Is Varicose Vein surgery covered under the health insurance policy in India?

The varicose vein is quite common among middle-aged people. You will often come across people who complain of the varicose vein which creates problems for them in their day-to-day life. In some people, it becomes so painful that they even undergo varicose vein surgery. However, the varicose vein surgery cost is on the higher side and not everyone can afford it. This is why many prefer buying a health insurance policy. So, let us discuss what varicose vein is and what kind of health insurance plans you should go for.

What is a Varicose Vein?

It is a health condition in which veins in the body can get enlarged, dilated, and even gnarled. You would be able to see the veins on the skin. People develop this condition because the valves in their veins do not function properly. What happens usually is that the valves in the vein allow the blood to flow in a single direction which is why it does not flow backward. Nevertheless, when you have varicose veins, blood may not travel to the heart, and instead starts collecting at one place or flowing backward. This can be an issue. However, you need to know that the intensity of the condition is not the same for everyone.

Various Types of Surgeries for Varicose Vein

• Endovenous Laser Therapy Ablation: In this type of surgery, ultrasound imaging and laser fibre are used and the thin vein lining is removed. This is done with the help of varicose vein laser surgery. Upon completion of the surgery, the body starts absorbing dead tissue and the aberrant veins are plugged without pain. The recovery in this procedure is faster and the problems are also lesser.
• Vein Ligation and Stripping: In this method, the affected area is incised and the veins of the patient are tied. This surgery is performed on patients who have trophic ulcers or varicose eczema.
• Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy: This surgery involves illuminating the vein. An endoscopic transilluminator is used to produce bright light. The device is placed by a surgeon under the skin, and with its help, he/she watches the extracted veins. This becomes easier for the surgeon to remove them with the help of a suction device.

What all are covered by health insurance in varicose veins surgery in India?

When you have a health insurance policy and you use it for varicose vein surgery, several things get covered. Some of the inclusions are listed below:

• ICU charges
• Pre- and post-hospitalization cover
• Domiciliary treatment
• Surgeon fees or anesthetist
• In-patient treatment
• Ambulance charges

When should you use health insurance to get varicose veins surgery?

The coverage for varicose surgery is provided by the majority of insurance companies. However, if you are curious to know when is the right time to get the coverage, then here they are mentioned.

• If you are finding it difficult to carry on with your regular activities because of the varicose veins
• If you are facing symptoms that include swelling, severe pain in your legs, blood clots, ulcers, bleeding veins, and heaviness in your legs
• If your medical reports show signs of vein reflux diseases
• When other remedies fail to show any kind of improvement in the varicose veins
• If you are facing other health issues because of varicose veins.

If you develop varicose veins, there is absolutely no need to be scared or worried. You can get started by changing dietary habits, massaging the legs, and doing light exercises as well. However, if none of these seem to be working and the condition gets worse, you must undergo treatment. Therefore, you should also get a health insurance policy that provides coverage for the surgery of varicose veins.