Coronavirus and Health Insurance: Things You Must Know

The Covid 19 cases across the world are a legitimate cause of concern especially if you go out frequently. The virus is extremely contagious, and the treatment for it is often expensive. Having a reliable health insurance plan is a necessity in times like these. Here are 7 things you must know about Coronavirus health Insurance: 

1. Policy Cover 

The Covid 19 Pandemic has greatly disrupted the lives of many people. Due to the various charges that get associated with it, most insurance companies have included a covid -19 cover in their existing health insurance plans. It's important to check if your existing health insurance plan covers covid-19 before considering buying a separate policy for the same.

2. Plan Options

If your current health insurance plan does not cover covid-19, it's recommended to purchase one for it separately. It's important to do this, especially if you or anyone in your family steps out of your house on a regular basis, given the highly contagious nature of the virus. Currently, there are 2 types of coronavirus policies available in India: Corona Kavach & Corona Rakshak.

Corona Kavach: It is an indemnity based health insurance policy that covers both individuals as well as families at a cheap premium. You can cover yourself, your spouse, any dependent children, and parents, under this policy for a period ranging from 3.5 months to 9.5 months.

Corona Rakshak: Unlike the Corona Kavach policy, Corona Rakshak is a benefit based plan that pays the sum insured amount in a Lump sum to an individual when they are diagnosed with Covid 19.

Listed below are some of the best health insurance plans for Covid-19:

• Corona Kavach Health Insurance Policy - HDFC ERGO
• Star Group Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) Insurance Policy
• Max Bupa Corona Kavach Health Insurance Policy

3. Waiting Period

All health insurance policies having a waiting period and the same applies to Covid-19 specific health insurance policies. The Waiting period refers to the time period from the purchase of the policy to the time you can avail of its benefits.

For most covid 19 specific policies, the waiting period is 15 days. That means you will have to wait for 15 days from the purchase of the policies before it can be used.

Hence it is wise to purchase the policy in advance instead of waiting until some symptoms start to show.

4. Cashless Hospitalization

There are two types of claims that can be filed for all health insurance policies, the same applies to covid 19 health insurance plans: Cashless Claims and Reimbursements claims.

If treatment is availed at a network hospital of the insurance company, you can file for a cashless claim and the company settles the bill with the hospital directly, resulting in cashless hospitalization as you don't have to pay for anything out of your pocket at the hospital.

If you get treated at a non-network hospital, then you’re required to pay for expenses on your own and after the necessary paperwork is completed, the insurance company reimburses you for it.

5. Home Treatment

The Pandemic has led to an acute shortage of places appropriate for treatment. Due to the sheer number of people getting hospitalized, it's hard to find a bed in hospitals.

Keeping that in mind, several health insurance companies have included a cover for people who are getting treated in the comfort of their own homes. Doctor’s visits, any medical appliances required at home for treatment of covid 19 infected persons would be covered.

6. Inclusions

The following things would be covered under Corona Kavach health insurance plans:

• The cost of PPE Kits, oxygen, ventilators, and consultation fees will be covered.
• Home Care expenses
• Pre and post hospitalisation expenses
• AYUSH treatment
• Ambulances charges

7. Exclusions

The following things would be covered under Corona Kavach health insurance plans:

• Expenses for buying medicine without a prescription by a Doctor
• Unproven treatments
• Daycare treatments
• Diagnostic expenses

Conclusion

The rising rates of Covid 19 cases in India are the cause of concern. The expenses related to treatment are costly and hence it's important to the following things related to Covid 19: 

• If your current health insurance policy covers covid 19.
• Plan options in India
• Waiting period
• Cashless hospitalization
• Home Treatment
• Inclusions and exclusions

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.