Thyroid: Essential Information on Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Insurance

The thyroid gland quietly coordinates essential physiological processes that allow us to enjoy daily life without problems. Its silent operation means issues often remain unnoticed until serious thyroid symptoms arise.

Therefore, it’s important to learn about thyroid symptoms, their causes, treatments and why health insurance coverage is crucial. Join us as we delve into these important aspects.

Thyroid and Its Causes

The thyroid gland, present in all vertebrates, including human beings, produces three vital hormones—T3 or triiodothyronine, T4 or thyroxine, and calcitonin. These hormones affect child growth, the body’s metabolism and protein synthesis capabilities. 

Problems arise when the secretion of these hormones is abnormal.

• Hyperthyroidism – excess secretion of thyroid hormones.   
• Hypothyroidism – hormone secretion is insufficient.   
• Inflamed thyroid or thyroiditis – chronic inflammation in the thyroid 
• Enlarged thyroid or goitre – deficiency of iodine, inflammation, immune response, and many other reasons.  
• Nodules in the thyroid – overgrown internal cells of thyroid glands.
• Thyroid cancer – genetic conditions, chronic inflammation, untreated goitre and exposure to radiation.

The majority of thyroid-related disorders are treatable. So, it is necessary to be careful about common thyroid symptoms and consult a physician as soon as such symptoms surface. 

Thyroid Symptoms

These symptoms are indicative. Only a physician can diagnose the true nature of a thyroid problem.

Self-diagnosis and self-medication must be strictly avoided. 

Thyroid Treatments

Some treatments specific to thyroid-related problems include:

• Hyperthyroidism – Taking hormone replacement medication 
• Hypothyroidism – Taking antithyroid medication, managing symptoms, and surgery  
• Thyroiditis – antibiotic therapy, pain control and managing inflammation 
• Goitre – iodine-based treatment, hormonal medication, managing symptoms and surgery in case of large goitre 
• Nodules in thyroid – no specific treatment except managing symptoms if nodules are noncancerous.   
• Thyroid cancer – removal of thyroid, hormonal medication and radiation therapy   

Thyroid Treatment Cost

Approximate costs for thyroid treatments: 

• Consultancy fees – ₹800 to ₹1,500 per session.
• Diagnostic tests – ₹500 to ₹1,500 per test.
• Medications – ₹300 to ₹1,000 per month.
• Thyroidectomy – ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh.
• Radioactive therapy – ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per session.
• Radioactive ablation – ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000.

So, you can expect  ₹60,000 to ₹1.5 lakh costs with recurring monthly expenditure on medications, testing, and regular checkups. 

Health Insurance Cover for Thyroid Treatment 

Medical insurers consider thyroid problems as pre-existing diseases. Patients may need to wait for 2 to 4 years before making a claim. The waiting period starts from the date of commencement of the insurance cover.

Key Insurance Features for Thyroid Treatments

• Free annual health checkup: helps to diagnose thyroid-related conditions.   
• Cashless hospitalisation: saves patients from making upfront payments to hospitals for surgical treatments. 
• Pre & post-hospitalisation benefits: covers consultation fees, diagnostic tests, scans, x-rays and post-hospitalisation caregivers’ costs.   
• Tie-ups with network and non-network hospitals: offers a wider option of hospitals and nursing homes to choose from for treatment.
• Pre-Existing Disease reduction riders: By purchasing this add-on, your waiting period will be shortened for coverage of pre-existing diseases.

Insurance Claim Process for Thyroid Treatments 

For claiming reimbursement of pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, you need to have the following documents ready: 

• Original copies of bills and receipts.
• Medical certificates.
• Discharge documents.  
• Original prescriptions.
• Medicine bills.

Once submitted, the insurer verifies the documents and determines the accuracy of the claimed expenses. Once approved, the insurer pays out the money. 

Are there any limitations on insurance coverage for thyroid diseases? 

Insurers consider thyroid problems as pre-existing diseases. Anyone buying health insurance for thyroid will compulsorily need to wait for 2-4 years before they can claim for thyroid treatments. 

Key Takeaways

You must not ignore thyroid symptoms for a prolonged period. Most of these conditions can be cured with proper thyroid treatments. Health insurance for thyroid patients has made these treatments a lot more affordable. So, get your health insurance today! Browse plans on platforms like PhonePe which also offers a seamless and hassle-free purchase experience.