Life is unpredictable. Nobody knows what tomorrow holds for us. And it takes a jiffy to wave off all the savings and pay hefty and unexpected hospital bills, if a situation arises. While most of us have the assurance and support of our medical insurance, it alone falls short in fully equipping us to face the challenges of unexpected hardships or sudden medical crises. We can’t be laid back and relaxed thinking we have done our part of getting medical health insurance.

There's more to handling these challenges than just having insurance. Learn how to act proactively to face hardships and save lives  while putting your best foot forward. 

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

 

Related story: First Aid For Heart Attack: What To Do In an Emergency?

 

Educate Yourself on Your Insurance Plan

To get the most out of your coverage, it is important to go through the intricacy of the same. Take the time to read through your policy documents or speak with your insurance provider to grasp important details. Highlight or jot what services are covered, any limitations or exclusions, and how to file claims. Knowing the ins and outs of your insurance plan can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare and avoid unexpected expenses.

Also, instead of assuming that certain procedures will automatically be covered by your insurance, take the time to double check the same. Develop a solid understanding of your plan's benefits and limitations to keep yourself one step ahead of the emergencies.

 

Related story: 10 Questions You Need to Ask Before Buying Health Insurance

 

Learn Basic Life Saving Skills

Ask someone the importance of CPR who has just defeated death by an inch because of timely CPR received. Anyone can give CPR, even without holding a doctor’s degree. It is instrumental in saving lives in case of heart attacks. Learning basic skills like CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can be a game-changer during health emergencies. CPR training teaches you how to respond if someone's heart stops or they can't breathe, potentially saving their life until medical help arrives. It's like having an extra tool in your health emergency toolbox.

Aside from CPR, there are other important skills to learn too. Basic first aid training covers things like how to help with wounds, stabilise fractured bones, or burns. Knowing how to spot signs of common emergencies, like heart attacks or allergic reactions, also helps you act quickly and appropriately when needed. These skills make you better prepared to handle unexpected health issues and can make a big difference in someone's life.

 

Related story: Heart Attack or Heart Burn: When To Seek Emergency Care

 

Know the Network of Insurance Provider

Not every hospital, laboratories or doctors are covered under the insurance plan that you have picked. Every insurance provider has their own network of hospitals, labs and doctors that are covered. Visiting someone beyond their network might not be covered and you might have to take the onus of the same. Hence, keep a list of doctors, hospitals and labs covered handy.

Also, while claiming health insurance, 24-hour hospitalisation is often considered a fundamental requirement for coverage, which is not completely true. Many insurance plans cover expenses such as pre-hospitalisation tests and post-hospitalisation treatment, whereas many don't. Also, the pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation period also differs from insurance company to company and plan to plan.

 

Related story: Is Health Insurance Really That Important?

 

Keep Medical Information Handy

Keeping medical information easily accessible is essential for efficient healthcare management. Create a centralised location, whether it's a physical folder or a digital document, where you store important documents such as insurance cards, prescription information, and medical history. 

Also, inform your kin about the location of these documents. In case of emergencies or routine appointments, having this information readily available saves time and ensures healthcare providers have the necessary details to deliver appropriate care. 

Additionally, consider carrying a list of current medications, allergies, and emergency contacts with you at all times, providing crucial information that can aid doctors in providing timely and accurate treatment. Also, put down a list of people you can contact in case of an emergency. These should include numbers of nearby hospitals, doctors, neighbours, friends and relatives.

 

Related story: Health Insurance Vs Medical Insurance: Which is Right For You?

 

Keep First Aid Kit Ready

Having a well-equipped first aid kit at home and in your workplace is like having a safety net ready for unexpected bumps, bruises or injuries. It's all about being proactive rather than reactive. Your first aid box should have essentials like antiseptic solution or cream, sterile cotton, gauze, adhesive plasters, roller bandage, scissors, basic pain relievers, thermometer, blood vessels dilating medicines such as sorbitrate (to prevent heart attack), glucose gel for hyperglycemia. Don't forget to check the expiry dates regularly to ensure everything stays effective when you need it. Keep the kit in a spot that's easy to reach but out of the way of children or pets, ensuring it's always ready for action.

 

Related story: 13 First Aid Essentials You Must Have In Your Medical Kit

 

By having a first aid kit on hand, you're not just preparing for emergencies – you're actively preventing small injuries from turning into bigger problems. Whether it's a minor cut, a sprain, or a fever, having the necessary supplies nearby can make a big difference in how quickly and effectively you can respond. So, take the time to set up your first aid kit today, because a little preparation now can save you a lot of trouble later on.

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are at risk of or already have any underlying condition. Taking regular health checks can help detect the condition at an early stage when it is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work.
With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.