Driving vehicles for long hours, especially trucks and trolleys, can be very taxing for the drivers. Long-haul truck drivers are at a higher risk of poor health outcomes and several medical conditions. There are trucking companies that ensure that the medical expenses of their drivers are covered in instances of accidents and illnesses. But there are several others with reservations.
Besides health conditions, occasional and unfortunate accidents can also take a financial toll on drivers and their companies. Therefore, choosing health insurance for truck drivers is crucial to managing medical expenses and costs after incidents of accidents.
In this blog, we will refer to the various health conditions truck drivers expose themselves to and how health insurance is essential during challenging times.
The most common health issues faced by truck drivers
Owing to a sedentary lifestyle, mainly eating ready-to-eat store-bought foods significantly impacts the health conditions of truck drivers. Here is a list of health issues truck drivers mostly have to deal with owing to the nature of their jobs.
1. Obesity
Usually defined by the body mass index, obesity is one of the most common health conditions truck drivers often face. Being in the same posture most of the time, eating at odd hours affects the overall metabolism of the drivers and raises severe health concerns. Drivers hardly indulge in any physical exercise, which ultimately leads to obesity.
As per studies, seven out of ten truckers in the USA are obese. Other health concerns that often accompany obesity are coronary diseases, insomnia, and type 2 diabetes.
2. Lung Cancer
As per studies, 70 percent of truck drivers smoke. Apart from smoking, truck drivers are also heavily exposed to diesel exhaust, which has adverse effects on their health.
Drivers smoke to relieve themselves from stress, but it also increases their chances of getting lung cancer. Gasoline fumes and similar chemicals also pose health threats to drivers. Several healthinsurance plans for truck driversoffer coverage for medical bills in the occurrence of deadly diseases.
3. Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is common among people who smoke and are obese. This condition disrupts the airflow when the affected person tries to sleep. It leads to improper rest, fatigue, and a slower metabolism. The common symptoms are loud snoring, day sleeping, morning headache, nervy sleep, irritation, mood swings, anxiety, depression, memory loss, etc.
The issue is so severe that some countries do not allow truck drivers to drive if they have sleep apnea.
4. Unbalanced sleep routine
Everyday driveway driving and weather conditions are not constants. Drivers may need to drive continuously without following a set schedule. The body may become fatigued due to an incorrect sleep schedule.
Drivers may be forced to work later shifts due to inclement weather or traffic jams that interfere with their planned day. This affects drivers’ sleep schedules and results in longer days.
5. Hypertension
Truck drivers are generally more susceptible to hypertension than an average person, which can be brought on by a variety of factors, such as an unhealthy diet that is heavy in salt.
The most significant approach for drivers to prevent hypertension or at least keep it under control is to actively work toward eating healthier, smoking less, and moving more.
Reasons why health insurance is essential for truck drivers?
Health insurance has a lot of benefits. There is a myth that truck drivers and foreigners in the US cannot access health insurance, but this is not true. Health insurance is available for foreigners and truck drivers, regardless of origin. Health insurance for foreigners and health insurance for truck driversis essential for their overall well-being. As mentioned above, several trucking companies provide truck drivers with specific medical coverage, but many do not. Even if the companies offer coverage for medical bills, certain mishaps and accidents are not covered. In such cases, truck drivers should go through several plans and make an informed decision for their safety.
1. Coverage against medical expenses:
The financial security that health insurance offers is one of its main benefits. Unexpected medical costs can occur anytime, as we are all aware. The expenses, ranging from minor ailments to severe accidents, can mount up quickly and strain our budgets. Health insurance is a safety net, protecting you from potentially expensive expenditures.
2. Access to quality healthcare
The possibility of accessing both primary care physicians and specialists is a notable benefit. Some health plans only cover primary care, limiting access to specialists for check-ups or diagnostic aids.
3. Coverage for injuries
It is a fact that operating a truck can be physically taxing, and workplace accidents or injuries are not unheard of. Your health is at risk from long driving hours, heavy freight loading and unloading, slips and falls, and other incidents. Having health insurance is similar to having a trustworthy companion at your side in need.
4. Emotional well-being
We cannot overlook the mental and emotional aspects of driving a truck, even though physical health is essential. Your mental health may suffer if you spend a lot of time alone yourself when traveling. Loneliness, the stress of long trips, and the pressure to fulfill deadlines may impact your emotional condition. It’s critical to acknowledge and deal with these issues. The good news is that health insurance programs often cover mental health services.
In summary,
Health insurance for truck driverscovers both planned and unforeseen medical treatments worldwide. One can benefit from better access to healthcare, financial security, coverage for diseases and injuries, help with preventive care, and even mental and emotional health assistance when you have health insurance.
Never forget that nothing is more crucial than your health!
