Mumbai:
A claims data study by SBI General Insurance, on the occasion of World Kidney Day, revealed that in the age group of 18 to 35 years, there is a 26 per cent increase in claims for infectious and developmental complications of kidneys between FY 15-16 and FY 17-18 in the country.
Interestingly, according to the data, claims in the age group of 65 years & above have declined by 24 per cent through the three years, thus demonstrating the fact that millennials are no longer healthy by age.
The study also reveals that males have made higher number of claims for kidney-related ailments with 55% of claims made in FY17-18.
While the claims by men are higher, claims by women are on a rise year-on-year as women went from a 39 per cent contribution to claims of kidney-related ailments in FY 15-16 to 45 per cent in FY 17-18. Given the lifestyle of most males today, increased sedentary routine and consumption of harmful substances like alcohol & tobacco have increased the risk of kidney-related ailments among them.
According to the the data, women are not far behind in this as they have made almost half the total claim amount for kidney-related ailments, thus highlighting that women too are gradually falling into a similar lifestyle.
Sukhesh Bhave, Deputy Vice President – Accident & Health Claims, SBI General Insurance said, “Another claims study conducted on women’s health by SBI General on the occasion of Women’s Day revealed that the maximum number of claims made by women for health insurance was in the age group of 18 to 35 years. Our data points to the increased incidence of kidney-related ailments among women and millennials, given increased stress, sedentary lifestyle, and unwholesome diet. Exercise and a healthy food régime are crucial in order to keep such ailments at bay.”
He added, “Most women often tend to hesitate in getting a health check-up done as they fear the cost of treatment that may come with a possible diagnosis. We are aiming to encourage women to change this behaviour by offering products like SBI General’s Simple Health Insurance Policy which has an affordable premium of Rs. 1,300 per year, and offers a wide coverage from Rs. 50,000 up to Rs. 5,00,000. Furthermore, the policy offers free medical check-ups for every four claim-free years up to a maximum limit of Rs. 2,500.”