Preventive Health Check-up and Its Benefits

By Okbima 26 Feb 2024 460
preventive-health-check-up

 

Preventive health check-ups are crucial for early detection of health issues, promoting overall well-being. Regular screenings aid in identifying potential problems, enabling timely intervention. These check-ups provide a proactive approach, supporting a healthier lifestyle, reducing healthcare costs, and ensuring better long-term health outcomes.

 

What is Preventive Health Check-up?

A preventive health check-up is a comprehensive examination that aims to identify any potential health issues before they become more serious. It usually involves various medical tests and evaluations that identify a person's overall health and help in detecting early signs of diseases 

or conditions. By undergoing regular preventive health check-ups, individuals can take proactive measures to maintain good health and prevent any serious health problems.

 

Benefits of Preventive Health Check-ups

Preventive medical check-ups play a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being and are highly beneficial for individuals of all ages.

Here are some key benefits of regular preventive medical check-ups:

  • Early detection of diseases: Preventive health check-ups can help in the early detection and diagnosis of various medical conditions. Regular screenings and tests can identify health problems at an early stage when they are easier to treat, resulting in a higher chance of successful recovery. 
  • Prevention of future health problems: These check-ups assess risk factors and help individuals make positive lifestyle changes to prevent potential health problems. By identifying risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or high blood sugar, doctors can provide useful advice on managing them and reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, or diabetes.
  • Increased life expectancy: Preventive medical check-ups enable individuals to manage their health and adopt healthier habits. Regular screenings, vaccination, and timely intervention can prevent the occurrence of diseases and effectively improve life expectancy.
  • Cost savings: By identifying health problems early on, preventive medical check-ups can help reduce healthcare costs in the long run. Treating illnesses in their later stages can be expensive and may require hospitalizations, surgeries, or prolonged treatments. By investing in preventive care, individuals can potentially avoid or minimize these high costs.
  • Personalized healthcare planning: During preventive medical check-ups, healthcare professionals can assess an individual's overall health status, medical history, and lifestyle choices. This allows them to develop personalized healthcare plans and provide advice on nutrition, exercise, and other preventive measures.
  • Peace of mind: By undergoing regular preventive check-ups, individuals can have peace of mind about their health status. These screenings and tests can ensure that everything is fine or identify potential health concerns. 

 

Don't Delay. Get Covered Today!

 

What is Included in Preventive Medical Check-ups?

Preventive check-ups include a series of tests, screenings, and consultations conducted by healthcare professionals. The specific components of a preventive check-up may vary depending on factors such as age, gender, medical history, and individual preferences. 

However, here are some typical elements that are often included:

  • Medical history review: A discussion with the healthcare provider about the individual's medical history, including any existing or past health conditions, allergies, medications, surgeries, or family history of diseases.
  • Physical examination: A thorough examination of the individual's body, including vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature), assessment of overall health, and examination of specific bodily systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal systems.
  • Laboratory tests: Various blood and urine tests may be conducted to assess various aspects of health, such as cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels (to check for diabetes), liver and kidney function, thyroid function, complete blood count, and screening for certain diseases and conditions.
  • Imaging tests: Depending on the individual's age and risk factors, imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or mammography may be recommended to screen for conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, cancers, or abnormalities in specific organs.
  • Cancer screenings: Regular screenings for common cancers like breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer may be included in preventive medical check-ups, often using methods like mammograms, Pap tests, stool tests, or colonoscopies.
  • Vaccination updates: The healthcare provider will review the individual's vaccination history and recommend any necessary vaccinations based on age, occupation, travel plans, and potential exposure risks.
  • Lifestyle counseling: Behavioral and lifestyle factors play a significant role in overall health. Therefore, preventive check-ups often involve discussions on topics like nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep patterns, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption, aiming to promote healthier habits.

 

Secure Your Health. Get Insured Now!

 

Types of Preventive Health Check-ups in India

Preventive check-ups are crucial for maintaining good overall health and preventing potential complications. 

Here are some types of preventive check-ups that individuals can undergo:

  • General health check-up: This includes a comprehensive examination to assess the overall health status. It may involve evaluating vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body mass index (BMI).

  • Blood tests: Blood tests can provide valuable information about various health aspects, including cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, liver and kidney function, thyroid hormones, and complete blood count (CBC). 

  • Dental check-up: Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health. Dentists examine the teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of cavities, gum infections, oral cancer, and other dental issues.

  • Eye examination: Eye exams are necessary to detect vision problems, eye diseases (such as glaucoma and cataracts), and other conditions like diabetes or hypertension that may affect eye health.

  • Pap smear and pelvic examination: These tests are specific to women and help in the early detection of cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other reproductive health issues.

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This test is typically recommended for men to screen for prostate cancer or other prostate-related issues.

  • Breast examination and mammography: Breast examinations and mammograms are important for women to check for any signs of breast cancer or abnormalities in breast tissue.

  • Bone density scan: This test, also known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), helps assess bone density and identify the risk of osteoporosis or fractures.

  • Colonoscopy: This procedure examines the colon and rectum for signs of colorectal cancer, polyps, or other abnormalities.

 

Protect Your Health Now. Buy the Best Health Insurance!

 

Preventive Health Check-up List

A preventive checkup test list includes a Chest X-ray, ECG, Serum creatinine, T3 level, T4 level, Blood cholesterol, and many more.

 

Type of Medical Test

List of Medical Tests

Abdominal

  • Abdominal ultrasound

Cancer/ Tumour Markers

  • Breast mammography (For women above 30 years)

  • Pap smear/ TVS (For women of 40 years and above)

  • PSA (For men above 45 years)

Cardiac Indicators

  • Chest X-ray

  • ECG

  • 2D echocardiogram

  • Coronary angiography

Diabetes

  • Fasting blood sugar

  • Random blood sugar

Kidney

  • Blood urea

  • Serum creatinine

  • BUN

Lipid Profile

  • Blood cholesterol

  • HDL

  • LDL

  • Triglyceride

Liver

  • Liver enzymes

  • Serum bilirubin

Thyroid

  • TSH

  • T3 level

  • T4 level

 

Get Covered and Stay Healthy. Buy the Best Health Insurance!

 

Preventive Check-ups For Various Age Groups

There are various preventive check-ups for various age groups such as hearing tests for 0-10 years of age, Anaemia tests for 10-20 years of age, and many more.

 

Age Group

List of Preventive Medical Tests

0-10 years

  • Auscultation

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Hearing Test

  • Newborn Jaundice

  • Ophthalmic Exam

  • Oral Examination

  • Palpation

  • Percussion

  • Reflexes

10-20 years

  • Anaemia

  • Chlamydia

  • Diabetes Test

  • Gonorrhoea

  • Hepatitis B

  • Hepatitis C

  • High Blood Pressure

  • HIV

  • Lipid Profile/ High Cholesterol

  • Obesity

  • Tuberculosis

20-30 years

  • Eye Examination

  • Diabetes Test

  • Hepatitis C

  • High Blood Pressure

  • Lipid Profile/ High Cholesterol

  • Pap Smear (Women Only)

  • Pelvic Exam (Women Only)

30-40 years

  • Colon Cancer Screening

  • Dental Examination

  • Diabetes Test

  • Eye Examination

  • Hepatitis C

  • High Blood Pressure

  • Lipid Profile/ High Cholesterol

  • Pap Smear (Women Only)

  • Pelvic Exam (Women Only)

  • Skin Cancer Screening 

  • Testicular Examination (Men Only)

40-60 years

  • Bone Mineral Density Test (Women Only)

  • Breast Cancer Screening (Women Only)

  • Cervical Cancer Screening/ HPV Test (Women Only)

  • Colorectal Cancer Screening

  • Dental Examination

  • Diabetes Test

  • Eye Examination

  • Hearing Test

  • Heart Disease Screening

  • High Blood Pressure

  • Infectious Disease Screening

  • Lipid Profile/ High Cholesterol

  • Lung Cancer Screening (Men Only)

  • Osteoporosis Screening

  • Pap Smear (Women Only)

  • Pelvic Exam (Women Only)

  • Prostate Cancer Screening (Men Only)

  • Skin Cancer Screening

  • Testicular Examination (Men Only)

Above 60 years

  • Aneurysm

  • Bone Mineral Density Test (Women Only)

  • Breast Cancer Screening (Women Only)

  • Cervical Cancer Screening/ HPV Test (Women Only)

  • Colorectal Cancer Screening

  • Diabetes Test

  • Depression Screening

  • Eye

  • Hearing Test

  • High Blood Pressure

  • Lipid Profile/ High Cholesterol

  • Pap Smear (Women Only)

  • Pelvic Exam (Women Only)

  • Prostate Cancer Screening (Men Only)

 

List of Preventive Healthcare Packages in India

In India, numerous hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers offer a variety of preventive check-up packages tailored to address specific diseases, age groups, or genders. These packages play a crucial role in promoting early detection of health issues and maintaining overall well-being. 

  • Basic Health Package: Focusing on general health screening which includes blood glucose fasting, complete blood count, etc.
  • Full Body Package: Focusing on comprehensive screening for various diseases and medical conditions which includes complete blood count, lipid profile, blood sugar levels, etc.
  • Diabetes Package: Focusing on regular monitoring for diabetic patients which includes blood glucose fasting, kidney function tests, etc.
  • Cardiac Package: Focusing on assessing cardiovascular disease risk which includes chest X-rays, ECG, etc.
  • Cancer Package: Focusing on screening for various types of cancer which includes pap smear, clinical examination, blood tests, etc.
  • HIV Package: Focusing on HIV screening and preventive measures which includes HIV 1&2 bodies, complete hemogram, blood glucose fasting, etc. 
  • Fertility Package: Focusing on fertility-related check-ups for couples which includes pelvic scan, random blood sugar, AMH test, etc. 
  • Women Package: Focusing on assessing health risks in women which includes pelvic examination, breast mammography, etc.
  • Family Package: Focusing on Full-body check-up for the entire family which includes liver function test, complete blood count, lipid profile, etc. 
  • Pediatric Package: Focusing on health risks assessment for children up to 13 years which includes dental examination, ophthalmic examination, pediatric examination, etc.
  • Dental Package: Focusing on evaluating dental health which includes assessments for plaque, cavities, tooth decay, and oral cancer. 

 

Get Covered Today. Buy the Best Healthcare Packages!

 

Preventive Health Check-up Income Tax

As per the provisions in the Income Tax Act, of 1961, individuals are eligible for tax deductions on preventive check-ups under Section 80D.

Under the current tax regime, taxpayers can avail of a tax deduction of up to Rs 5,000 on the expenses incurred for preventive medical check-ups. This deduction is applicable annually and falls within the purview of Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.

It's important to note that this deduction is inclusive of the maximum tax exemption limit available on health insurance premiums in a financial year. As of now, the overall limit for tax deductions on health insurance premiums is Rs 25,000. This means that if an individual claims the full Rs 5,000 deduction for preventive check-ups, the remaining limit available for health insurance premiums would be reduced accordingly.

For senior citizens, the maximum tax deduction limit on insurance premiums is higher, set at Rs 50,000 per financial year. This enhanced limit includes the Rs 5,000 deduction specifically allocated for the cost of preventive medical check-ups.

To avail of these tax benefits, individuals can claim deductions on expenses incurred for preventive check-ups for themselves, their spouse, dependent children, and parents. This provision aims to incentivize individuals to undergo regular health check-ups, fostering a culture of proactive healthcare.

 

Why Do You Need Preventive Medical Check-ups?

Regular preventive check-ups are essential for maintaining overall well-being and detecting potential health issues at an early stage. Here are several reasons highlighting the importance of preventive health examinations.

  • Early Detection of Health Issues: Preventive check-ups facilitate the early identification of potential health problems, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. Detecting conditions in their initial stages often result in more effective and less invasive treatment options.
  • Risk Assessment: These check-ups provide an opportunity to assess individual health risks based on factors such as lifestyle, family history, and age. Understanding one's risk profile allows for personalized health management strategies to lower potential threats.
  • Cost-Effective Healthcare: Addressing health concerns in their early stages tends to be more cost-effective than treating advanced diseases. Preventive measures can reduce the financial burden associated with extensive medical treatments, hospitalizations, and long-term care.

 

Secure Your Health Today. Contact Our Experts!

 

Factors to Consider to Buy Preventive Medical Check-ups

Preventive check-ups play an important role in identifying potential health risks and early detection of diseases. However, before buying preventive check-ups, there are several factors to should consider.

  • Personal and family medical history: Identifying personal and family medical history is crucial in determining which preventive check-up package is most suitable. This helps identify any genetic predispositions or specific health concerns that should be monitored closely.
  • Age and gender: Different age groups and genders have varying health risks and requirements. Thus, check-up packages may differ for children, adults, and senior citizens. Considering age and gender helps in choosing the appropriate tests and screenings.
  • Lifestyle and occupation: Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and occupation play a significant role in determining an individual's health risks. Considering these factors can help in selecting the right tests to assess any specific health concerns related to lifestyle choices or work-related hazards
  • Budget and affordability: It is essential to consider one's budget and affordability when buying preventive medical check-ups. Different packages may have varying costs depending on the tests and screenings offered. 
  • Comprehensive coverage: Check whether the preventive check-up package includes a wide range of tests and screenings. Look for packages that cover various health parameters, including general health, cardiovascular health, diabetes risk, cancer screenings, and other specific concerns based on individual needs.

 

Why Buy Preventive Health Check-up from Okbima?

Buying a health insurance or preventive check-up from Okbima can be beneficial for so many reasons such as a comprehensive package, customization options, and affordable pricing.

  • Comprehensive Packages: Okbima offers a comprehensive range of tests and screenings to ensure a thorough assessment of your health
  • Customization Options: Some individuals may have specific health concerns or conditions, so we have the option to customize the health check-up package according to individual needs.
  • Affordability and Transparency: Okbima offers transparent pricing yet affordable. Because hidden costs or unclear pricing can be frustrating for customers.

 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, preventive health check-ups are crucial for maintaining good overall health and preventing the onset of any potential diseases or disorders. Regular screenings and tests help identify any underlying health issues at an early stage, allowing for timely intervention and management. To buy the best health insurance plans with preventive check-ups, contact okbima experts to buy.

FAQs

Yes, preventive health check-ups are eligible for claims under certain health insurance plans, like those falling under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.

Typically, invoices and receipts from the healthcare provider detailing the preventive health check-up expenses serve as proof for claims.

No, it's not mandatory, but having health insurance can cover expenses related to preventive health check-ups, depending on the policy.

Costs vary, ranging from a few thousand to several thousand rupees, depending on the tests included in the package and the healthcare provider.

No, the health insurance premium covers the cost of preventive health check-ups, provided it's included in the policy terms.

The "best" package varies based on individual health needs. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable full body checkup.

A routine health checkup involves a set of standard medical tests to assess overall health, detect potential issues, and facilitate early intervention.

Under Section 80D, expenses on preventive health check-ups for self, family, or parents can be claimed for tax deductions, subject to specified limits.

Yes, expenses on preventive health check-ups can be claimed in your Income Tax Return (ITR) under the applicable sections, such as 80D.

The claim amount depends on the specific provisions of your health insurance policy and the limits set by tax regulations. Check your policy terms for accurate details.

Yes, medical bills, including those for preventive health check-ups, can be submitted for tax exemption under relevant sections, such as 80D.

The claim limit under Section 80D varies based on factors like age and the number of individuals covered. Check the specific limits applicable to your situation.

The insurance company provides an 80D certificate detailing premium payments. Contact your insurer or check the online portal for this document.

Premiums paid for health insurance can be claimed for tax deductions under Section 80D. Include the relevant details while filing your tax return.

Yes, medical bills, including those for preventive health check-ups, can be submitted for tax benefits under Section 80D.

While medical bills are not always required, they serve as proof for claiming deductions under Section 80D. Check your insurer's guidelines for specifics.

Submit invoices and receipts from the healthcare provider detailing the preventive health check-up expenses to your insurance company for proof.

The limit for preventive health check-ups under 80D may vary. It's advisable to keep and submit proofs like invoices to avoid any complications.

The allowable medical expenditure under Section 80D depends on factors like the number of individuals covered and their age. Refer to the tax regulations for specific limits.

The 80D exemption list includes eligible expenses for tax deductions, such as health insurance premiums and preventive health check-up costs, subject to specified limits.

Leave a Reply