The first health insurance for diabetics was recently developed, by ICICI Prudential Life Insurance of India. Often discriminated against in traditional insurance plans, (both health and life) diabetics may now have reason to hope for fair health care.

ICICI Prudential's policy will cover diabetic individuals in the age group of 25 to 60 years for sum assured options of Rs 3 lakh, Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh. The initial cover is for five years but the policy can be renewed.

The individual covered will receive payment of the sum assured on diagnosis of any of six critical illnesses related to heart, kidney, eye and foot associated with diabetes.

The annual premium for a 25-year-old individual for a sum assured of Rs 3 lakh is likely to be Rs 8,000 for a male and Rs 7,000 for a female. However, premium will be reduced year-on-year if the patient shows good control over diabetes leading to up to 30 per cent less premium.

Perhaps this will pave the way for more specialized health insurance for diabetics. Are you happy with the coverage offered by your plan?