Dealing with an illness is always a challenge for the patient and their loved ones. And, when you’re diagnosed with a chronic condition, you not only have to find ways to keep symptoms under control, but also find ways to handle the high costs of ongoing treatment. Here is important information for you to consider.
What are chronic diseases?
Chronic, non-communicable diseases are long-term health conditions not primarily caused by infections. These require ongoing treatment and can have significant health consequences. These include:
Cardiovascular disease
Cancer
Chronic respiratory diseases
Diabetes
The prevalence of these diseases is increasing. In the United States, approximately 50% of the population suffers from some chronic disease. Globally, they account for more than 70% of annual causes of death.
Chronic diseases represent a high risk to your finances
Chronic diseases generate high costs for both healthcare systems and the individuals affected. These costs include direct medical expenses, such as consultations, examinations and medications, as well as lost income due to physical incapacity and time spent on treatment. According to a 2022 study published by the American Medical Association:
Person without chronic illness
Person with chronic illness
Likelihood of incurring medical debt
7,6%
17%
How to best cope with chronic illness?
From a medical standpoint, chronic illnesses require constant, specialized care to stabilize the condition and prevent further damage. From a financial point of view, medical expenses can be catastrophic for family finances.
International health insurance plans are a smart precaution against such a scenario. Not only do they offer extensive medical coverage, but they also provide access to top international medical centers.
To ensure you have the best support in the event of a chronic illness in the future, we recommend our Optimum VIP plan. This specialized chronic disease plan includes*:
- Visits to doctors and specialists in any country in the world
- Second Medical Opinion with international experts
- Prescription medications
- Diagnostic studies
- Extensive coverage for organ and tissue transplants
- Palliative care
- Age limit of 75 years to apply for coverage
- 30-day waiting period
- And much more!
* The pre-existing medical conditions that are disclosed in the Application may receive coverage. Pre-existing conditions that were not declared will not be covered, and omission of declaration may lead to the modification, rescission or cancellation of the policy.
Sources:
- World Economic Forum, Global Health and Healthcare Strategic Outlook: Shaping the Future of Health and Healthcare, 2023
- https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases
- https://www.paho.org/es/temas/enfermedades-no-transmisibles
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2795322
