The healthcare gap between men and women has been a major concern across the globe. The lack of information, misconceptions, and taboos regarding women’s health are critical impediments to closing this gap. Moreover, the disparity in healthcare access, skewed insurance coverage, and improper execution of health initiatives have kept the problem alive. In India, 4 out of 5 women die due to poor medical care and negligence, let’s understand what coverages should women consider in a health plan post-retirement.

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) findings show that European women live longer than their male counterparts, but their access to quality healthcare is relatively poor. In the same year, data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that four out of five women in India die due to poor medical care and negligence, and the underlying factor, it said, is unequal access to health insurance coverage.

Another critical shortcoming is women’s lack of needs assessment in a healthcare plan. So, here are some coverages should women consider in their healthcare insurance plans.

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Maternity Cover

Including maternity coverage in an individual or a family floater health plan will ensure adequate financial support for all scenarios, from normal birth to cesarean and pre and post-natal care to vaccination. The absence of maternity coverage can make a massive dent in your pocket. 

Preventative Care

Preventative care, such as screening for HIV, breast and cervical cancer, health counselling, etc., is crucial for women of all age groups. These diseases can catch women unaware; hence, they must educate themselves to ensure proper medical attention at the right time.

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Congenital Disability Benefits

Congenital disorders are functional anomalies that can become more pronounced or severe with age. It is better to include this rider to tackle issues like Spina Bifida or Down Syndrome, as managing them without an insurance cover could be heavy on your pockets. 

Cashless Hospitalisation

Cashless hospitalization can be particularly helpful for expensive treatments like organ replacements and surgeries, as well as doctors’ checkups and hospitalizations. This rider will help you avoid spending from your pocket, allowing you to maintain your regular budget.

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Cancer Cover

Breast, lung, endometrial, ovarian, and skin cancers are most common in women. It can be difficult to pursue treatments for such severe diseases without proper medical insurance coverage. The cost of medicines, injections, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries for such diseases are generally very high. As such, diagnostics, medicine, and pre- and post-hospitalisation bills can drown you without insurance.