As per research, up to 12% of the population of India is affected by kidney stones every year. Such stones are formed when substances like phosphorus, calcium, uric acid, oxalate, etc. get highly concentrated in the urine. If left untreated, these stones can cause severe health hazards and can also lead to renal failure.
The hospitalisation and medication expenses for the treatment of such diseases can be high as several diagnostic tests, medication charges and even surgeries are involved. One convenient way to meet such costs is by availing insurance schemes like kidney stones cover, which are customised for such events and offer high sum assured to feed your medical needs.
Causes of kidney stones
Most commonly, there are 4 types of kidney stones that have different reasons for formations.
These are:
- Uric acid stones
These types of stones are caused due to the deficiency of fluid in the body. It can also form in individuals who have a high-protein level in their diet. Uric acid stones can also be genetic and can be inherited from parents or other family members carrying such diseases. The cost of the removal of such stones tends to be higher. You can avail medicare cover for kidney stones to manage the expenses of such treatments.
- Struvite stones
These stones are formed due to kidney infections. Removing such infected stones from the urinary tract is one way to cure such diseases.
To manage the cost of the surgery required for the removal of such stones you can avail Pocket Insurance schemes like Kidney Stones Insurance Cover offered by Bajaj Finserv. It offers sum assured up to Rs. 50,000 against a premium of Rs. 499 per year.
- Calcium stones
Calcium stones can be of 2 types - calcium oxalate stones and calcium phosphate stones.
● Calcium oxalate stones are formed due to the high excretion of calcium and oxalate in the body.
● Calcium phosphate can be formed if the calcium and alkaline (pH) level of the urine increases.
- Cystine stones
These stones are formed due to genetic disorders and result in the leaking of cystine through the kidneys and into the urine. The cystine tends to form crystals that accumulate in the form of stones.
The cost of the surgery of such stones can be higher for which you can avail kidney stone medical insurance schemes as financial protection. These policies cover all expenses that you incur while being hospitalised.
Such coverage is also provided with Pocket Insurance schemes like Infection Cover from Bajaj Finserv that provides a higher sum assured up to Rs. 50,000 against a minimal annual premium of Rs. 79. Under this health insurance scheme, you can claim coverage for hospitalisation, medication, doctor fees, etc.
In addition to the above, kidney stones can also cause due to the rise in the sodium level and animal protein in your body.
Symptoms
The general signs to detect such diseases are:
● Pus or white blood cells in the urine
● Vomiting and nausea
● Frequent urge to urine
● Blood in urine
Additionally, the presence of kidney stones can also give you fever and chills with infections.
You can also avail schemes like hospital cash cover to avail a higher coverage. The policy offered by Bajaj Finserv under their Pocket Insurance category offers a sum assured up to Rs. 1 Lakh against an annual premium of Rs. 322. This scheme also provides daily cash benefits of up to Rs. 3000 to meet day-to-day medical expenses.
When you avail such mediclaim for kidney stones, do make sure to check the inclusions and exclusions of your plan. Besides, check the claim process of your insurer to avoid hassle at the time of claim.
Apart from the above, you can avoid the formation of kidney source by drinking enough water and keep a regular check on your diet.