Gangrene Disease Insurance

Complex health issues not only cause a mental strain but also result in additional complications due to the limitation of the right knowledge regarding a particular disease.

Gangrene is one such critical disease that poses a serious threat to your health and well-being. Given the complexity of this disease, most people's common query revolves around the availability of gangrene health insurance to manage the medical expenses related to it.

In this guide, we will discuss all about gangrene disease and whether health insurance covers it in detail.

What is Gangrene Disease?

Gangrene is a health condition caused by the death of tissues within the body due to a lack of required oxygen and nutrient supply. It further results in a drop in the necessary blood supply in a particular part of the body, limiting its ability to perform the necessary functions to support the body.

Gangrene disease typically impacts the limbs, toes, and fingers, but in some cases, it also affects the internal organs. If you are wondering what is the meaning of gangrene, it means “dead tissue”.

In addition to the lack of blood supply in a particular body part being one of the main reasons behind gangrene, major bacterial infections can also be a significant contributor to this disease.

Thus, if it is not treated in the early stages, it can make gangrene a life-threatening health condition, attracting hefty medical expenses for a long time.

Types of Gangrene Disease

The most common types of gangrene disease include dry and wet gangrene. However, in addition to these, some other rare types are gas, internal and Fournier’s gangrene. Let us discuss them in detail below.

• Dry Gangrene- It is a common type of gangrene that affects people with diabetes. It occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the affected area, resulting in the tissue becoming dry and turning blue-black. It has a slow progress rate.
• Wet Gangrene- This type of gangrene is caused by the buildup of a severe bacterial infection in the affected area, which results in the death of the tissue. In this type, the affected area becomes swollen and may develop a foul smell.
• Gas Gangrene- In this type of gangrene, a bacterial infection develops in the affected area, resulting in visible swelling, discolouration and intense pain. If not treated on time, it can result in a major infection and, in some cases, organ failure.
• Internal Gangrene- This type of gangrene affects internal organs, such as the gallbladder or intestines. The blood supply stops in the affected organ, resulting in significant discomfort.
• Fournier’s Gangrene- This is a rare type of gangrene that primarily affects the genital area in men. It is caused by the buildup of a bacterial infection that originates from a urinary tract infection or a major injury. This type of gangrene spreads very rapidly, causing serious complications.

Gangrene Disease Causes and Other Risk Factors/Who is at Risk?

Major Causes of Gangrene

• Poor or inadequate blood supply, commonly due to diabetes, atherosclerosis, or artery diseases.
• Severe injuries that damage nerves or blood vessels.
• Exposure to extremely high temperatures can lead to tissue damage.
• Bacterial infections may spread rapidly in the body, resulting in gangrene.

People Who Have Higher Risk Factors for Gangrene

• Diabetic People- Diabetes can damage the nerves and tissues, increasing the potential risk of gangrene.
• Older People- As we age, our blood vessels become less flexible, which can result in restricted or poor blood circulation in the body.
• Smokers- People who consume a lot of tobacco are also at a high risk. This is because smoking directly impacts the blood vessels and can reduce the blood flow around the body.
• Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease- In this disease, the arteries shrink and become narrow, resulting in limited or reduced blood flow in the body.

Gangrene Symptoms

Early Signs of Gangrene

• Change in Skin Colour- One of the early signs of gangrene is a change in the skin colour around the affected area.
• Pain- Another symptom of gangrene is pain. The area where the blood tissue is dead starts paining, causing major discomfort.
• Swelling- Swelling is also a common symptom of gangrene. It is a visible sign of gangrene and requires medical attention.
• Cold Skin- Many times, the affected area becomes colder than the rest of the body.
• Foul Smell- In some cases, gangrene develops due to a bacterial infection, and a foul smell is detected in the affected area.

Major Signs of Gangrene

When gangrene starts spreading through other body parts, the symptoms become more significant, and the list of symptoms includes -

• Low blood pressure
• Nausea
• Difficulty in breathing
• Fever
• Increased heart rate

How Is Gangrene Disease Diagnosed?

To diagnose gangrene, a combination of medical tests are conducted. Let us look at them below -

• Manual Testing- The first thing a doctor does is perform a physical examination. This can be done by lightly pressing the affected area or by feeling the temperature, pulse and tenderness of the affected area to detect the possibility of gangrene.
• Blood Tests- Another way to detect gangrene is to conduct a blood test. The test can be for a particular infection or overall body health, especially the possibility of diabetes.
• Imaging Tests- Imaging tests such as CT Scans, MRIs, and X-rays are conducted to assess the presence and spread of gangrene disease in the body.
• Medical History - The doctor also asks about your medical history to assess whether you have a family history of gangrene. He also checks for recent injuries, medications, etc., to confirm the diagnosis.

Gangrene Disease Treatment

• Medication- Necessary antibiotics are prescribed to treat the bacterial infection. Pain relief medicines are also prescribed to help with instant relief from discomfort.
• Surgery- Different types of surgical procedures are also performed for gangrene treatment. This includes skin grafting of the affected area, amputation of the affected area, or removal of the dead tissue from the affected area.
• Oxygen Therapy- In this oxygen therapy, pure oxygen is supplied through a pressurised chamber to increase the level of oxygen in the bloodstream. As a result, the healing of the affected area improves.

How To Prevent Gangrene Disease?

• Eat a Balanced Diet- A balanced diet is necessary to avoid many health issues, especially diabetes, that increase the risk of gangrene.
• Reduce or Quit Smoking- Smoking directly impacts your blood vessels, and thus, reducing your consumption of tobacco or quitting it completely is a great way to prevent gangrene.
• Treat Bacterial Infections - If you notice any signs of infection, get the necessary medical attention instantly to reduce the risk of the infection spreading and resulting in gangrene.
• Wear Proper Shoes - Cover your feet with well-fitted shoes or footwear to allow easy oxygen flow. Moreover, check your feet frequently for sores or cuts and get them treated immediately.
• Protect Yourself in Cold Weather- As frostbite can also result in gangrene in certain situations, cover yourself with warm clothes to avoid this uncomfortable condition.
• Get Medical Treatments for Injuries- In case of a major injury, get the required medical treatment urgently to avoid the risk of gangrene.

Living With Gangrene Disease

Living with this serious medical condition requires both mental and financial strength. Once you are diagnosed with gangrene, you must get the required medical treatment urgently to start the healing process.

In most cases, the early stages of the disease can be treated with medications. However, along with medicines, there are other necessary steps you must follow to avoid worsening the disease. The list includes -

• Eating right
• Managing your blood sugar levels
• Going for regular check-ups
• Quit smoking
• Timely consumption of medicines

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?

You must see your healthcare provider under the following conditions -

• If you have an ulcer in areas like your fingers, toes, or limbs.
• If you have an injury from before that has not healed fully and is still causing pain and discomfort.
• If you detect a foul smell from a particular area of the body.
• If you notice unusual swelling around your fingers, toes, or limbs.
• If a part of your body is suddenly hairless or appears shiny.

All these are early signs of gangrene, and timely medical attention for the same can help reduce the complications of this serious disease in the future.

When Should I Go to the ER?

• If you are feeling intense pain in the affected area.
• If the skin around the infected area turns blue or black.
• If you have lost sensation in the affected area.
• If you notice blisters around the affected area.
• If you have a high fever due to an injury or infection for a prolonged period.

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor?

• What type of lifestyle changes should I adopt to improve my condition?
• Are there any side effects to the medicines prescribed to me?
• How long will the treatment take for full recovery?
• Are there any precautions I need to take when getting the treatment?
• What is the estimated cost of the surgery?
• Is gangrene contagious?
• Can I wear covered shoes with this disease?

Why Buy a Medical Insurance Plan for Gangrene?

A medical insurance policy for gangrene is a crucial investment to secure your financial health while getting quality treatments. It is very useful to cover the medical expenses related to gangrene treatment to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Here are some of the top benefits -

Reliance Health Plans for Gangrene Disease

Various health concerns cause gangrene disease, bacterial infection being one of the major ones. Given this cause, most Reliance Health Insurance plans offer coverage for pre- and post-hospitalisation, treatment, and preventive care expenses to treat this disease.

However, if the cause of gangrene includes pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, there might be some limitations or specific terms and claim eligibility applicable to the plan.

Therefore, you must check individual policy documents to assess the scope of coverage for gangrene and specific terms and conditions, especially if the underlying cause is a pre-existing condition.

The list of Reliance Health Insurance Plans includes -

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

How to Buy Reliance General Insurance's Health Insurance?

• Step 1- Visit our Reliance General Insurance home page.
• Step 2- Select “Explore Products” → “Health Insurance” and add your details, including your name, mobile number, and PIN code.
• Step 3- Next, accept the terms and conditions and then click on “View Prices”.
• Step 4- All health plans will appear on the next page. Assess all plans and choose one that covers gangrene.
• Step 5- Then, add your personal information, combine add-ons as required, and choose a sum insured value to proceed.
• Step 6- Depending on your selection, a premium quote will be displayed. If satisfactory, make the premium payment using any digital payment option to buy your gangrene health insurance policy.

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

• Proof of address - Aadhaar card, utility bills, rental agreement, birth certificate, etc.
• Proof of age - Aadhaar card, passport, birth certificate, school records, etc.
• Proof of identity - Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, driving licence, etc.
• Proof of completion of the C-KYC process under the guidelines of IRDAI
• Previous medical reports, especially the ones related to gangrene

Things to Remember Before Buying and Filing a Claim for Gangrene Disease Insurance

Before Buying Gangrene Disease Insurance

• Assess your Needs- Understand the kind of coverage you need and your budget to choose a plan that meets your needs without overspending on quality treatments.
• Compare Plans- Before buying gangrene insurance, compare different plans to choose the one that best meets your budget and coverage requirements.
• Check Waiting Period- Depending on the type of plan, a waiting period for treatment or a claim might be applicable. Thus, you must check whether a claim for gangrene has a waiting period to plan your medical expenses accordingly.
• Check Limitations- Assess what type of gangrene-related treatments are covered under your chosen plan. This will help you choose a plan that provides the necessary coverage and meets your treatment requirements.
• Check Claim Convenience and Ratio- You must also check the claim process and settlement ratio offered by your chosen insurer. Choose an insurer that offers online claim filing convenience and a high claim settlement ratio.

Before Filing a Claim under Gangrene Disease Insurance

• Inform the Insurer- Ensure you update your insurer within 24 hours for emergency treatments and within 48 hours for planned treatments. This is necessary to get timely claim settlements without any delay.
• Document Every Detail- Maintain all treatment and diagnosis-related documents for gangrene and provide them to the insurer for claim settlement.
• Network Hospitals- Cashless hospitalisation is now available at all hospitals in India. However, for a faster claim settlement for a cashless claim along with the assurance of quality treatment, check the list of network hospitals authorised by your insurer.
• Policy Terms- Understand the specific policy terms applicable to claims for gangrene treatments. This includes co-payments, deductibles, claim limits, and more.
• Claim Process- Assess your insurer's claim process carefully to reduce the last-minute hassle of filing a claim during emergencies.

Conclusion 

Gangrene is a serious medical condition that can turn into a life-threatening disease if not treated in time. It comes with a significant health and financial burden, which can result in complete exhaustion of your savings.

However, with a gangrene health insurance plan, you can secure your finances during such emergencies. In addition to comprehensive financial support for medical expenses, you also get many other benefits.

Reliance General offers a range of extensive health insurance plans that cover gangrene. With us, you can benefit from financial protection, customisation flexibility, a 100% claim settlement ratio, cashless claim convenience, and a user-friendly website to buy, renew and file claims under a policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are some crucial benefits I must look for when comparing gangrene insurance?

  When comparing health plans to buy one, you must look for the following benefits -

  • Comprehensive financial coverage
  • Flexibility with the sum insured amount
  • Various add-ons to increase base policy coverage
  • A high claim settlement ratio
  • Affordable premiums
  • Online convenience to buy or renew plans and file claims
• What is a cashless claim in health insurance?

  A cashless health insurance claim is when you do not have to cover any expenses incurred during your gangrene treatment. Instead, once your treatment is completed, the insurer settles your medical bills directly with the hospital on your behalf.

  Please note that you will need to pay the deductible or co-payment first, and then the insurer will cover the remaining amount.

• Is gangrene contagious?

  No, gangrene disease is not contagious. It is a medical condition caused by a bacterial infection or a lack of blood supply in a particular part of the body.

• Is it possible to get gangrene disease more than once?

  Yes, you can get gangrene disease more than once. After you are diagnosed with gangrene once, the risk of contracting the same disease again increases, especially if you have diabetes or frequent smoking habits.

• What factors can impact my gangrene insurance premium?

  Factors like your age, medical conditions, pre-existing disease, lifestyle habits, coverage amount, number and type of add-ons, and policy tenure directly impact your gangrene insurance premium.

• How do you file a cashless claim for gangrene with Reliance General?

  To file a cashless claim with Reliance General, follow these steps -

  1. Inform us about your claim within 24 hours for emergencies and 48 hours for planned treatments.
  2. Go to the nearest network or non-network hospital and get the necessary treatment. We will then send the hospital a letter of authorisation stating your coverage amount.
  3. Once done, submit all the claim forms to us and leave your medical records and bills with the hospital.
     
  4. We will assess your documents and then pay the hospital on your behalf based on the applicable claim amount per your policy terms.

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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.
• The total no. of customers insured data is for FY24 and has been picked up from the number of lives insured for Health, Personal Accident, Overseas Travel, Domestic Travel, Workmen Compensation and Crop Insurance, Weather LOB & Fire LOB provided by IRDAI count that is master policy count. Other than these LOBs, we have also provided data for the number of certificates issued.
• This is the overall claim settlement ratio for FY 2023-24 without claim outstanding at the start of the financial year as per public disclosure of Reliance General Insurance Co. Ltd.
• The premium mentioned is excluding taxes for single person aged between 5 years to 20 years with individual health policy for Sum Insured of ₹3 lakhs considering no adverse health conditions/pre-existing disease/medical conditions with waiting period of 3 years. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings. Premium used is 2,919/year converted into a month which gives us Rs.243/month (2,919/12).
• The details mentioned above are for Reliance Health Infinity Insurance UIN: RELHLIP23120V042223.
• The details mentioned above are for the Reliance Health Gain Policy. Reliance Health Gain UIN: RELHLIP22229V032122.
• The details mentioned above are for Reliance Health Super Top Up. UIN- RELHLIP21617V012021.
• Details mentioned above are for Reliance Health Global UIN: IRDAN103RP0001V01202324.
• Tax benefits are subject to conditions under Section 80D of the Act and amendments thereof. The tax laws are subject to amendments/changes from time to time. Please consult your tax advisor for details.