What is Critical Illness: Meaning & List of Critical Illnesses Explained

Due to lifestyle changes and various other factors, the instances of critical illnesses are on the rise. They can strike unexpectedly, causing not only physical and emotional turmoil but also substantial financial strain. 

These diseases or disorders can severely affect a person’s way of life and become lethal if medical treatment is not taken in time. In such challenging times, having the right insurance policy can be a lifeline. Most health insurance plans cover critical illnesses as per their list. 

Let’s read on to know more about critical illnesses and how health insurance that covers these can offer essential protection and peace of mind. 

Critical illness is a severe and life-threatening health condition that can have a profound impact on an individual's health and well-being. Their severity can increase if proper medical help is not taken on time and can even lead to death. However, for the purpose of insurance, it must fall into the predetermined list as per the insurance provider. 

These conditions often include heart attacks, strokes, certain types of cancer, organ transplants, and more. Critical illnesses typically result in a significant disruption to one's life and may require expensive medical treatments, prolonged recovery periods, or lifestyle adjustments. 

High Occurrence Critical Illnesses and Disease

1. Heart attack

A heart attack is one of the most commonly occurring critical illnesses. It occurs when there is an obstruction in the blood flow to the organ due to the building up of cholesterol, fat, or other substances.

In case of a heart attack, emergency medical attention is mandatory to save the patient’s life.  

2. Cancer

In today’s generation, cases of cancer have also seen a massive rise. It is a medical condition in which cells of the human body grow abnormally and form tumours. 

These tumours can infect nearby tissues and even spread to different parts of the human body. Carcinoma, Sarcoma, Leukaemia and Lymphoma are some of the most commonly occurring types.

If the diagnosis takes place at an early stage, this disease is treatable. However, complications can severely increase if there is a delay in medical treatment.

3. Stroke

A stroke or brain attack is a medical condition in which the blood supply to a specific part of the brain gets blocked. It can also occur if one of the brain's blood vessels gets ruptured leading to life-long disabilities, brain damage and even death.

Typically, there are two types of strokes - Ischemic stroke and Haemorrhagic stroke. The long-term effect that this condition can have on an individual’s health solely depends on its severity. However, immediate medical attention is critical for preventing further complications.

4. Kidney Failure

Kidney or renal failure is a condition in which one or both kidneys of a person are unable to function properly on their own. This medical condition can be temporary, acute or chronic and lead to severe complications and even permanent kidney failure.

Under such circumstances, there may be a need for dialysis or even a kidney transplant.

5. AIDS

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is a chronic, life-threatening medical condition which damages an individual’s immune system.

It is a sexually transmitted disease that can also spread from sharing needles, receiving infected blood during a transfusion, etc. Moreover, it can also affect a child during breastfeeding, childbirth or even pregnancy in case the mother suffers from AIDS.

Currently, there is no cure for AIDS, but medicines are available to control its infection and progression to a severe stage within the human body. 

6. Coma

Coma is a prolonged state of unconsciousness that can occur due to numerous factors like stroke, brain tumour, trauma due to a severe head injury, etc. It is a medical emergency that needs quick action to save the patient’s life and brain functioning.

Typically, a coma does not last for more than a few weeks. However, in prolonged cases, the individual can transition to a vegetative state, which is also known as brain death.