Know the Importance to Protect Yourself From Hepatitis on World Hepatitis Day

Each year, around 1 million Indians are at risk of contracting Hepatitis B .A 2014 report by National Centre for Disease Control said that about 1 lac of them die from the infection
The report also said that around 1% of India's population is expected to be infected with HCV. More than 15 million people across the world suffer from HBV and HDV.

The medicine for hepatitis B - 'Entecavir' - is currently the most expensive medicine in the world. But the patent on it expired in February 2015. Hence, India can now mass-produce this drug at Rs. 2,200 for an entire year's course. That said, the bill could still run up, given the long treatment period. There could also be surgeries and hospitalization costs in case of complications, which could become quite expensive.

Health insurance covers can help patients deal with the financial burden that comes with this disease.

Medicines for treating hepatitis are generally expensive, so there are certain conditions patients may have to meet for health insurance to cover them.
If you buy health insurance plan, along with a critical illness rider (that covers hepatitis), and are later diagnosed with this disease, you could be eligible for the predetermined pay-out stated in your plan.

In some cases, only cost of medication is covered by insurance.
On the other hand, buying health insurance after being diagnosed with hepatitis could result in two outcomes- you will either have to pay higher premiums or could be denied coverage from the insurer. 

HDFC Life has a lot of health insurance plans to help you cover your medical expenses as per your needs.