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Health Insurance for Asthma Patients
Asthma is one of the most common respiratory conditions in India, and managing it requires regular doctor visits, ongoing medications, and sometimes emergency care. These medical expenses can quickly be added to your bill and cost you a lot.
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Hence, having health insurance for asthma is a necessity to cover these medical expenses. The right health insurance plan for asthma can significantly reduce financial stress by covering hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, inhalers, nebulizers, and even long‑term treatment costs, depending on the policy.
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Health Insurance for Asthma Patients Online
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What is Asthma?
Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects the airways, especially the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. In people with asthma, these airways become inflamed, swollen, and overly sensitive to triggers such as dust, pollution, cold air, smoke, exercise, or respiratory infections. When exposed to these triggers, the muscles around the airways tighten, and extra mucus is produced, leading to breathing difficulty, often known as an asthma attack.
According to Global Burden of Disease Study, India is home to over 34 million asthma patients, contributing to nearly 13% of the global asthma burden. Because asthma is a long-term condition that may require regular check-ups, emergency care, and lifelong medication, understanding different health insurance plan options is important for patients looking to reduce their healthcare expenses.
Types, Symptoms and Treatment of Asthma
* Allergic Asthma: It is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, etc.
* Non-Allergic Asthma: It is triggered by irritants like smoke, cold air, stress, strong odors, etc.
* Exercise-Induced Asthma: It is caused by chest tightness, or shortness of breath, during or shortly after physical activity.
* Occupational Asthma: Caused by irritants at the workplace, such as chemicals, dust, fumes, gases, etc.
* Cough-variant Asthma: The primary symptom is a persistent dry cough.
* Nocturnal (Night-time) Asthma: Symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath worsen at night.
* Viral-Induced Asthma: Also called seasonal asthma and can be caused by viral infections.
* Shortness of breath
* Rapid breathing
* Chest tightness or pain
* Wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing)
* Persistent coughing, especially at night or early morning
* Green Zone – “Doing Well”: It outlines daily management when symptoms are under control by taking daily medicines.
* Yellow Zone – “Asthma Getting Worse”: This zone helps patients act promptly when symptoms begin to intensify.
* Red Zone – “Medical Alert”: This zone indicates a severe asthma attack requiring urgent medical attention.
Can You Get Health Insurance if You Have Asthma?
Yes, you can absolutely get health insurance for asthma. It is considered a pre‑existing medical condition, but most insurers in India provide coverage for it, either immediately or after a specified waiting period.
Here are some things you must know before getting a health insurance policy:
- Insurance companies usually categorise asthma as a pre‑existing disease in health insurance, which means you must declare it upfront while buying a policy. There can be a waiting period for PED of 1 to 4 years, depending on your policy.
- Asthma patients can get coverage through comprehensive health insurance plans or some disease specific or critical illness health insurance plans. Some group health insurance policies also provide coverage from day one.
- Depending on the severity of your asthma, your insurance company may ask some medical questions, check medical history, and may be for a physical examination.
Why Do You Need Health Insurance for Asthma?
Asthma is a long-term respiratory condition which requires regular medications, diagnostic tests, and treatment. Having a comprehensive health insurance plan can ensure both medical and financial protection.
Here are some of the reasons why you must have health insurance for asthma:
What’s Covered in Digit’s Health Insurance for Asthma Patients?
Coverages
Double Wallet Plan
Infinity Wallet Plan
Worldwide Treatment Plan
Important Features
All Hospitalisation - due to Accident, Illness, Critical Illness or COVID
This covers for all hospitalisation expenses including due to an Illness, Accident, Critical Illness or even pandemics like Covid 19. It can be used to cover for multiple hospitalisations, as long as the total expenses are up to your sum insured.
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Initial Waiting Period
You need to wait for a defined period from the first day of your policy to get covered for treatment related to any non-accidental illness. This is the Initial Waiting period.
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Wellness Program
Exclusive Wellness Benefits like Home Healthcare, Tele consultations, Yoga and Mindfullness and many more available on our App.
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Sum Insured Back Up
We provide a back-up Sum Insured which is 100% of your Sum Insured amount. How does Sum Insured Back Up work? Suppose your policy Sum Insured is Rs. 5 lac. You make a claim of Rs.50,000. Digit automatically triggers the wallet benefit. So you now have 4.5lac + 5 lac Sum Insured available for the year. However, one single claim, cannot be more than the base Sum Insured as in the above case, 5 lac. .
Once in a policy period; Related and unrelated illness; No Exhaustion Clause; Same person also covered.
Unlimited Reinstatement in a policy period; Related and unrelated illness; No Exhaustion Clause; Same person also covered.
Once in a policy period; Related and unrelated illness; No Exhaustion Clause; Same person also covered.
Cumulative Bonus
Digit Special
No claims in the Policy year? You get a bonus -an additional amount in your total sum-insured for staying healthy & claim free!
10% of Base Sum Insured for every claim free year, up to max 100%.
50% of Base Sum Insured for every claim free year, up to max 100%.
50% of Base Sum Insured for every claim free year, up to max 100%.
No Room Rent Capping
Different categories of rooms have different rents. Just like how hotel rooms have tarrifs. Digit plans give you the benefit of having no room rent cap, as long as it is below your Sum Insured..
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Day Care Procedures
Health insurance covers medical expenses only for hospitalisations exceeding 24 hours. Day care procedures refer to medical treatments undertaken in a hospital, requiring less than 24 hours due to technological advancement such as cataract, dialysis etc.
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Worldwide Coverage
Digit Special
Get a world class treatment with the Worldwide Coverage! If your doctor identifies an illness during your health examination in India and you wish to get a treatment abroad, then we’re there for you.You’re covered!
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Health Check-up
We pay for your health check-up expenses upto the amount mentioned in your Plan. No restrictions on the kind of tests! Be it ECG or Thyroid Profile. Make sure you go through your policy schedule to check the claim limit.
0.25% of Base Sum Insured, Max up to ₹ 1,000 after every two years.
0.25% of Base Sum Insured, Max up to ₹ 1,500 after every year.
0.25% of SI up to ₹ 2,000 after every year.
Emergency Air Ambulance Expenses
There may be emergency life-threatening health conditions which may require immediate transportation to hospital. We absolutely understand this and reimburse for expenses incurred for your transportation to a hospital in airplane or helicopter.
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Age/Zone Based Co-payment
Digit Special
Co-Payment means a cost sharing requirement under a Health Insurance Policy that provides that the Policyholder/Insured will bear a specified percentage of the admissible claims amount. It does not reduce the Sum Insured. This percentage depends on various factors like age, or sometimes also on your treatment city called zone based copayment. In our plans, there is no age based or zone based Co payment involved.
No Co-payment
No Co-payment
No Co-payment
Road Ambulance Expenses
Get reimbursed for the expenses of road ambulance, in case you are hospitalised.
1% of Base Sum Insured, Max up to ₹ 10,000.
1% of Base Sum Insured, Max up to ₹ 15,000.
1% of Base Sum Insured, Max up to ₹ 10,000.
Pre/Post Hospitalisation
This cover is for all expenses before and after hospitalisation such as for diagnosis, tests and recovery.
30/60 Days
60/180 Days
60/180 Days
Other Features
Pre-Existing Disease (PED) Waiting Period
The disease or condition that you are already suffering with and have disclosed to us before taking the policy and has been accepted by us has a waiting period as per plan opted and mentioned in your Policy Schedule.
3 Years
3 Years
3 Years
Specific Illness Waiting Period
This is the amount of time you need to wait for, until you can make a claim for a specific illness. At Digit it is 1-3 years and starts from the day of policy activation. For the full list of exclusions, read Standard Exclusions (Excl02) of your policy wordings.
1-3 Years
1-3 Years
1-3 Years
Inbuilt Personal Accident Cover
If You sustain an Accidental Bodily Injury during the Policy Period, which is the sole and direct cause of Your Death within twelve (12) months from the date of accident, then We will pay 100% of the Sum Insured as mentioned in Policy Schedule against this cover and as per plan opted.
₹ 50,000
₹ 1,00,000
₹ 1,00,000
Organ Donor Expenses
Digit Special
Your organ donor gets covered in your policy. We also take care the pre and post hospitalisation expenses of the donor. Organ donating is one of the kindest deeds ever and we thought to ourselves, why not be a part of it!
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Domiciliary Hospitalisation
Hospitals can go out of beds, or the patient’s condition may be rough to get admitted in a hospital. Don’t panic! We cover you for the medical expenses even if you get treatment at home.
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Bariatric Surgery
Obesity may be the root cause of so many health issues. We absolutely understand this, and cover for Bariatric Surgery when it is medically necessary and advised by your doctor. However, we DONOT cover if hospitalisation for this treatment is for cosmetic reasons.
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Psychiatric Illness
If due to a trauma, a member has to be hospitalised for a psychiatric treatment, it will be covered under this benefit, upto INR 1,00,000. However, OPD consultations are not covered under this. The waiting period for Psychiatric Illness Cover is same as Specific Illness waiting period.
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Consumables Cover
Before, during & after hospitalisation, there are many other medical aids & expenditures such as walking aids, crepe bandages, belts, etc.,which need your pocket’s attention.This cover takes care of these expenses that are otherwise excluded from the policy.
Available as an Add-On
Available as an Add-On
Available as an Add-On
What’s Not Covered in Digit’s Health Insurance for Asthma Patients?
Pre-Natal & Post-Natal Expenses
Pre-natal and post-natal medical expenses are not covered unless they lead to hospitalisation.
PED Before Waiting Period
A claim for a pre-existing disease or illness cannot be made until the specified waiting period is over.
Hospitalisation without Doctor’s Recommendation
Hospitalisation for any condition that doesn’t match the doctor’s prescription is not covered.
Digit Experts Explains Why Asthma Patients Should Buy Health Insurance Early
The biggest advantage of buying health insurance early for asthma patients lies in overcoming waiting periods for pre‑existing conditions. Asthma is classified as a PED and most insurers apply waiting periods ranging from 1 to 4 years before asthma‑related claims are covered.
Purchasing a policy early (ideally before symptoms worsen) ensures that:
* You complete the waiting period sooner
* Get full access to coverage for Asthma
* Lock in lower premiums at a younger age
* Reduce chances of policy rejection later
Asthma is a lifelong condition, so having a health insurance policy early ensures stability, financial protection, and peace of mind.
Shubham Sinha
Health Insurance Product Manager
How to Buy Health Insurance for Asthma Patients Online at Digit?
Buying a health insurance policy for asthma patients at Digit is simple, fast, and completely digital. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you purchase a plan smoothly:
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Provide Complete Details
Visit the Digit Health Insurance page and provide phone number and pin code. Choose a plan, enter basic details such as name, age, and family members covered.
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Provide PED Information
Since asthma is a pre-existing medical condition, you will need to declare it honestly in the PED section.
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Select Health Plans
Choose an appropriate plan, required sum insured and add-ons or riders. Apply for any discount to know the final premium amount.
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Pay the Premium
Once your form is complete, pay the premium online and submit your KYC document to complete the process (PAN card, Aadhaar card, Bank details).
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Final Review & Processing
Your application will go under review process. Digit may request a health declaration, lifestyle details, and medical tests. After underwriting, you will receive your policy or access it through the Digit app.
Benefits of Buying Health Insurance for Asthma Patients
Purchasing health insurance is essential for asthma patients because it provides both medical and financial support. Here are some other benefits of asthma insurance:
- Reduces High Long-Term Treatment Costs: Asthma requires ongoing care, like regular inhalers, medications, doctor visits, and periodic diagnostic tests. A good health insurance plan helps lower the financial burden of these recurring costs.
- Covers Emergency Hospitalisation During Severe Attacks: Asthma attacks can worsen suddenly due to triggers like pollution, allergies, or infections. Health insurance ensures access to emergency care, including oxygen therapy, nebulization, ER treatment, and even ICU support when needed, without worrying about immediate expenses.
- Provides Coverage for Diagnostic Tests & Monitoring: Asthma management involves regular lung function tests. Some health insurance covers essential diagnostic checks, enabling patients to track their condition and adjust treatment plans.
- Helps Manage Co-existing Conditions: Asthma often coexists with allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, or respiratory infections. Health insurance plans commonly cover these related conditions, making it easier for patients to receive overall care.
- Financial Security for Families: Asthma can be unpredictable. A single severe attack may require urgent, high-cost treatment. Health insurance protects families from sudden medical expenses, offering peace of mind and stability.
- Helps Improve Overall Health Outcomes: With regular monitoring, easy access to specialists, and ongoing medication support, asthma patients experience less attacks and enjoy better long-term health.
Things to Check Before Choosing Health Insurance for Asthma Patients in India
Selecting the right health insurance plan online is crucial for asthma patients. Here are the key things you must review before finalising a policy:
- Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions: Asthma is classified as a pre-existing disease, so it’s important to check whether the policy covers asthma-related treatments and how long the waiting period will be. At Digit, the waiting period in health insurance ranges between 1 to 4 years for Asthma.
- Inhaler, Nebulizer & Medicine Coverage: Since asthma requires lifelong medication, look for plans that include coverage for controller inhalers, rescue inhalers, nebulizers, and other prescribed medicines. This helps reduce your monthly expenses.
- Coverage for Diagnostic Tests & OPD Visits: Routine tests such as spirometry, PFTs, and chest X-rays are crucial for treating asthma. Check whether these tests and frequent doctor consultations are covered under OPD cover in health insurance.
- Room Rent & ICU Limits: Different plans have different room rent limits. Check whether the policy allows you with no room rent in health insurance or has limitations that may increase your out-of-pocket expenses during hospitalisation.
- Claim Settlement Ratio & Network Hospitals: A higher claim settlement ratio indicates reliability and smoother approvals. Also, check out the insurer’s cashless network hospitals to ensure easy access to cashless treatment when needed. Digit currently has 9000+ network hospitals, making it easily accessible for policyholders.
- Add-Ons for Better Protection: Some add-ons, like health insurance consumable cover, OPD cover, annual check-ups, and AYUSH coverage, can greatly increase the usefulness of your policy. These add-ons help asthma patients get broader protection beyond basic hospitalisation benefits.
- Premium vs. Benefit Comparison: Compare premiums with the benefits offered by different insurers. The goal is to find a plan that offers strong asthma-related coverage at a low health insurance premium.
- Waiting Period & Exclusion Clauses: Review the waiting period in health insurance for asthma and related respiratory conditions, as well as any permanent exclusions. Reading the policy document helps avoid claim disputes later.
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Common Challenges to Expect While Buying Health Insurance for Asthma
Buying health insurance as an asthma patient can feel overwhelming due to additional checks, conditions, and costs that are linked with Asthma. Understanding these challenges can help you prepare better and choose the right plan without surprises.
Here are the most common issues asthma patients typically face:
Top Tips to Prevent an Asthma Attacks
Preventing asthma attacks is essential for maintaining good lung health and reducing emergency situations. Here are the most effective tips that can help you prevent asthma attack:
- Avoid asthma triggers such as dust mites, mold, smoke, cold air, pollen, pets, pests, or air pollution.
- Wear masks while you are going out.
- Using allergen‑proof pillows, curtains and mattress cover.
- Vacuum and clean your home with a HEPA filter.
- Stay indoors when pollution levels are high.
- Fix leaks quickly and clean damp areas using dehumidifiers.
- Avoid smoking from cigarettes, incense, or burning fuels.
- Keep the home free of crumbs, sealing cracks, and storing food in airtight containers to prevent pest‑related asthma triggers.
- Always keep quick‑relief inhalers for sudden symptoms.
- Exercise improves lung function. Hence, exercising 30 minutes daily had better asthma control than inactive individuals.
Managing asthma requires consistent care, timely medication, and preparedness for unexpected emergencies, which makes health insurance for asthma patients an essential.
With rising medical costs, frequent doctor visits, and the possibility of sudden emergencies, the right health insurance plan provides crucial financial protection and peace of mind.
Remember, choosing wisely today can make a significant difference in your well-being tomorrow.
FAQs about Health Insurance for Asthma Patients
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Senior Marketing Associate
Srishti is a skilled content writer with 4+ years of experience in the insurance world. She simplifies tricky terms, explains policies clearly, and writes content that instantly connects with customers. Her skills make insurance easy to understand and truly helpful for everyone.
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Chief Marketing Officer
Vivek comes with over 15 years of experience across different industries like FMCG, e-commerce and insurance. His expertise in the online space and consumer behaviour understanding is bringing new insights to Digit in making insurance simple.