Wednesday, August 19, 2009

One Vitamin a Day Keep Doctors Away

What is multivitamin?
A strip of multi vitamin tablets has become a favorite accompaniment on the breakfast table. Perceived to be healthy and beneficial, they are sometimes taken in self prescribed dosages. The availability of these pills over the counter only spurs one to believe they are safe and healthy. Let us explore the truth behind the multi vitamin pills and the effects of using them excessively.

Multi-vitamins are a combination of many different vitamins that are normally found in foods and other natural sources. They are used to provide vitamins that are not taken in through the diet. They are also used to treat vitamin deficiencies caused by illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, digestive disorders, and many other conditions. They are undisputedly needed. But, vitamins given in high doses may also have effects that science is only beginning to understand.

Is pill popping safe?
In a test tube, cancer cells consume vitamin C to grow, and studies have shown far higher levels of vitamin C in tumor cells than are found in normal tissue.

The selling point of antioxidant vitamins is that they mop up free radicals, the damaging molecular fragments linked to aging and disease. But some free radicals are essential to proper immune function, and wiping them out may inadvertently cause harm.

This brings us to the question, are vitamins worth it? Several medical studies have failed to show that extra vitamins, at least in pill form, help prevent chronic disease or prolong life. It would certainly be helpful to think twice before you pop in those multi-colored pills of multi-vitamins to enhance your health. Never take more than the recommended dose of a multi-vitamin. Avoid taking more than one multi-vitamin product at the same time unless your doctor tells you to.

Side-effects of multi-vitamins
Taking similar vitamin products together can result in a vitamin overdose or serious side-effects.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction on taking multi-vitamin tablets:

  • hives
  • difficulty breathing
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
Other side-effects of multi-vitamins are:
  • tooth staining
  • increased urination
  • stomach bleeding
  • uneven heart rate
  • confusion
  • muscle weakness or limp feeling
  • headache
  • upset stomach
  • unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth

The alternative
Consider this: eating a small apple (100g) gives an antioxidant effect equivalent to taking 1500mg of vitamin C –-- so that is a mega-dose supplement. Dietitians, nutritionists and other experts are all agreed that apart from small groups of people in special medical circumstances, most of us don't need to take vitamins or food supplements. We can get what we need from a balanced diet.

One of the most important pieces of advice we can give is to increase your fruit and vegetable consumption. These are the foods that are nutrient rich, vitamin rich and mineral rich. It has been discovered that these foods contain far more than the classic vitamins and minerals we all know about. They contain many other plant substances, known as phytochemicals, which can’t be put in a bottle or made into a pill!

Taking vitamins and food supplements is neither good nor bad, but unnecessary for most of us. They should be treated like any other medicine and consumed only when necessary and prescribed by a physician or a doctor. It is better to rely on consuming a balanced and nutritious diet for good health and longevity.

Apollo DKV Health Insurance Plan


With Easy Health Insurance Plan

Easy Health Insurance Plans are designed in a way to suit your need and fit your pocket. They will not only guard you against the spiraling medical costs but will also guide you on the path of wellness, providing you a double protection of prevention and cover. The Easy Health Insurance Plans are available for Individuals (Easy Health Individual Health Insurance Plan) and Families (Easy Health Family Health Insurance Plan). These Plans manage you and your families health-related needs right from consultation, hospitalisation to the post-hospitalisation.

These policies are available on a cashless basis in over 4000 Network hospitals thus managing your expenses and providing hassle-free transactions. To let you decide on what policy suits your needs they come in three variants, which gives you a choice to decide your premium.

The Easy Health Insurance policies are power-packed with unique features like cash credited on daily basis on choosing shared accommodation, daily cash for accompanying an insured child, maternity expenses*, health check-up, spectacles, contact lenses, etc. and out-patient dental treatment
**.

*
waiting period of 6 years (Easy Health Individual Health Insurance Plan) and waiting period of 4 years (Easy Health Family Health Insurance Plan)
**
waiting period of 3 years



Individual Health Insurance Plan With best-in-class benefits

Wide options Choose from the wide choices of the sum insured starting from Rs 1 lac to 10 lacs.
Portability A customer-friendly policy that ensures that you avail most of the accrued benefits when you opt for Apollo DKV’s Easy Health Insurance Plans.
Pre-Hospitalisation and Post-Hospitalisation cover Takes care of medical expenses incurred before and after the hospitalization.
Cumulative bonus Get special incentives on every renewal after a claim-free year.
Tax benefits Get tax benefits for the premium amount under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.

Cheap Health Insurance Plans Online With wide choices

We offer three plan variants, to help you choose what’s best for your needs. The cover amount ranges from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 10,00,000 according to the product variant you choose.

Standard Plan
A plan that is tailor-made especially to fit every one’s pocket. Starting at just Rs. 3/day. Health insurance was never so accessible before.
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Exclusive Plan
Covers maternity, which makes it unique in its class. Starting at Rs. 3450 per annum….
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Premium Plan
Take e-opinion from our expert panel of doctors who will guide you through this critical time starting at Rs. 5700 per annum.
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Terms of Renewal

  • We offer life-long renewal unless the Insured Person or any one acting on behalf of an Insured Person has acted in a dishonest or fraudulent manner or any misrepresentation under or in relation to this policy or the Policy poses a moral hazard.
  • Maximum Age –There is no maximum cover ceasing age in this policy. For Additional cover of Critical Illness maximum cover ceasing age in this policy would be 70 yrs.
  • Waiting Period - The Waiting Periods mentioned in the policy wording will get reduced by 1 year on every continuous renewal of your Easy Health Insurance Plan.
  • Renewal Premium- Renewal premium are subject to change with prior approval from IRDA.
  • Sum Insured Enhancement – Sum Insured can be enhanced only at the time of renewal subject to no claim have been lodged/ paid under the policy. If the insured increases the sum insured one grid up, no fresh medicals shall be required. In cases where the sum insured increase is more than one grid up, the case shall be subject to medicals. In case of increase in the Sum Insured waiting period will apply afresh in relation to the amount by which the Sum Insured has been enhanced. However the quantum of increase shall be at the discretion of the company.
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Disclaimer
This is only a summary of the product features.The actual benefits available are as described in the policy, and will be subject to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions.Please seek the advice of your insurance advisor if you require any further information or clarification.

Know More About www.apollodkv.co.in






1.1 Who is Apollo DKV Insurance Company Limited?
It is a Health Insurance Company promoted by Apollo hospitals in collaboration with DKV (Deutsche Krankenversicherung AG), the leading Health Insurance Company in Europe.

1.2 Who is DKV?

DKV (Deutsche Krankenversicherung AG) is part of Munich Re Group, which is the largest Reinsurance Company in the world. DKV is the leading Health Insurance Company in Europe

1.3 Who owns Apollo DKV?

It is a 74:26 partnership between Apollo Hospitals and DKV.

1.4 Where is the Head Office of Apollo DKV?

The Head Office of Apollo DKV Insurance Company Limited is in Gurgaon.
The address is:
Apollo DKV Insurance Company Ltd.,
10th Floor, Tower – B, Building No. 10,
DLF Cyber City, DLF City Phase II,
Gurgaon, Haryana,
Pin 122002
Phone: +91-124-4584333
Fax: +91-124-4584111

1.5 What is the Toll Free number of Apollo DKV?

Toll Free number is 1800 102 0333

1.6 How long is the policy valid for?

The policy is valid for one year.

1.7 Is the premium exempted from Income Tax?

The premium is exempt under Section 80D of the IT, Premium up to Rs.15,000/- qualifies for tax benefit under Section 80D of Income Tax Act

1.8 How can I indemnify or claim benefits under the policy?

The expenses or benefits can be claimed or indemnified by reimbursement or by availing cashless services at the hospitals.

1.9 Who is our Health TPA?

FHPL is our TPA for retail customers

1.10 How do I go about getting in touch with someone for insurance?

Use the tool `Contact Us`.

1.11 Would I have to fill the proposal form again at the time of renewal?

No, you would not have to do so.

1.12 Do I have to undergo any medical examination?

Medical examination may be required in some cases, based on the sum assured and the age of the person.

1.13 Do I have to undergo a medical check up every year?

Medical check up is valid for 3 years if the insured renews it without a break and the sum assured remains the same.

1.14 Who pays for the medical examination?

“The proposed insured(s) has to pay the cost of pre-policy check up (PPC) medical examination & investigations to the doctor/diagnostic centre. We will co-ordinate the appointment with our empanelled doctor/diagnostic centre through our appointed TPA.

On acceptance of your application and subsequent issuance of the policy, the actual expenses incurred towards the pre-policy check up (PPC) shall be *reimbursed to you subject to a maximum of Rs 300.


*re-imbursement to be claimed from Apollo DKV insurance company Ltd along with the original bill

1.15 What is a Family Floater plan?

A Family Floater is a single policy that takes care of the hospitalization expenses of your entire family. Family Floater Health Plan takes care of all the medical expenses during sudden illness, surgeries and accidents.

2. Related to Pre-Sale Queries
2.1 Who is a medical practitioner?

Medical Practitioner is one who is engaged in the medical profession, who holds a degree/diploma of a recognized institution and is registered by the Medical Council of the respective state in India. It will include a physician, specialist and surgeon.

2.2 What do you mean by Pre and Post hospitalization?

Pre and Post hospitalization expenses - covered for all relevant medical expenses incurred 30 days prior to hospitalization and expenses incurred during 60 days after hospitalization. By RELEVANT EXPENSES we mean all expenses pertaining to the disease for which he/she is hospitalized, prior to hospitalization.

For Example: A person maybe required to undergo certain tests to confirm the disease for which he is eventually hospitalized. The Doctor's consultation fees for this, the expenses on tests and medicines 30 days prior to hospitalization for that particular disease are covered. RELEVANT EXPENSES for post hospitalization 60 days after being discharged from the hospital, e.g. the subsequent follow up consultations with specialists, medicines and test expenses are covered.

2.3 What do you mean by pre-existing disease or conditions?

By pre-existing we mean disease or condition which are existing in a person before the acceptance of the risk. The insured or person buying the policy may or may not be aware of these conditions. These conditions may aggravate and lead to serious medical conditions in the future.

2.4 How can I indemnify or claim benefits under the policy?

The expenses or benefits can be claimed or indemnified by reimbursement or by availing cashless services at the hospitals.

2.5 Is cashless facility available at all the hospital?

The cashless facilities are available only at the hospitals which are on network.

2.6 Are all the major corporate hospitals on network?

Most corporate hospitals are part of our network.

2.7 Will I get cashless at government institutions like AIIMS/TMH/ARMY Referral hospitals?

No, this facility does not extend to government hospitals.

2.8 What is the procedure for availing cashless benefit?

When you are admitted to the network hospital you need to show the Apollo DKV Card to the treating doctor. The Network Hospital would contact the responsible TPA (Third Part Administrator, mentioned on the card) and fill up the pre-authorisation form. Then it would send the same to TPA with estimation of expenses. The TPA checks the policy conditions and sum-insured and approves the estimate.

2.9 If I avail cashless facility, will you pay the entire amount or will I be required to bear part of the bill at the hospital?

Yes, a part will have to be borne by you, if it consists of the inadmissible amounts that are listed in the Terms and Conditions.

2.10 In case of cashless treatments, in whose favour are cheques settled or who gets the payments?

The cheques are send to the hospital to whom approvals for cashless are given.

2.11 What is Co-Payment?

Insurance policies have a feature where the insured bears some part of the admissible cost of treatment.

2.12 Will there be any payments or out of pocket expenses to be made to hospitals and how are they adjusted?

Some hospitals ask for advance to be deposited at the time of admission, but before the cashless are approved by us. It is generally refunded back by the hospital once cashless is approved. Special expenses like telephone bills, extra bed, food and beverages for visitors, tests or medicines which are not part of line of treatment are to be borne by the insured and will be part of out of pocket expenses.

2.13 How do I find out which doctors or hospitals are part of your network?

You can get this information from the "Welcome Kit" which will come along with the policy. You can also call the toll free number provided in the insurance policy or have a look at the `Find a Network Hospital` tool at this Webpage.

2.14 How do you claim a reimbursement?

You have to submit all the original bills, discharge summary, documents, claim form and photocopy of the Apollo DKV ID card to the regional Third-Party-Administrator (TPA) office, mentioned on the ID card and the User Guide.

The claim will be reimbursed only after verification of the records if the ailment/disease falls under terms and conditions of the policy. The condition is covered then, the claim will be reimbursed.

2.15 Should the claim be submitted to Apollo DKV or to the responsible Third-Party-Administrator (TPA)?

The claim documents should be submitted to the responsible TPA, mentioned on the ID card and the User Guide.

2.16 What is a waiting period?

A waiting period is the length of time the insured may have to wait before being eligible for Health Policy benefits.

2.17 Why should I take a Family Floater Health Plan if I already have health insurance from my employer, or if my family and I are already covered by my corporate?

Your employer will cover your medical expenses only as long as you are in his services. Tomorrow, you may change your job, retire, or even start something on your own. In all such cases you and your family will be stranded if a medical emergency arises and you have not arranged for an alternative health insurance policy. It is at this point of time that Family Floater Health Insurance policy will come to your rescue.

Family Floater Health Insurance policy can also act as a supplement to your existing medical cover in case the cost of medical treatment is higher than your existing cover level.
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2.18 Do you sell individual policies and group policies?

We offer both, group and individual policies.

2.19 What is the basic difference between individual and group health insurance coverage?

An individual policy is purchased by you directly from us.

With a Group Health Insurance Policy, the group is the master insured and the insurance company contracts with the group. Insurance certificates, issued to a participating member, acts as your policy. In addition, group health insurance often contains special coverage's that are not available or are very expensive on an individual basis. The purchasing power of the group makes this economically feasible.

2.20 Why should I buy Overseas Travel Insurance?

In some instances Overseas Travel Insurance is required to get a visa to travel to certain countries. Schengen country (many countries of Western Europe constitute the Schengen countries) consulates insist on having Travel Insurance with a minimum of $37,500 coverage.

However even if insurance is not required for visa purposes, it is still prudent to purchase health insurance for the following reason:
Health care costs in India are much less when compared to developed countries like the USA, Japan and European countries. In most of these countries medical care is not subsidized by the government, and medical bills can easily exceed thousands of dollars which patients have to pay by themselves. Most people in these countries have some form of Health Insurance; however these insurance policies are not available to visitors. Given this scenario, purchasing Travel Insurance can be viewed as a necessity.

2.21 Why should I buy a critical illness cover?
Just for your information, a study conducted in Toronto's leading cardiac emergency hospital showed, that 91% of the patients who were admitted with a heart attack would have qualified for a Critical Illness pay out
Similarly, 75% of all stroke victims survive and 60% of stroke survivors are left with a disability
With the medical profession now saving more and more people are prolonging their life. It's almost as important to get Critical Illness Insurance as life insurance

3. Related to After Sales Queries
3.1 How can I add my family members to my existing policy?

At the time of renewing an Individual Policy or Floater Policy you can add dependants to your existing policy subject to necessary procedure and approval from us.

You cannot add dependants in the middle of a policy except in the case of a new born baby or a newly married spouse. For product specific conditions kindly refer to the product brochures.

3.2 I want to increase my sum insured. How do I go about it?

The sum insured can be increased only at the time of renewal of the insurance policy, subject to necessary approval from us

4. General Queries
4.1 What is a ‘cashless’ claim?

In a Cashless claim the insured do not have to pay any deposit or any fees for the covered services at the network provider. The charges for the covered services are paid directly by the insurer to the service provider through the process of ‘Authorisation’

4.2 What is a reimbursement claim?

In a reimbursement claim the insured has to pay upfront for the services of the provider and seek reimbursement from the Insurer for the covered services

4.3 What is Authorisation?

In an authorisation process the insured or the service provider seeks an approval and guarantee of payment from the insurer or it’s TPA for the covered services before the hospitalisation / service for planned treatment and during the course of Hospitalisation / service for emergency treatment

4.4 What do I do in case of a cashless claim?

In case of a planned treatment, use your member ID card at any of our network provider .The Network provider will send the authorisation request note to us or our TPA. If the treatment is covered the TPA or the Insurer will send an authority letter to the provider for cashless treatment, if the treatment is not covered the TPA or the insurer will deny the cashless treatment. However, the insured can still continue with the treatment and submit the claim for reimbursement which will be processed by the TPA on its merit. .

4.5 How to make intimation?

You can make claim intimation by informing us on our / TPA’s toll free number or in writing to us / TPA at any of our offices. You will be entitled for the benefit of Pre 60 days and Post 90 days of hospitalisation, if you intimate us 5 days in advance of the treatment.

4.6 Are there any charges by the hospital, which are not reimbursable and hence have to be paid by me even after “Cashless Service” has been authorized for treatment in the network hospitals?

Yes. There are quite a few charges, which are not reimbursable and have to be paid by you even though you have been authorized for “Cashless Service” at the Network Hospitals. Some of those charges are enumerated below:
 Registration/Admission charges
 Attendant/Visitor pass charges
 Special nursing charges not authorised by the attending doctor
 Service charges not forming a part of the room rent
 Charges for extra bed for attendant etc.
 Bed retaining charges
 Charges for TV, Laundry etc.
 Telephone/Fax charges
 Food and Beverages for attendants and visitors  Toiletries etc.
 Purchase of Medicines not related to the treatment
 Stationery, Xerox or certifying charges.

The above list is only indicative and not exhaustive

4.7 Are cosmetic treatments or medical attention for cosmetic purposes covered?

No. Cosmetic treatments (including any complications arising out of or howsoever attributable to any cosmetic treatments), aesthetic treatments, experimental, investigational or unproven procedures or treatments, devices and pharmacological regimens of any description are not covered. The treatment of obesity (including morbid obesity) and any other weight control programs, services, or supplies is not covered.
4.8 Does Easy Health policy covers benefits if one suffers illness/disease or contract injury through accident either in India or outside India?

Yes, Easy Health protection is available for illness/disease contracted anywhere in the World provided the treatment is availed in India.

4.9 How will the payment of claim be made?

All claims will be payable in Indian currency by check or bank transfer.

4.10 What is TPA?

TPA stands for Third Party Administration. The TPA referred to in your policy documents is your contact to us. TPA is working on our behalf and is providing you with all of the services which are promised in your policy. In case of an insured event you are supposed to contact the TPA for intimation, request for authorization and claiming of benefits.

4.11 How does one get reimbursement for pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses under this scheme?

Your policy allows reimbursement of medical expenses incurred towards the ailment/ disease for which hospitalisation was medically necessary prior to hospitalization and after discharge. Send all invoices in original with supporting documents along with a copy of the discharge summary to the respective TPA. TPA will scrutinize the claim and settle the invoices subject to the overall limit of the policy. The invoices must be sent to TPA within 10 days from the date of completion of treatment. If you inform us of your hospitalization at least 5 days before admission, we will extend the timeframe for pre- and post-hospitalization expenses reimbursement from 30 days to 60 days (pre-hospitalization) and from 60 days to 90 days (post-hospitalization).

4.12 How does one get reimbursements in case of treatment in non-network hospitals?

Cashless hospitalisation is available only in network hospitals. You are at liberty to choose a non-network hospital also. In case you avail of treatment in a non-network hospital (see the definition of a hospital), we will reimburse you the amount of bills subject to the policy taken by the policyholder. Note: Only expenses relating to hospitalisation will be reimbursed as per the policy taken. All non-medical expenses will not be reimbursed.

4.13 What are the benefits of your health card?

A health card mentions the contact details and the contact numbers of the TPA along with your policy details. In case of a medical emergency, you can call on these numbers for queries, clarifications and for seeking any kind of assistance. Moreover, you need to display your health card at the time of admission into the hospital.

4.14 What if I also have or intend to buy a medical policy of any other insurance company?

It’s your choice, but you would have to intimate us of the same and the concerned insurance company.

4.15 How do I find out which Hospitals are part of a given insurance network?

You can also get this information by calling the toll free number provided in the insurance policy or log on to our website for details.

4.16 Should the claim be submitted with the insurance company or with TPA?

Preferably at TPA.

4.17 Is Health check up covered under this policy?

The insured person is entitled every two years for reimbursement of the cost of a medical check-up (subject to 1% of the SI) conducted in a registered diagnostic center if the preceding two completed policy years have been claim-free.

4.18 What are the Non payable items?