What is Bronchial Thermoplasty Coverage under Health Insurance?

You must be aware that rising air pollution, contributing to high levels of toxins in the air, has been causing a host of breathing problems and allergies among people of all age groups. Undoubtedly, it has become one of the biggest reasons behind worsening breathing problems for asthma patients. Before exploring details of Bronchial Thermoplasty coverage under health Insurance, let’s quickly understand a little more about this procedure.

You must be aware that rising air pollution, contributing to high levels of toxins in the air, has been causing a host of breathing problems and allergies among people of all age groups. Undoubtedly, it has...
You must be aware that rising air pollution, contributing to high levels of...
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Decoding Bronchial Thermoplasty

Bronchial thermoplasty is a relatively new procedure recommended for asthma patients who have not received relief from medicines to treat their severe condition. The procedure involves using a bronchoscope (thin tube) to apply controlled heat to smooth muscles in the walls of the airway.

With the thinning of muscles, breathing becomes easier. The procedure is usually performed in three sessions and can provide relief from breathing while reducing the risk of asthmatic attacks.

Any damage or problems arising in the bronchial tract can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, or swelling of lymph nodes, making it indispensable to seek medical help.

While for some patients, medication can control asthma symptoms, for others suffering from prolonged asthma uncontrolled by medication, surgical intervention might be the only solution to treat this health condition.

For patients experiencing breathing issues from respiratory diseases, bronchial thermoplasty is often suggested as a treatment by pulmonologists. However, this medical procedure comes at a cost. In this article, we will discuss how you can save expenses on bronchial thermoplasty by investing in a health insurance policy that provides coverage for this procedure.

Side Effects of Bronchial Thermoplasty

If you or any of your family members have been experiencing the dilemma of whether or not to resort to Bronchial Thermoplasty, it's best to learn about the procedure's side effects and benefits.

  • It is natural for patients opting for bronchial thermoplasty to have concerns regarding its side effects. 
  • Although it is known as a low-invasive procedure, some patients may show symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
  • Such symptoms usually improve within a week of the thermoplasty procedure. 
  • You can always discuss the possibilities with your doctor and schedule follow-up visits after the surgery.

The Need for Health Insurance for Bronchial Thermoplasty

Unresolved asthmatic symptoms can cost you a lot, especially with frequent doctor visits and medical costs. Instead, on your medical professional’s suggestion, opting for a thermoplasty procedure can help you treat your ailment for the better.

Well, if you have been concerned about the expenses, advanced bronchial treatment can be expensive. Hence, the need to apply for a health insurance policy that can cover the cost of bronchial thermoplasty.
Here's why asthma patients should opt for health insurance.

It can cover the cost of long-term treatment

Regardless of a pre-existing asthma condition or recently developed symptoms, investing in a health insurance plan can help you manage your expenses. Most medical policies covering bronchial thermoplasty can cover the cost of regular doctor visits, online consultations, and daycare treatments. You can also expect some plans to provide coverage for non-medical expenses, such as ambulance charges.

It can cover expenses for advanced treatment

Some chronic asthma cases may need advanced intervention, such as bronchial surgeries like a thermoplasty or others that can run into lakhs. A comprehensive medical insurance plan can cover modern surgical procedures along with pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, follow-up visits, etc., minimising the burden of expenses on policyholders.

It can extend the benefits of reduced waiting time

Patients with a pre-existing bronchial condition may need to wait for 3 years before being able to claim for their treatment. However, top-notch medical policy providers can minimise this waiting period with their optional coverage, enabling you to access claims for multiple conditions, including asthma, hypertension, etc.

The good news is that for new asthma patients seeking respite via bronchial thermoplasty, the waiting period can be as little as 30 days, while the instant cover options can make access to a necessary procedure equally faster without having to wait indefinitely.

Summing Up

If you have experienced asthma, you understand how it can impact the quality of your life, especially if you or any family member is prone to suffering frequent attacks.

For people seeking a medical solution to this problem, look up the benefits of bronchial thermoplasty and discuss with your doctor how it can help you treat your prolonged condition.

Make sure you check out inclusive medical insurance plans that provide coverage for bronchial thermoplasty. It would be best to compare a few policies. This will help figure out the range of features, extent of the coverage, waiting period, etc., available in the market. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, depending on your existing respiratory condition, bronchial thermoplasty can be an effective intervention to improve severe asthmatic symptoms. It would be preferable to discuss your condition with a pulmonologist or certified medical specialist to see whether and how the procedure can offer you clinical benefits.

Yes, you may be administered anaesthesia through an IV to keep you asleep during the procedure.

Ideally, a bronchial thermoplasty procedure could last up to 45 minutes.

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Written by Roocha Kanade

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Reviewed by Dr. Harshita Dahiya Author info Icon

Health Insurance content enthusiast who turns complex topics into easy, binge-worthy reads—fueled by SEO, creativity, and way too much chai! Loves juggling multiple projects, cracking impossible deadlines, and sprinkling humor into the mix. When not geeking out over digital trends, you'll find her lurking on Quora and Reddit, planning the next getaway, or passionately decoding all things health and insurance!

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Bronchial Thermoplasty Coverage in Health Insurance | Benefits & Inclusions