Unlimited sum insured in health insurance, as the name suggests, refers to mediclaim policies that come with unlimited coverage for medical expenses. It means that with this health insurance plan, the insured can raise a claim for a medical treatment without any capping on the sum insured. However, the policyholder can avail of this benefit only once in a lifetime in most plans, while some plans offer a continued benefit until the policy coverage ends.

One must remember that 'unlimited' does not always mean limitless or without any conditions. A health insurance plan may offer an unlimited sum insured benefit, but it may still include clauses such as co-payment, sub-limits, waiting periods, and exclusions. Hence, one must read the policy wording carefully and weigh all the pros and cons before buying an unlimited medical policy.

It is not an unknown fact that Mediclaim policies are crucial to manage financial burdens during both planned and unplanned medical treatments. Health policies are now offered with different sum insured, even as high as ₹1 crore or higher. However, an unlimited sum insured health insurance plan differs from a high sum insured one. It comes without any capping on the sum insured, allowing the policyholder to get reimbursed for the actual medical expenses incurred. Which is better for you – a high sum insured policy or an unlimited coverage health insurance? The answer depends on your individual profile and health risks. If you have a high-risk profile or have a pre-existing condition that requires medical attention, an unlimited health insurance plan may be a better option. However, a standard medical policy with a high sum insured may be the right option if you have low health risks and do not require continuous medical care

Pollutants in the air are so fine that they enter our bloodstream as we breathe. They can easily enter the respiratory tract or any part of the body. The viruses and bacteria in these fine particles often interfere with the body functioning, causing different illnesses. Some people experience short-term problems like chest congestion, allergies, coughing, nausea, etc. However, with prolonged exposure to pollutants, air pollution diseases can become long-term and severe

Air quality is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which is based on the levels of key pollutants present in the air. To calculate the AQI, concentrations of several air pollutants, such as PM2.5, PM10, benzene, ozone, nitrogen oxide, etc., are measured in real-time and converted into a single figure. The AQI range is between 0 and 500. An AQI below 50 is considered good, implying good air quality, and values above 100 indicate unhealthy air levels. An AQI of 300 or above is considered dangerous. When considering AQI in India, Delhi is typically regarded as the city with the worst air quality, with an AQI in the 'severe' range, especially at the beginning of winter. Hence, Delhiites and people from

An increased AQI can cause immediate discomfort and lead to short-term health problems. You can feel the impact of air pollution in the form of the following symptoms: Severe headache Eye irritation and redness Sore throat Chest pain Difficulty in breathing

In the long term, air pollution can lead to a weakened immune system. Diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fertility issues, and even organ damage can occur due to high air pollution or a high AQI. The most common air pollutant diseases that can get worse with the increased AQI include the following: Cardiovascular Diseases Prolonged exposure to air pollution can lead to inflammation and damage to blood vessels, putting your heart health at risk. This is due to the presence of toxic substances, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and PM2.5. Let us see how air pollution affects heart health. An increased AQI means more pollutants can enter your bloodstream. It can lead to inflammation, resulting in reduced blood supply to the heart or arterial damage. Pollutants can cause fluctuations in blood pressure, leading to irregular heart rhythm. It can also harden the arteries and increase the risk of strokes and heart failure. Cancer Air pollution and cancer are directly related, especially lung cancer and breast cancer in women. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified the outdoor air as a Group 1 carcinogen (especially due to materials like benzene). Breathing in these carcinogens and small particles over a period of time can lead to mutations in cells, hence increasing the risk of different types of cancer. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Air pollutants can cause chronic bronchitis, emphysema and other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These conditions affect the respiratory system by damaging air sacs, resulting in breathing difficulties. High air pollution and increased AQI can worsen COPD by interfering with lung functioning. Lung Infections Respiratory problems are the most common AQI diseases people experience. It is because inhaling more infectious air means more bacteria and viruses reach the lungs, damaging the respiratory tract. This can cause acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI), like pneumonia and bronchiolitis. If viruses and bacteria persist in the lungs for a long time, they can lead to severe, long-term lung infections and a weakened immune system. Asthma The more the pollution in the air, the worse it is for asthma patients. High AQI worsens asthma conditions as it directly impacts the lungs and airways, making it more difficult for them to handle their medical condition. It can lead to constant coughing and shortness of breath. Neurological Disorders Air pollution has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The PM2.5 pollutant is also associated with an increased risk of dementia. Hence, increased AQI can interfere with brain function, resulting in problems with memory, reduced cognitive abilities, and other neurological risks. Skin Diseases High air pollution often irritates skin and causes diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Harmful substances in the air can sit on the skin's surface and result in dryness, itching, rashes, pimples, allergies and inflammation. Gastrointestinal Disorders Increased air pollution is also a key factor in gastrointestinal disorders, as toxins and pollutants can enter and disrupt the digestive system. In the short term, it can occur as abdominal pain or disorders like diarrhoea and constipation. However, in the long run, gastrointestinal diseases due to air pollution can become severe and cause conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ulcerative colitis. If not treated adequately, it can even become life-threatening. Leukameia Leukaemia is a type of cancer where the body starts to produce abnormally high white blood cells that are faulty and impede the functioning of healthy cells. This can lead to anemia, bleeding and even organ damage. An increased AQI means your body is more exposed to toxic chemicals and pollutants which can interfere with the functioning of the blood cells. Birth Defects Your body is more sensitive in pregnancy. Long exposure to air pollutants harms the expectant mother as well as the developing baby. This can lead to cellular damage or epigenetic disruptions in the developing fetus and complications like preterm delivery, low birth weight, etc.