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Asthma - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Name: Health Insurance for Asthma
Brand: Reliance General Insurance
Rating: 4.2 (158 reviews)

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Plan Details

Asthma - Health Insurance Coverage

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs in which the airways swell, narrow, and produce extra mucus. Asthma causes difficulty in breathing and triggers wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Several factors come together to cause asthma. For some, asthma may be a minor nuisance. But for others, asthma can be as severe as a heart attack. An asthma attack can be life-threatening. There are several types of asthma such as Childhood asthma, Occupational asthma, Adult-onset asthma, Difficult-to-control, Seasonal asthma, and Severe asthma.

Symptoms

Children are more likely to have an irregular form of asthma that comes in the form of attacks. Symptoms of Asthma differ from person to person. Signs and symptoms of asthma are as follows:

Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Coughing attacks that get worse due to respiratory viruses, like a cold or the flu
A whistling sound while exhaling
Trouble in sleeping caused by coughing
Increasing difficulty in breathing

If you are facing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to consult your doctor immediately.

Diagnosis

To diagnose whether you are suffering from asthma or not, your doctor will ask you about your medical history and perform several physical exams. You may require the need to go through tests such as lung function test, chest, or sinus X-ray.

Physical exam:

If your doctor thinks you have asthma, they will do a physical examination on you. They will inspect your eyes, ears, nose, skin, throat, chest, and lungs.

Lung function tests:

Your doctor may ask you to go through lung function tests to be more precise. These tests measure your breathing. Lung function tests used to detect asthma include:

FeNO tests (exhaled nitric oxide)
Spirometry
Provocation tests
Peak airflow

Treatment

Based on the diagnosis your doctor will prescribe you some medications and will advise you to make some changes in your lifestyle.

Other methods to treat asthma:

Corticosteroid medications that are used as preventers help lessen the body’s reaction to triggers and reduce swelling.
A patient can take inhalers that contain properties of both symptom controller and preventer medications.
Other inhalers are Leukotriene modifiers, Corticosteroids, Long-acting beta-agonists, Theophylline, and combination inhalers.
Bronchial Thermoplasty is for the patients that do not respond to any medication.

The cost of 16 grams of fluticasone is around Rs. 1,100, whereas short-acting beta-agonists cost around Rs. 650 – Rs. 4,000 in India. The costs of consultations and check-ups vary from doctor to doctor.

Asthma Plan details

Suffering from health issues is not only physically taxing but can also drain you financially. Therefore, it is advised to buy health insurance policy which will provide financial coverage that can take care of medical expenses and hospitalization bills. It takes care of pre and post hospitalization bills. If you buy health insurance, you will not only get the cashless treatment from a network hospital where the bill is directly settled by your insurance provider with the hospital but will also enjoy tax benefits under section 80D of Income Tax Act, 1961. Make sure to know your policy details and covers before purchasing a health insurance policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current GST rate on health insurance premiums?
During the 56th GST Council Meeting in New Delhi, the Indian Government revealed a groundbreaking decision to exempt all health insurance policies from GST, starting September 22, 2025. The GST rate on health insurance premiums has been lowered to zero. Previously, premiums faced an 18% GST, which greatly raised the total cost.With this exemption, only the base premium is charged - making health insurance more affordable and accessible for individuals.
How does the GST exemption impact my health insurance premium?
With Zero GST, your premium is now reduced by up to 18% compared to before.You won't have to pay tax on health insurance policies anymore.This change is effective for new purchases and renewals starting September 22, 2025.
Example: A policy that earlier cost ₹15,000 (including ₹2,288 GST) will now cost approximately ₹12,712 - saving you nearly ₹2,300
Will my existing health insurance policy benefit from the GST exemption?
Yes, renewals made on or after September 22, 2025 will benefit from Zero GST.If your policy was issued before this date, GST still applies.The exemption is tied to the policy issuance and renewal date, not just payment.Future renewals will reflect the GST-free pricing, reducing your premium cost.
Do I need to pay GST on health insurance purchased before September 22, 2025?
Yes, policies purchased or issued before September 22, 2025 still include 18% GST.The Zero GST exemption applies only to policies issued or renewed on or after that date.Future renewals will reflect the GST-free pricing.
What does the new GST regulation effective 22nd September mean for Health Insurance premiums?
Starting 22nd September 2025, the GST (Goods and Services Tax) on individual health insurance premiums has been reduced to 0%, down from the earlier rate of 18%.
What this means for you:
Lower Premiums: You'll now pay only the base premium-no GST added.
Will my Health Infinity renewal premium reduce after the GST removal?
Yes, Your Health Infinity renewal premium will decrease if the renewal takes place on or after September 22, 2025.
Does the GST regulation apply to both new purchases and renewals of Health Insurance?
Yes, the new GST regulation effective from 22nd September 2025 applies to both new purchases and renewals of individual health insurance policies.
Does the GST change impact Health Gain, Health Infinity, Super Top-Up, and Hospi Care plans equally?
Yes, The GST exemption starting from 22nd September 2025 is applicable to health insurance plans such as Health Gain, Health Infinity, Super Top-Up, and Hospi Care. Provided that the policy is issued and the risk begins on or after this date, there will be no 18% GST charged on premiums. This change makes these plans more budget-friendly for both new purchases and renewals.
I renewed my health policy before 22nd September with GST - am I eligible for adjustment?
If your health insurance policy was renewed before September 22, 2025, and you paid GST, you are not eligible for any refunds or adjustments,The GST exemption applies only to transactions made on or after the effective date. Since your payment was completed earlier, the GST charged was valid under the previous tax rules and cannot be retrospectively refunded.

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Asthma - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Plan Details

Plan Details

Asthma - Health Insurance Coverage​​

​What Is Asthma?

Symptoms

​Diagnosis

​​Physical e​xam:

Lung function tests:​

Treatment

Other methods to treat asthma:

​Asthma Plan details​

Frequently Asked Questi​​ons

Relevant Links for Health Insurance

Health Insurance for Top Locations

Disease-Specific Health Insurance

Asthma - Health Insurance Coverage

What Is Asthma?

Diagnosis

Physical exam:

Lung function tests:

Asthma Plan details

Frequently Asked Questions