With the rise in pollution levels and stressful lifestyles, our bodies are at constant risk of developing various medical conditions that can even be life-threatening. Hence, it is important to opt for regular preventive health checkups to identify any early signs of potential health issues before they become severe.
It is recommended that all adults, even when they are healthy, undergo regular preventive health checkups to ensure timely detection of any health problems that are usually easier to treat during the early stages. This increases the chances of getting timely treatment and avoiding any serious complications.
The frequency of preventive health checkups depends on several factors such as age, health, family history, and lifestyle choices.
What are Preventive Health Check ups?
Preventive health checkups are medical examinations aimed at detecting and recognizing any potential health issues early, even when taking necessary precautions such as having a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising. These checkups can help identify and reduce the risk of developing a disease before it reaches a critical stage, by detecting infections, medical conditions, and disease behaviours early on. Regular preventive health checkups are crucial for maintaining good health.
Who requires Preventive Health Checkup?
Preventive health checkups are recommended for people in the working age group (35-65 years) who are increasingly being affected by lifestyle diseases.
International consensus suggests that men above 35 and women above 40 should undergo annual preventive health checkups. Individuals with a significant family history of a particular disease should start screening tests 10 years before the youngest family member developed that disease (e.g. diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, breast, prostate or colon cancer).
What are the benefits of Preventive Health Check-ups?
Preventive health checkups offer numerous benefits and are crucial in maintaining good health:
- Early detection of diseases
- Assessment of disease risk
- Active involvement in healthcare
- Keeping up-to-date with the latest medical data and technologies
- Encouraging a healthy lifestyle and increasing longevity
- Keeping medical expenses under control by reducing sudden and unforeseen medical expenses
- Management of diseases when detected early
- Avoidance of expensive treatment and potential fatalities resulting from delayed detection
Which all Preventive Health Check-ups should be considered for different age groups?
Preventive health checkups should include different tests based on the age group:
- Infants & Children (0-10 years): Auscultation, Palpation, Newborn jaundice, Ophthalmic Test.
- Adolescence (12-19 years): Obesity, Diabetes, Anaemia, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, High Cholesterol.
- 20 to 40 years: Blood Pressure, Liquid Profile, Pelvic exam and pap smear (women), Hepatitis C, Testicular Examination (men), Eye Examination, Dental exam, Skin self-exam for skin cancer.
- Above 40 years: Cholesterol Screening, Heart Disease Screening, Cancer Screening, Infectious Disease Screening, Osteoporosis Screening, Bone mineral density test (women), Diabetes.
- Above 60: Prostate cancer screening, Colorectal cancer screening, Hearing test, Aneurysm, Immunizations.
It’s important to note that the specific tests may vary based on individual factors such as gender and family medical history.
Are there tax deductions available for Preventive Health check-ups?
Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act 1961, taxpayers can claim tax deductions for health insurance premiums and preventive medical check-ups. Individuals can claim a total deduction of INR 25,000 for themselves and an additional INR 25,000 for their parents’ insurance, with a higher deduction limit of INR 50,000 if their parents are senior citizens.
Additionally, taxpayers can claim up to INR 5,000 worth of tax benefits for preventive health check-ups under the same section. It is important to keep this information in mind when purchasing health insurance.
Preventive Healthcare is an investment – Early detection of health problems
Preventive health checkups not only detect diseases early but also reduce the financial burden of expensive treatment at a critical stage, making them essential for a healthier life.
Preventive healthcare is a wise investment that can help avoid the high cost of medical care and potential bankruptcy. Insurance companies understand the financial benefits of covering preventive medical expenses, and we should take advantage of any such benefits offered by our insurance. By investing in our health now, we can avoid the potentially devastating financial impact of treating a chronic illness or serious malady later.
List of preventive healthcare packages available in India:
- Basic Health Package
- Full Body Package
- Diabetes Package
- Cardiac Package
- Cancer Package
- HIV Package
- Fertility Package
- Family Package
- Women Package
- Paediatric Package
- Dental Package
It is important to note that the specific details of each package may vary depending on the plan or company providing the package. Some insurance companies may also offer free annual preventive checkups with their policies, so it is recommended to check with the insurance provider for any available packages.
Ayu Health provide a plethora of health packages to choose from at the most pocket-friendly prices. Visit our website to book a consultation with our doctors and take proactive steps toward maintaining your health and well-being.
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About the Author
Dr. S. Goel
Dr. S. Goel is a renowned Internal Medicine Specialist currently practicing at Ayu Health, Bangalore. He is a Specialist in Internal Medicine, Diabetes HTN, Paediatric Care, and Family Medicine.