Diagnosed with Kidney or Heart Failure Without Insurance? Here’s What You Can Do in India

 Diagnosed with Kidney or Heart Failure Without Insurance? Here’s What You Can Do in India

Introduction 

In India, getting diagnosed with kidney or heart failure can feel like the ground has been pulled from under your feet  especially if you don’t have active health insurance. The costs are massive. The paperwork is overwhelming. And the clock is ticking.

But there’s good news: Even if you're uninsured at the time of diagnosis, you’re not out of options. Between specialized private insurance plans, government schemes, and smart financial tools  help is available. This blog breaks down your options, step-by-step, so you or your loved ones can focus on recovery, not paperwork.

1. The Real Cost of Kidney Failure in India

Kidney failure, especially End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), brings lifelong treatment.

• Hemodialysis: ₹2,500–₹4,000 per session x 10/month = ₹25,000–₹40,000/month

• Peritoneal Dialysis at home: ₹25,000–₹30,000/month

• Kidney Transplant: ₹4L–₹10L + ₹15,000–₹20,000/month in post-op medication

 Without insurance, a single year could cost ₹5–6 lakh.

2. What Can You Do Without Existing Insurance?

Here are real, actionable options even post-diagnosis:

Buy Specialized Private Plans

• ACKO Platinum Plan – No waiting period for kidney or heart issues

• Covers: dialysis, transplant, donor expenses, ICU, post-op meds

Get a Critical Illness (CI) Policy

• HDFC ERGO, Care, Tata AIG, ICICI – Lump sum payout of ₹5L–₹50L on diagnosis

• Covers: kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, bypass, etc.

• Survival clause: Most require 15–30 days survival post-diagnosis

Super Top-Up Plans

• ACKO, HDFC, Niva Bupa: ₹50L–₹1Cr coverage

• Start covering expenses once you cross a deductible (₹5L or ₹10L)

Use Government Schemes (if eligible)

• PMJAY / Ayushman Bharat: ₹5L cover including kidney/heart diseases from Day 1

• PMNDP: Free dialysis via district hospitals

• Rajasthan Ayushman Nirman (RAN): Up to ₹15L transplant costs

Pro Tip: Disclose everything honestly. Concealment leads to rejection.

3. Facing Heart Failure Without Insurance?

Treatments like angioplasty, bypass surgery, or valve replacements can cost ₹3L–₹10L.

Here’s what you can do:

Cardiac-Specific Policies

• Star Cardiac Care Plan – Covers 3 stages of heart conditions

• Care Heart Policy – No pre-tests required, covers 16+ heart diseases

CI Policies with Cardiac Focus

• PNB MetLife Mera Heart Plan – Pays in 3 stages, waives premium post payout

• ICICI Prudential Heart & Cancer Plan

Government Help

• PMJAY + RAN: Full cover for surgeries, ICU, medication

4. Understanding the True Cost of Dialysis & Heart Surgeries

Treatment Type	Average Cost per Year
Hemodialysis	₹3L–₹5L
Peritoneal Dialysis	₹3L+
Kidney Transplant	₹6L–₹12L (1st year)
Heart Bypass Surgery	₹3L–₹5L
Heart Transplant	₹12L–₹20L

These numbers don’t include repeat hospitalization, complications, or medication costs.

5. How Can Insurance Help After Diagnosis?

• Super Top-Up Plans: Great for high bills, start after base policy or deductible

• Critical Illness Insurance: Get ₹5–50L lump sum, use for anything

• State-Specific Schemes: Rajasthan, MP, Tamil Nadu offer targeted transplant support

• InsureBuzz AI: Use our tool to compare options, check exclusions, and auto-generate claim docs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I buy health insurance after being diagnosed with kidney failure or heart disease?
Yes, some insurers offer post-diagnosis coverage via critical illness plans or specialized health policies. Disclosure is key.

Q2. What is the average cost of dialysis in India?
Each dialysis session costs ₹2,500–₹4,000. With 8–12 sessions monthly, annual costs can exceed ₹4–₹5 lakh.

Q3. Which government schemes cover dialysis and transplant?
PMJAY covers ₹5 lakh/year. PMNDP offers free dialysis in govt hospitals. State schemes like Rajasthan's RAN provide up to ₹15 lakh for transplants.

Q4. Are there insurance plans for people with existing heart conditions?
Yes. Plans like Star Cardiac Care and Care Heart Policy cater to individuals with existing cardiac history.

Q5. What is the difference between a critical illness policy and a regular health plan?
A critical illness plan offers a lump-sum payout on diagnosis, whereas regular health plans reimburse hospitalization and treatment expenses.

Q6. What should I do immediately after a diagnosis if I have no insurance?
Explore government schemes, look for ACKO or CI-based plans with minimal waiting periods, and use tools like InsureBuzz AI to evaluate eligibility and claim support.

Final Thoughts

You may not be insured now, but you can be prepared from today.

The key is speed. Start exploring private and government-backed policies immediately. Even partial support like dialysis-only cover or CI plans can save you from long-term debt.

🛡️ Let InsureBuzz AI help. We decode the fine print, recommend realistic plans (even after diagnosis), and support you till the claim settles.

✅ Visit InsureBuzz.in  because every day delayed can cost more.