The last few decades saw an unprecedented rise in several health-related problems in India. As per a report published by the World Health Organisation, approximately 60% of all deaths in India are due to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory illnesses.

Other common health problems that come under this category include ENT related issues, Alzheimer’s, depression, arthritis etc. There have been several reasons which have led to the rise of non-communicable diseases. These include –

• Unhealthy lifestyle –

Life nowadays has become too fast-paced, leading to adverse effects on individuals’ lifestyle. For instance, most individuals don’t find time to sit down and have three proper meals except for one or two days of the week. Moreover, the meals are also in most cases, ready-made to be cooked and consumed quickly. They lack the nutrition provided by fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, resulting in low immunity.

These ready-made foods are also chock full of harmful components such as preservatives, sugar etc. causing health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes and the likes.

Along with poor diet, lack of physical activity among children and adults alike has also become a significant problem in the last decade. It has led to a rise in cases of obesity which leads to cardiovascular diseases later in life.

Another major cause behind the rise of chronic health problems can be attributed to a growing tendency of substance abuse among teenagers and young Indians.

• Environmental Factors –

Environmental factors such as lack of hygiene, contaminated drinking water, pollution etc. are some of the major causes of infectious diseases.

For instance, Flooding can result in contamination of water sources and cause diseases like diarrhoea. Germs and bacteria can also spread through contaminated food. Hence, it is advised that one should wash fruits and vegetables in clean water to remove any germs before eating them.

Besides that, environmental factors like poor air quality can also cause chronic health problems like asthma. Diseases like malaria can also spread from one human being to another through vectors like mosquitoes.

A significant lack of investments in sanitation and waste management is also a contributing factor that has led to a sudden rise in health-related problems in India. The condition of healthcare is much worse in rural and remote parts of India compared to urban areas.

• The high cost of health care –

Due to a lack of proper public health centres, Indians mostly have to rely on private medical care during emergencies, which is expensive and can create financial strain. Thus, the high costs of medical care in the private sector are discouraging individuals from seeking treatment on time which aggravates their health problems.

However, this problem can be quickly addressed through financial instruments like Bajaj Finserv Digital Health EMI Network Card. Individuals can avail an amount of up to Rs.4 lakh, which they can utilise to address any number of medical needs. The amount utilised can then be paid off in easy monthly instalments, providing users with considerable support in funding healthcare expenses. 

Other features of this health card are as follows –

• Quick activation –

Existing customers of the NBFC do not have to provide any additional documentation while applying for this card, which accelerates the approval process. Moreover, the card can be immediately activated for use after completing the application procedure

• Coverage for most medical treatments –

With this card, one can avail financial coverage for almost all crucial medical treatments. These include the following –

1. Cardiac surgery
2. Oncology treatment
3. Arthritis
4. General surgery
5. Gynaecology and obstetrics
6. IVF treatment
7. Dental and ENT treatment
8. Hair transplantation
9. Plastic surgery

One can also avail funding for homoeopathy treatment and for purchase of medical equipment like hearing aids.

• Customised Tenure –

Cardholders can pay off the due amount on their health card by choosing any convenient repayment period within 24 months.

• Reasonable joining fees

Individuals are only required to pay a nominal fee of Rs. 707 for the insta-card, and Rs.589 for the non-insta variant during application, which increases their affordability.

• Complimentary offers

The health card offers a complimentary insurance plan worth Rs. 1 lakh for personal accidents. Additionally, one can also avail other offers such as discounts on medical consultation or diagnostic care from partner health care facilities through telehealth or physical consultation.

How to apply for a health card?

Individuals can follow the steps below to apply online for health card –

Step 1: Go to ‘Health Card’ section on the financial institution’s official website.

Step 2: Click on the tab marked ‘Get it now’.

Step 3: Enter the registered mobile phone number to complete the identity authentication process.

Step 4: Pay the one-time joining fee to complete the application procedure.

After the fee payment is complete, you can access the digital health card from the financial institution’s mobile application. Apart from that, you can also avail the health card offline from any partner hospital or diagnostic centre to foot medical bills.