PHI with Edward syndrome
How does this condition affect your private health insurance?
Edward Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 18, is a severe genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 18. It is characterized by significant developmental delays and numerous birth defects, including severe heart abnormalities, kidney malformations, and intestinal problems. Infants often present with a small head (microcephaly), small jaw (micrognathia), clenched fists with overlapping fingers, and rocker-bottom feet. The condition is associated with extremely poor prognosis, with most affected infants not surviving beyond the first year of life due to life-threatening medical complications.
PKV Risk Assessment
Individual, specialized PHI providers may still insure you, but with a significant surcharge.
Impact on Your Insurance Policy
Duration of Illness (Initial)
Present at birth, lifelong if survival occurs beyond infancy
Duration of Illness (Lifetime)
Usually very short, most infants do not survive beyond the first year of life; chronic for the rare survivors
Cost of Treatment (Initial)
High (intensive care, diagnostic tests, supportive care, palliative care)
Cost of Treatment (Lifetime)
Very high (ongoing specialist care, therapies, surgeries, palliative support for survivors)
Mortality Rate
Extremely high (over 90% within the first year of life)
Risk of Secondary Damages
Very high (severe developmental delays, profound intellectual disability, congenital heart defects, kidney issues, feeding difficulties, respiratory problems, skeletal abnormalities)
Probability of Full Recovery
Virtually none (chromosomal disorder, no cure, only supportive and palliative care)
Underlying Disease Risk
Not applicable; Edward Syndrome is a primary genetic disorder that causes a multitude of associated health issues rather than being secondary to other underlying diseases.