Health Insurance for Appendicitis

Health issues, both minor and major ones, result in unexpected mental and financial stress. Appendicitis is one such health concern that requires quick and urgent medical treatment.

It poses a serious concern for the pa​tient and may restrict the daily routine until it is treated. But does health insurance cover appendicitis? What happens during an appendicitis treatment?

In this guide, we will discuss appendicitis in detail, including signs of appendicitis, causes, treatment, and inclusion in health insurance.

What is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a health condition affecting the appendix, a small organ attached to the large intestine. In this disease, the appendix becomes infected or clogged, causing severe inflammation of the organ.

People with appendicitis face acute and sudden pain in their lower abdomen, making it uncomfortable to perform daily activities. If the inflamed appendix is not treated in time, it can lead to organ rupture and lead to other life-threatening medical conditions.

Appendicitis is an acute medical condition that occurs suddenly and gets worse very quickly. To better understand the disease, let us discuss the types and symptoms next.

Types of Appendicitis

• Acute Appendicitis- The most common type of appendicitis is acute appendicitis. In this condition, there is a sudden inflammation of the appendix, which makes it difficult to move, resulting in an urgent need for medical intervention.
• Chronic Appendicitis- Chronic appendicitis is a rare type of appendicitis in which the inflammation of the appendix is mild and does not cause severe discomfort from the start.

Appendicitis Causes and Other Risk Factors/Who is at Risk?

Major Causes Behind Acute Signs of Appendicitis

The major causes of appendicitis revolve around issues related to the appendix. Let’s have a look at them below.

• Hard Stool- The most common cause of appendicitis is blockage of the appendix. This happens when a large piece or mass of stool gets stuck in the narrow opening of the organ. This blockage results in severe inflammation and a major infection.
• Infection- Appendicitis can occur due to bacterial or viral infections that cause severe inflammation in the organ and make it uncomfortable to sit or stand.
• Tumours - Tumours are a rare cause of appendicitis. At times, tumour cells can develop and crowd the appendix, resulting in instant inflammation and discomfort.
• Blockage- Sometimes, the lymphoid follicles in the immune system get enlarged, causing a severe blockage of the appendix. This happens mostly due to other infections in the body.

People Who Have Higher Risk Factors for Appendicitis

• Age- Appendicitis is the most common for young adults, typically between the age range of 10 to 30 years.
• Gender- Appendicitis is more common in men than women.
• Family Medical History- If you have a family history of appendicitis, your chances of developing this disease.
• Bowel Diseases- Certain bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, increase your risk of developing appendicitis.
• Low-Fibre Diet - People who consume a low-fibre diet face a lot of constipation, which can result in hard stool formation. This can cause blockage in the appendix, leading to appendicitis.

Appendicitis Symptoms

Early Signs of Appendicitis

• Mild to moderate pain in the lower abdomen.
• Nausea
• Low fever
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation

Major Signs of Appendicitis

• Major pain in the abdomen.
• Difficulty in movement.
• High fever for consecutive days.
• Feeling too cold.
• Severe vomiting.

How Is Appendicitis Diagnosed?

• Physical Examination- A doctor may perform a physical exam to check the swelling and stiffness in the abdomen. Moreover, they check the area sensitivity around the swelling. In some cases, a digital rectum exam may also be conducted.
• Blood Tests- A blood test is conducted to check the white blood cell count. A high cell count indicates the presence of an infection.
• Urine Tests​- A urine test is conducted to rule out the possibility of a urinary tract infection or kidney stone causing the pain.
• Imaging Tests- Tests like CT scans, X-rays, or MRIs analyse the abdominal swelling to help diagnose the severity of appendicitis. For an accurate diagnosis, you might be required not to eat food for a little while before the test.

Appendicitis Treatment

For most cases, appendectomy, the surgical removal of the appendix, is the only primary appendicitis treatment. The doctor will also prescribe some medicines, including antibiotics and pain relief medicines.

However, to prepare for the surgery, the following things must be done -

• The doctor will put you on a liquid diet for a few days before the surgery.
• In case the abdominal area has excessive abscess, the doctor will be draining it before surgery.

People with very mild appendicitis may only be prescribed antibiotics for treatment. However, the main appendicitis treatment in most cases is the surgical removal of the organ.

What Happens During Appendicitis Surgery?

During an appendicitis treatment, the surgery is performed.

• The surgery aims to remove the appendix.
• In case the appendix has burst due to excessive inflammation, the abdominal cavity is cleaned out during the surgery.
• A laparoscopy is performed, as it is a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

After the surgery, you will be given pain-relieving medicines through an IV.

You will also be asked to consume only light liquids for the first few hours and then slowly introduce solid foods into your diet. You will not be allowed to move around for the first 12-15 hours after the surgery.

To avoid slowing down recovery, you must remember not to force yourself to get up or participate in any activity that requires physical strength. Moreover, you need to avoid any heavy lifting until the doctor confirms that you are good to move around.

Difference Between Acute and Chronic Appendicitis

How To Prevent Appendicitis?

There is no confirmed way to prevent appendicitis. However, you can incorporate certain changes and habits into your lifestyle to prevent the risk of appendicitis.

• Eat a fibre-rich diet.
• Take fibre supplements (after consulting your doctor).
• Consult a doctor if you face frequent constipation.
• Consult the doctor if you have a persistent fever or notice unnecessary bloating for consecutive days.

Living With Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a serious medical condition that requires urgent medical intervention. Given the urgency of this disease, patients with this disease have to get their appendix removed.

However, living without the appendix is completely normal. You do not have to limit yourself from any food or activity. You can perform all activities and tasks, including heavy lifting, once you have fully recovered from the surgery.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?

• If you feel a persistent pain in your abdomen, especially in the lower region.
• If you suddenly have a high fever that is ongoing for over 3-5 days,
• If you are continuously constipated.
• If you feel nauseous.
• If you suddenly lose appetite.

When Should I Go to the Emergency Room for Appendicitis?

• If you have a sharp pain in the abdomen.
• If you have difficulty breathing.
• If you notice blood in your stool.
• If you witness a sudden increase in your heart rate.
• If you have a very high fever.

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor About Appendicitis?

• How long does the appendicitis treatment take?
• Are there any precautions I need to follow when I am diagnosed with appendicitis?
• Are there any lifestyle changes I need to adopt to reduce the risk of appendicitis?
• What could be the possible causes of my appendicitis?
• What is the recovery timeline?
• Are there any complications I should be aware of before stepping into the surgery?
• Do I need to remove any foods from my diet for faster recovery?
• Are there any non-invasive procedures I can opt for to treat my condition?

Why Buy Health Insurance for Appendicitis?

Reliance Health Plans for Appendicitis

Reliance Health Insurance plans offer extensive coverage for appendicitis treatment. However, there might be specific eligibility and terms or conditions applicable to the scope of coverage offered by each plan. Let’s have a look.

*We advise you to review individual policy wordings and check with us to confirm specific eligibility for appendicitis coverage.

How to Buy Reliance General Insurance's Health Insurance?

• Step 1- Visit our official Reliance General Insurance
• Step 2- Select Explore Products > Click on Health Insurance.
• Step 3- In the space provided, enter the required details, including your mobile number, name, and PIN code.
• Step 4- Next, accept the terms and conditions and click on View Prices.
• Step 5- A list of plans will be displayed on the screen. Explore and select the plan that aligns with your requirements and budget.
• Step 6- On the next page, enter your details and modify the plan by choosing the sum insured value and add-ons.
• Step 7 - Depending on your selection, a premium quote will be displayed. If satisfactory, make the payment to buy health insurance for appendicitis.

Documents Needed to Buy Reliance General Insurance's Medical Insurance Plan

• Proof of Age - Aadhaar card, PAN card, birth certificate, etc.
• Proof of Identity - Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence, etc.
• Proof of Address - Aadhaar card, rental agreement, utility bills, etc.
• Any previous medical reports, especially the ones related to appendicitis.
• Proof of completion of C-KYC as per the IRDAI’s guidelines.

Things to Remember Before Buying and Filing a Claim for Appendicitis Insurance

Before Buying Health Insurance for Appendicitis

• Understand your Requirements- Assess the kind of coverage you require based on your medical conditions. Also, finalise your budget to ensure you choose a plan that meets your needs without overspending.
• Compare Policies- Explore different types of health plans by comparing inclusions, options for sum insured, customisation flexibility and premiums to find the plan that best suits your needs.
• Review Policy Document- Read the policy document carefully to understand specific policy terms, eligibility, waiting periods, and other details so that you can make an informed decision.
• Check Processes- Assess the types of purchase, renewal and claim processes offered by an insurer, and opt for the one that offers online convenience. This will ensure you enjoy maximum financial benefits without the hassle and struggle of offline processes.
• Assess Claim Settlement Ratio- Check the insurer’s claim settlement ratio, which signifies their claim settlement ability and speed. Choose the insurer with a high claim settlement ratio for quick and efficient settlements.

Before Filing a Claim under Health Insurance for Appendicitis

• Notify the Insurer- Make sure you inform the insurer about the claim within the specific timeline mentioned in the policy document. This typically ranges from 24 hours for emergencies to 48 hours for planned treatments.
• Document Everything- Keep all your medical reports, discharge summaries, doctor prescriptions, and medical bills handy for a smooth claim settlement.
• Check Network Hospitals - You can now file a cashless claim at any hospital of your choice in India. However, you must still check the network of cashless hospitals offered by your insurer to get quality appendicitis treatment.
• Assess Claim Process- Check the claim process available with your insurer to familiarise yourself with the procedure beforehand. This will reduce time and effort during emergencies.
• Review Policy Terms- Understand the specific terms and conditions of your policy regarding appendicitis treatment claim requirements, including deductibles, co-payments, limits, etc.

Conclusion

Appendicitis is a severe medical condition that restricts daily activities until treated. The primary appendicitis treatment prescribed by medical professionals is an appendectomy, attracting heavy surgery bills.

Investing in health insurance for appendicitis is necessary to treat this health condition without a financial burden. A health policy provides coverage for pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, room rent charges, ambulance fees, doctor fees, medicine charges, and much more.

Reliance General Insurance offers a range of health insurance policies that cater to the specific needs of individuals with appendicitis. In addition, you benefit from ample customisation flexibility with unique add-ons, online convenience, 24/7 customer support and a 100% claim settlement ratio.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does appendicitis treatment take to recover?

The recovery time after appendicitis treatment is 2 to 4 weeks. However, the time may vary based on individual cases and complexities. You also need to examine your condition every few days to take into account how fast your body recovers post-surgery.

• What can I do to help improve my recovery timeline?
• Reduce any activity for the first 5-15 days, depending on how the surgery was done.
• Place a pillow over your abdomen before coughing.
• Pace your activity slowly.
• Rest as much as possible.
• Keep an eye out for any post-surgery symptoms and consult the doctor when necessary.
• What is included in the progression of appendicitis?

The progression of appendicitis includes the following -

• Normal appendix- The organ appendix functions correctly, ensuring that the body fights the necessary infections for better recovery and good health.
• Uncomplicated appendicitis - The development of appendicitis begins when you notice a random swelling around your abdomen with mild pain. During this stage, there is an inflammation of the appendix due to some blockage.
• Complicated appendicitis- If not treated in the previous stage, the inflammation becomes worse, restricting the flow of blood in the appendix and eventually killing the appendix tissue. Thus, you must get the surgery done urgently to avoid life-threatening health concerns later.
• ​​ What kind of foods should I eat to ensure proper fibre consumption and reduce the risk of appendicitis?

You must eat foods rich in fibre, including all vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, lentils, brown rice, oatmeal, whole grains and whole wheat. These foods will give you enough fibre to keep your digestion and bowel movement in check.

• Is it possible to delay appendicitis treatment for later?

No, it is advised not to delay or postpone your appendicitis treatment under any circumstance. Early surgery will ensure your other body organs and functions are not impacted by this disease. Moreover, it reduces the risk of the condition getting worse, like an appendix rupture.

• Are there any complications of appendicitis?

The two common complications resulting from appendicitis include a ruptured appendix, which can be a life-threatening medical condition later, or a collection of excessive pus in the abdomen called an abscess.​

Disclaimers: *T&C Apply. For more details on risk factors, terms conditions, brochure, and exclusions, please read the policy wording and CIS carefully before concluding a sale.