Does New India Assurance Covers Cataract Surgery?

What is Cataract?

Cataract is the clouding of the normal eye lens. It refers to the dense cloudy area formed in the eye lens resulting from the clumping of the protein in the eye. It prevents the eye lens from sending clear images to the retina. As a result, cataract interferes with the eye vision and causes blur vision or blindness, if not treated on time.

The lens of the eye is naturally clear. But when a person suffers from cataract, his/her vision becomes like a frosty or fogged-up window. This makes it difficult for them to carry out basic activities, such as driving, reading, etc.

Cataract is common in older people as it develops slowly. You may not even realise having a cataract in its initial age as it will not block your vision at first. However, the clouding will gradually increase over time and interfere with your vision. Moreover, it can lead to blindness if you do not opt for cataract surgery.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is the process to remove the natural lens of an eye suffering from cataract. It replaces the eye lens with an artificial lens to restore the vision. However, not all cataract surgeries involve the implantation of an artificial eye lens.

Cataract surgery is carried out by an ophthalmologist or an eye doctor. The procedure is absolutely safe. Besides, several doctors now use laser technology for cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery is an expensive affair. In India, the average cost of a cataract surgery ranges somewhere between Rs 35,000 to Rs 85,000. However, the actual cost of the cataract surgery may depend on the type of surgery that your doctor suggests as per your age and availability. Here are the various types of cataract surgery available in India:

• Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery – It uses ultrasound waves to break the eye lens and remove its pieces. This surgery costs about Rs 40,000 per eye.
• Bladeless Cataract Surgery – It uses laser technology to break the eye lens without using knives or blades. This surgery costs about Rs 85,000.
• Extracapsular Cataract Surgery – It removes the lens of the eye without removing the elastic capsule covering the lens. This surgery costs about RS 40,000 to Rs 60,000 per eye.

Given the high cost of cataract surgery in India, not everybody can afford it. You may end up losing your hard-earned savings if you pay for cataract surgery on your own.  However, you can afford cataract surgery without losing your savings with the help of a health insurance policy. As a matter of fact, most health insurance plans in India cover cataract surgery.

Is Cataract Surgery Covered by New India Assurance?

Yes. New India Assurance health insurance plans cover the cost of cataract surgery in India. Several health insurance plans, such as the New India Mediclaim policy, New India Premier Mediclaim policy and New India Floater Mediclaim policy reimburses the cost of cataract surgery by the insured.

The New India Assurance health insurance plans cover the cost of cataract surgery up to Rs 1,50,000 per eye during the policy year. The plan provides coverage for the cost of hospitalization, surgery as well as post-surgery expenses.

Waiting Period for Cataract Surgery

The New India Assurance health insurance plans come with a waiting period of 2 years for coverage of cataract surgery.

Prevention of Cataract

Cataract can happen to anyone. Nonetheless, you can reduce the risk of developing cataract with the help of the following:

• Do not smoke or avoid smoking as much as possible
• Wear sunglasses when stepping out in the sun from UVB rays
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy diet
• Maintain an ideal weight as per your age
• Get your eye examined regularly to detect cataract at an early stage

In a Nutshell

Cataract is one of the major reasons for blindness in India. Since this eye disease is common among older people, it is better to invest in a health insurance policy. Fortunately, New India Assurance health insurance plans provide coverage for cataract surgery in India. So if you have a New India health insurance policy or plan to buy one, you do not have to worry about the cost of cataract surgery.