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Q. Hi, I am 30 years old, and my family has a history of heart disease. While I am healthy right now, I am concerned about future risks and want to be prepared. Before purchasing a health insurance policy, I want to ensure that it offers comprehensive coverage for heart-related conditions. Do such policies typically cover major procedures like angioplasty, bypass surgery, or stent placement, along with hospitalisation costs and follow-up treatment? I’ve also heard that some plans include preventive health check-ups; would that apply for someone like me who is trying to stay proactive? Another concern is the waiting period for pre-existing or hereditary conditions. As I don’t currently have a heart problem but have a family history, would there still be restrictions on coverage? Lastly, are there any exclusions or limitations I should be careful about while choosing such a policy, so that I don’t face unexpected surprises during a claim? - Rohan A. Hi Rohan, you’ve raised some important questions, and it’s great that you’re thinking ahead. Many people with a family history of heart disease wonder about the same aspects when evaluating health insurance options. To begin with, most comprehensive health insurance plans cover heart-related conditions, major procedures such as angioplasty, heart valve replacements, and bypass surgery. Alongside these, they include hospitalisation expenses, both pre- and post-hospitalisation, which means costs incurred for tests, consultations, and follow-ups are also taken care of. Some plans even extend to preventive health check-ups, which could be especially useful for someone like you who wants to stay proactive given your family history. Now, when it comes to waiting periods, this is something you must pay close attention to. Insurers usually impose a waiting period for pre-existing conditions. This period can range anywhere from a few months to a couple of years, depending on the policy you choose. Opting early insurance works in your favour because you start serving this waiting period right away, so the policy is more useful if and when you actually need it later. To avail added benefits, you can also opt for a health plan that provides features such as lump-sum payment in case of severe heart diagnosis, coverage for critical/serious illnesses to help manage treatment and related expenses, and financial support during recovery for your family. These policies also provide annual health check-ups, which are crucial for early detection, and cover alternative treatments like ayurveda, homeopathy, and unani, offering wider treatment choices. You also mentioned exclusions, and that’s an important point. While these plans are comprehensive, they are primarily designed to cover major health conditions and may not typically extend to lifestyle-related complications arising from certain habits or non-adherence to medical advice. Standard exclusions such as self-inflicted injuries or attempted suicide also apply, as is the case with most health insurance products. Being aware of these in advance ensures there are no surprises at the time of a claim. To sum up, for your situation, a comprehensive health plan that covers in-patient treatment for medical conditions including heart and related diseases, major cardiac procedures, pre and post hospitalisation expenses, preventive check-ups, and additional benefits like lump-sum payouts and alternative treatments would be ideal. Starting early will help you manage waiting periods effectively, and you should review the fine print on exclusions to avoid surprises. This way, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re well protected without paying for unnecessary extras. The author is Chief Operating Officer, SBI General Insurance Published on October 25, 2025
