Asthma is one of the most common lung conditions in the world, affecting millions of people across all age groups and occupation categories worldwide. In Australia, about one in ten people suffer from some form of asthma, making it one of the most prevalent medical conditions in the country which makes it all the more important suffers find the right Asthma life insurance policy to protect themselves.
If you’re suffering from asthma and are finding it hard to get asthma life insurance, income protection insurance, TPD insurance or trauma insurance for your condition, don’t despair. Special Risk Managers will help you find the right cover to give you the confidence to live life fully despite having asthma.
Asthma in Australia
According to the National Asthma Council of Australia, there are over 2 million people with asthma in the country, with about 1 in 10 Australians suffering from this condition.
Asthma can affect all age groups, from young children and adults to even the elderly. Although some people are predisposed to asthma purely because of genetics, asthma can also be developed or triggered by one’s environment. Air pollutants and contaminants have been known to increase – or perhaps trigger – the development of asthma, not to mention any allergic reactions that a patient may have.
Asthma Australia reports that asthma is more common among males who are 0-14 years old while females are more commonly affected from 15 years old and over. Incidences of asthma are also about twice as high among Indigenous Australians than non-Indigenous Australians, particularly in the older age groups.
Although asthma can be controlled with medication and the proper preventive measures, it can be a particularly problematic issue for those with severe cases. The same Asthma Australia source notes that 34% of patients surveyed in 2012-13 reported that having asthma interferes with their daily life. 21.8% of respondents between 15 and 25 years old, meanwhile, also reported having to take time off from work or school because of asthma.
Clearly, asthma can be a significant hindrance to a patient’s quality of life. Managing its symptoms and treating any asthma attacks requires working with the right medication and making the right lifestyle choices to minimise it effects.
Asthma Life Insurance and Income Protection
Asthma can be an unpredictable condition, and it’s common for it to enter and exit people’s lives unexpectedly. In fact, asthma can be developed at any age, regardless of whether it was present in a patient’s youth or not. Conversely, it’s also possible for those who had asthma in their youth to find their symptoms subside – if not disappear – during adulthood.
Because of its unpredictable nature, it can be difficult to find the appropriate insurance cover for asthma. Depending on the severity and frequency of your asthma, you may be able to get asthma life insurance for the same cost as someone without it. Conversely, if your asthma is severe, it is possible that you will have to pay more for your insurances.
Although finding the right cover for your condition can be difficult, it’s not impossible. At Special Risk Managers, we’ll help you find your best life insurance options for asthma. We’ll explore your different options and find affordable and comprehensive cover according to the severity of your condition. This way, you’re less likely to pay unnecessary premiums and fees.
Call us on 1300 665 356 to get started. We’re experts at helping patients find appropriate life insurance, trauma insurance, total & permanent disability cover, and income protection insurance for special and difficult conditions.
Types of Asthma
There are two general types of asthma: ALLERGIC and NON-ALLERGIC.
Allergic asthma, also referred to as “extrinsic” asthma, is usually caused by allergens that trigger asthmatic reactions in the patient. This is the more common form of asthma that typically develops during childhood.
Non-allergic asthma (“intrinsic” asthma), on the other hand, is usually caused by infections and other environmental factors apart from allergens that stimulate the development of asthma.
Symptoms
There are two general types of asthma: ALLERGIC and NON-ALLERGIC.
As a condition that affects the lungs’ airways, asthma’s symptoms usually revolve around the capacity to breathe and the resulting quality of breathing. Its most common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Prolonged coughing
- Tightening of the chest
- Difficulty breathing
It’s important to note that each patient will experience different levels of these symptoms, depending on the severity of their condition. While some may experience intense bouts of these symptoms during asthma attacks, those with only minor asthma conditions may not even be bothered by it at all.
Causes
The exact causes of asthma are still not fully understood, but it’s thought that genetics and environmental factors play the two biggest roles in its development.
Asthma Australia notes that those with asthma usually have a history of asthma, eczema, or hayfever in the family, suggesting genetics as a predominant factor. Other research, meanwhile, shows that exposure to environmental contaminants such as tobacco smoke, chemicals, and other similar pollutants may increase the likelihood of developing asthma.
How to Cope With Asthma
Although asthma has no known cure at the moment, there are steps you can take to treat it and manage its symptoms. And even though asthma can be a lifelong condition, it doesn’t have to cripple patients for the rest of their lives. With the proper medication, guidance, and preventive measures, you can still live your life fully despite having asthma.
The following are some good ways to cope with asthma and ensure a better quality of life:
- Seek professional medical help – get the right advice and medication from medical professionals to ensure you get the best treatments for your particular case.
- Complete an Asthma Action Plan and distribute to relevant people/organisations – written Asthma Action Plans provide clear guidance on how to treat symptoms and prevent it from getting worse. With a comprehensive Asthma Action Plan in place, you and those around you will know what to do if you ever experience an asthma attack or any related complication.
- Get appropriate insurance cover – getting extra protection to help you protect your loved ones while you manage and treat symptoms (especially if they’re severe) will help you lead a more confident and less stressful life.
Asthma Life Insurance with Special Risk Managers
If you’re having difficulty finding life insurance for asthma, let us help you get the options you need. Special Risk Managers specialises in helping patients find life insurance, income protection insurance, trauma insurance, and total & permanent disability cover for a variety of difficult conditions.
We’re also committed to providing the assistance that every client deserves, no matter their condition or situation. Call us today on 1300 665 356 to find out how we can help.