing issues and other related symptoms, like tightening in the chest, coughing and difficulty in swallowing. Therefore, you must declare your asthma diagnosis before buying the comprehensive policy, as hiding the condition can lead to claim rejections or policy cancellation.