Health Insurance Glossary H

Health Care Provider

A doctor, hospital, laboratory, nurse, or anyone who delivers medical or health-related care.

Home Health Care

Services given at home to aged, disabled, sick, or convalescent individuals not needing institutional care. The most common types of home care are visiting nurse services and speech, physical, occupational, and rehabilitation therapy. These services are provided by home health agencies, hospitals, or other community organizations.

Hospice Care

Care for the terminally ill and their families, in the home or a non-hospital setting, that emphasizes alleviating pain rather than a medical cure.

Hospital Care

Reimbursement for both inpatient and outpatient medical care expenses incurred in a hospital. Inpatient Benefits include; Charges for room and board, charges for necessary services and supplies sometimes referred to as 'hospital extras,' 'other hospital extras,' 'miscellaneous charges,' and 'ancillary charges. Outpatient Benefits include; surgical procedures, rehabilitation therapy, and physical therapy.

Hospital-Surgical Coverage

A form of health insurance that offers coverage of certain costs related to hospitalization and surgical procedures. A hospital-surgical plan does not cover other types of medical services, such as physician office visits and outpatient prescription drugs.

Haemorrhoids (Piles)

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen blood vessels that can occur inside or around the anus. While it's normal to have blood vessels in the anus, enlargement of these vessels can lead to the development of haemorrhoids, which can cause symptoms.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a prevalent childhood viral illness characterised by blisters on the hands and feet, as well as ulcers in the mouth. Although it can be unpleasant, it is typically mild, and most individuals recover within one to two weeks. It is distinct from foot and mouth disease, which solely affects cattle, sheep, and pigs.

Hayfever

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Self-help measures and over-the-counter medications are typically effective in managing hay fever symptoms.

Head lice

Head lice are small insects that reside on the scalp and neck, causing itching and discomfort, although they are not harmful. Nits are the empty egg cases of head lice. It's essential to treat head lice promptly to prevent them from spreading to others.

Heart attack

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, leading to a serious medical emergency. It can be life-threatening. Prompt treatment is crucial for survival, as the sooner treatment is received, the better the chances of survival.

Heart valve disease

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart valves fail to function properly, disrupting blood flow through the heart. This can lead to increased strain on the heart and symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fatigue, and chest pain. Heart valve disease can range from mild to severe and, if left untreated, can be life-threatening.

Heart valve surgery

Heart valve surgery is a procedure aimed at repairing or replacing heart valves that are leaking, narrowed, or infected. This surgery is performed to alleviate symptoms of heart valve disease and prevent permanent damage to the heart.

Heavy periods (menorrhagia)

Heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, refer to menstrual bleeding that is so excessive that it disrupts daily activities. This condition is common and tends to become more prevalent as individuals age.

Hiatus hernia

A hiatus hernia, also known as a hiatal hernia, occurs when part of the stomach moves upward into the chest cavity. This condition can lead to symptoms such as heartburn. Treatment for a hiatus hernia may not always be necessary, but various measures can help alleviate symptoms.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a prevalent medical condition characterised by elevated pressure in the arteries. It often presents without noticeable symptoms. However, individuals with high blood pressure are at increased risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, or kidney disease. While lifestyle modifications can help reduce high blood pressure, medications may be necessary in some cases.

High cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat that’s made by your body and is found in some foods. You have cholesterol in every cell of your body – it’s vital for good health. But although your body needs cholesterol to work properly, too much of some types of cholesterol can harm your health.

Hip replacement and hip revision

Hip replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged or worn hip joint with artificial components to alleviate pain and enhance mobility. A hip revision operation, on the other hand, is a subsequent hip replacement procedure. It is performed to replace an artificial hip joint that has become loose, worn out, or infected.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment aimed at alleviating symptoms associated with menopause. It involves supplementing or replacing hormones such as estrogen, and if necessary, progesterone and sometimes testosterone as well.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus (womb). It is employed as a treatment for various medical conditions. Following a hysterectomy, menstruation ceases, and the individual is no longer able to conceive.

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a medical procedure utilized to examine the interior of the uterus for any abnormalities. During the procedure, a hysteroscope, a thin tube-like instrument, is inserted into the vagina, guided through the cervix, and into the uterus for observation.