Many people avoid getting tested and treated for STDs due to the stigma and lack of knowledge about health insurance coverage. Here’s all you must know to keep yourself safe.
Whether your health insurance policy covers s-xually transmitted diseases (STDs) or not comes second. First and foremost, practice safe and protected s-x, no matter what. STDs refer to infections one contracts when they have unprotected s-xual contact. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites usually cause these. Even if they overcome embarrassment or shame, many patients do not seek medical help for STDs as they are unaware of the expenses a-sociated with testing and treatment. Despite the discomfort, they are reluctant to undergo a test because they are unsure if their health insurance policy covers STDs. Well, a very few health insurance plans include STD testing and diagnosis coverage. It is, therefore, essential to compare health insurance policies and providers and opt for one that would pay for STD-related expenses.
If you have or regularly indulge in risky s-xual behaviour, it’s crucial to get tested, irrespective of whether you experience symptoms. Getting tested and treated is non-negotiable, especially if you exhibit symptoms because STDs can spread to other organs, are communicable and may even lead to death if you do not seek timely and quality medical care.
As stated above, a very few health insurance plans cover testing and treatment for STDs. Insurers settle claims to a certain amount for infections, including HIV, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and others. However, it would help to ensure this, as the provision and extent of cover differ from insurer or insurer and even plan to plan. You also should be mindful of the kind of coverage to reap health insurance benefits. For example, you could use diagnostic testing and preventive screenings that an insurer provides.
Your plan’s ability to pay for STD testing and treatment will depend on many variables, including age, gender, medical history, pregnancy, and more. Most health insurance policies provide HIV testing for customers aged between 15 and 65 years. On the other hand, coverage for infections such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, and others may be unavailable. Typically, these tests are a part of the preventative health benefits of insurance policies.
You can tell whether or not you will have complete or partial coverage for STDs depending on if it’s preventive screening or diagnostic testing. If you do not exhibit any STD symptoms, the insurer will view it as a preventive screening and measure. On the other hand, if you show signs and experience discomfort, it becomes a diagnostic test. For instance, you must undergo a diagnostic test if you complain of itching and burning with discharge in your genitals. While insurers provide coverage for preventive screening, most health insurance plans do not cover diagnostic tests entirely, and you may need to foot the bill for the procedure.
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GST taxpayers can't claim any pending input tax credit if this return is not filed by November 30, 2024 for FY 2023-24
