Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered Under Health Insurance?

Sinusitis is one of the most prevalent health issues impacting people around the globe. Imagine visiting a destination and suddenly starting to sneeze due to dust, or dealing with a runny nose in the winter, it can be incredibly frustrating. For many individuals, home remedies such as steam inhalation, nasal irrigation, and over-the-counter decongestants offer some relief. However, there are times when these methods may not be enough, and more advanced medical treatments such as a balloon sinuplasty become necessary. 

In this blog, we will discuss sinusitis in detail and discover is balloon sinuplasty covered by insurance.

Understanding Sinusitis

The first question that arises is what is a sinus? They are basically cavity spaces in your head and around your nose. The primary function of these cavities is to produce mucus, which is drained through the nasal passage, ensuring your nose is clean and bacteria-free. 

Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, occurs when the sinuses become inflamed due to an infection or other underlying causes like allergies. This inflammation causes a variety of symptoms, including nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headache, fever, and even fatigue. The severity of these conditions varies depending on the person. You might be surprised to learn that sinusitis can last from a few days to a couple of weeks for some people and can also be severe and last for years for others.  That’s when some people turn to surgical procedures like balloon sinuplasty to address the issue.

What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Medications serve as the primary approach for addressing various medical conditions. Nevertheless, if there is no improvement following their use, surgical intervention is advised. Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to treat chronic sinusitis by opening up blocked sinuses.  

What Happens During Balloon Sinuplasty?

It is a minimally invasive and low-risk surgical procedure that is different from traditional sinus surgery. A  small balloon is inserted into the blocked sinus, and it is gently inflated. The balloon opens up the blocked sinus, allowing mucus and air to flow freely, which helps relieve the pressure and pain associated with sinusitis. However, the common question that might pop up in your brain is— is it painful? The answer is no. You are usually given local anesthesia during the procedure, so it is not painful. 

Do Health Insurance Plans Cover Balloon Sinuplasty?

If you are suffering from severe sinusitis and are considering purchasing surgery insurance, the first question you should ask your insurer is balloon sinuplasty covered by insurance plans. Which is right. When you invest your money in a plan, you have the right to receive adequate coverage. It's important to note that health insurance policies can vary significantly based on the insurer, the specific plan, and even your geographical location. However, since balloon sinuplasty is regarded as a medically necessary procedure, it is covered under surgery insurance. 

To be eligible for balloon sinuplasty insurance coverage, some insurers might ask for the following:

• Insurance companies generally require a diagnosis of chronic sinusitis. 
• Before approving the procedure, many insurance providers will require evidence that less invasive treatments have been tried and failed to relieve symptoms. This might include medications, nasal irrigation, or lifestyle changes.
• Depending on your medical insurance, pre-authorisation might be required. This means you have to submit documentation to the insurance company, verified by your doctor, to prove that balloon sinuplasty is medically necessary for your condition.

Coverage Options Under Health Insurance Policies

You get the coverage for the following medical expenses under balloon sinuplasty insurance coverage. Let’s take a look at them: 

• Pre-and post-hospitalisation expenses
• In-patient hospitalisation expenses
• Daycare treatments
• Domiciliary hospitalisation
• Ambulance charges

How is Balloon Sinuplasty Beneficial?

If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis and frustrated by persistent sneezing or nasal congestion, balloon sinuplasty could be your lifesaver. Mentioned below are some of the points that highlight the advantages of this surgical procedure.

• Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty involves no incisions or tissue removal. The procedure is less invasive, which typically results in less pain and a faster recovery time.
• Quick Recovery: Since it is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, it does not require a long time for recovery. You can resume normal activities within 24-48 hours of the procedure. 
• Reduced Risk of Complications: There is a lower risk of complications in balloon sinuplasty compared to traditional sinus surgery.

What are the Risks Associated With Balloon Sinuplasty?

While this is a low-risk procedure, it’s important to be aware of potential complications:

• Infection: As with any procedure that involves inserting instruments into the body, there’s a risk of infection.
• Bleeding: Minor bleeding can occur during the procedure, though it’s usually minimal and stops quickly.
• Sinus Perforation: In rare cases, the sinus wall may be punctured, requiring further treatment or surgery.
• Ineffective Results: Balloon sinuplasty is not the ultimate solution for sinusitis. So it may not work for everyone. 

Wrapping Up

If you’re struggling with chronic sinusitis and have exhausted other treatment options, consider balloon sinuplasty. However, before undergoing the procedure, it’s important to consider balloon sinuplasty health insurance coverage to understand your financial responsibilities. Although, you do not have to be stressed as this surgical procedure is covered under surgery insurance. 

At Niva Bupa, we offer an affordable range of insurance products, including surgery insurance. We aim to give extensive coverage, including 24x7 customer assistance and access to top-notch healthcare services, so can focus on your recovery rather than worrying about your medical expenses. We have a large customer base of more than one crore happy customers demonstrating our commitment to customer service. 

FAQs

Is sinus surgery covered by insurance?

Yes, all the insurance companies offer coverage for sinus surgery. 

Is balloon sinuplasty risky?

Although balloon sinuplasty is considered a low-risk surgery, infection and bleeding may be a concern. 

How painful is balloon sinuplasty?

No, balloon sinuplasty is not a painful procedure.