PHI with Paralysis of both lower extremities
How does this condition affect your private health insurance?
Lähmung beider unterer Extremitäten, medically termed paraplegia, is the complete or incomplete loss of motor or sensory function in the legs. It typically results from damage to the spinal cord or brain, often due to traumatic injuries like accidents, strokes, tumors, infections, or progressive neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis. This condition profoundly impacts mobility, independence, and quality of life, leading to challenges with ambulation, sensation, and bladder/bowel control. Management involves acute medical stabilization, extensive rehabilitation, and assistive devices to maximize remaining function and prevent 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)
Immediate to several weeks, depending on the cause (e.g., acute injury vs. progressive disease onset).
Duration of Illness (Lifetime)
Often chronic or permanent; some degree of recovery is possible with rehabilitation, but full recovery is rare.
Cost of Treatment (Initial)
Very high (tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of USD), including acute hospitalization, diagnostics, surgery (if applicable), and initial intensive rehabilitation.
Cost of Treatment (Lifetime)
Extremely high (hundreds of thousands to millions of USD), encompassing ongoing rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, personal care, and management of chronic complications.
Mortality Rate
Variable, ranging from low to significant, largely dependent on the underlying cause, severity of initial injury (e.g., high spinal cord injury complications), and management of secondary issues like infections.
Risk of Secondary Damages
Very high, including pressure sores, muscle atrophy, spasticity, chronic pain, urinary tract infections, deep vein thrombosis, respiratory issues, and significant psychological impact (depression, anxiety).
Probability of Full Recovery
Low for complete recovery of full motor and sensory function; partial recovery or improvement is more probable, depending on the cause and extent of neurological damage.
Underlying Disease Risk
High, as paralysis is typically a symptom of an underlying condition such as spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, tumors, or autoimmune disorders.