Is regular health diagnosis essential?
Regular health diagnosis is essential to detect illness at an early stage, as the chances of treatment and cure are better. By receiving the right treatment at the right time, the treatment is more effective and the cost can be drastically reduced. Also, some tests help in detecting and preventing an illness before they can start.
In adults up to 40 years of age, health diagnosis tests can be done once in every two years. Older adults have to get the health diagnosis done every year or more frequently (if required). By having regular tests, an individual can check for the onset of certain conditions where the abnormality may not show symptoms but can diagnosed by biochemical or laboratory results. Regular examination is essential for individuals with family history of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, tumors and cancers. The check-up includes vital signs, blood pressure, height/weight, and medical history directed physical examination, general appearance, and systems evaluation, assessment of lifestyle choices, ECG, Chest X-ray, prostrate examination, mammogram, pelvic examination, measurement of bone mass, laboratory tests and eye test.
The cost for regular health diagnosis may be high depending on the tests to be undertaken, doctor and the diagnosis centre. Even though, these examinations cost a substantial amount, the benefit from getting these tests done substantiate for the expense. Now-a-days, the insurance companies offer various types of health policies, plans and schemes for an individual or a family that protects against ill health/diseases by covering the expenses that might incur (for treatment, diagnosis etc.) in case he/she is affected by disease or injury. These health plans help in the re-imbursement of expenses to the insured depending on the premium deposited. This not only lowers the burden on an individual and but also helps to save money. Also, the tax benefits/exemption on health insurance up to a premium of INR 15,000 under section 80 D can be availed.
Health diagnosis is the prevention action that needs to be carried out to avoid unforeseen expenses due to sudden health problems. By implementing Medical Check Up on a regular basis, at least once a year, an individual’s health will be monitored properly. As the saying goes – a stitch in time saves nine.