Kidney-related health disorders seem to be on the rise among millennials, though heart attacks and neurological disorders continue to be the top life-threatening ailments across the country, according to a study by SBI General Insurance.
The study has revealed that 4 per cent of the total health insurance claims paid out are for those related to kidney disorders.
Renal disorders are, in fact, the second-highest disease settled for as they are also associated with heart-related issues.
“About 70 per cent of claims settled for kidney-related ailments over the last four years are under the non-surgical category, where most of the diseases are managed with dialysis,” the study released on Wednesday said, adding that there has been a year-on-year increase between 2015-16 and 2018-19.
It also found that the majority of claims – amounting to 69 per cent – are paid from metro cities, while 31 per cent are from non-metro cities.
“This could be due to the specialised treatment and dialysis facilities available in metropolitan cities,” it said. The study further revealed that of the total claims related to renal disorders, a majority was made by men at 49 per cent in 2018-19, compared to 44 per cent by women.
‘A silent killer’
Sukhesh Bhave, Head, Accident and Health Claims, SBI General Insurance, said: “In its early stages, chronic kidney disease can lurk silently in the body, showing fewer or no symptoms at all.
“However, as time passes, it starts affecting the vital organs, leading to impairment and failure.”