Sign In
For assistance with claim related queries in the CYCLONE affected regions of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, please click here

Have a Family History of Diseases: Here's What You Should Do

​There are a lot of things we inherit from our elders. With the looks and genes, we also happen to get the diseases that run in the family. It is avoidable and with the right precautions, you can ensure that it does have a huge impact on your life. Several factors give clues to the medical issues that run in the family. Lifestyle, environment and genes play a crucial role in it. You may have to consider three generations in the family to know more about the history of diseases.

How to know about your family's history of diseases?​

When you notice the patterns of diseases or disorders among relatives, you will be able to know about their history. It is important to know about the family history of the disease as it will allow medical professionals to determine if any member of the family or the future generation is at risk of developing a certain medical condition.

Which type of diseases is linked to it?​

There are different types of family history of diseases you must be aware of. Few common diseases include Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can lead to serious conditions and it is something that should not be overlooked. Genes play a huge factor in heart disease but, likely, people with a family history of heart disease often share the same environment which increases their risk. High blood pressure also leads to hypertension which is an equally serious condition.

Type 2 diabetes is another common condition linked to family history. Further, a family history of mental illness can also increase the chance of developing the disease. There are a few types of cancers that have hereditary factors and can be associated with family history. 


You must remember that it is not certain that hereditary diseases will pass on to the younger generation. With the right precautions, it is possible to reduce the risk of the disease. Changes in the diet and lifestyle can make a huge difference to your health. The first step is to gain awareness about the health conditions that run in the family and then take the essential steps to avoid them. You need to engage in physical activity, sleep well, eat healthily and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How can health insurance help me?​

Diseases like cancer, diabetes or cardiovascular condition can lead to serious medical issues. If you do not pay attention to your health at the right time, it could lead to a chronic illness. The cost of healthcare is constantly rising and a medical condition could put you in financial trouble. To avoid draining your savings, you need to invest in health insurance for hereditary diseases. The right policy will cover all the medical conditions listed above. Since there are no specific health insurance plans for hereditary conditions, you need to choose a plan based on your age and health.

There are several health insurance benefits like cashless claims, reimbursement of the cost incurred for treatment, daycare, ambulance service, free health checkup and more. Insurance companies have a tie-up with different hospitals across the country and this will allow you to get the best medical treatment without incurring high out of pocket costs. Health insurance coverage is essential for individuals of all ages. If you want to stay on the safer side, you can purchase a critical illness cover. It will provide a lump sum benefit at the time of diagnosis of a critical illness.​