Insurer's Gear Up To Deal With The Upcoming Covid Wave

Many countries, including China, Brazil, France, South Korea, and others, are currently witnessing a sudden increase in COVID cases. These countries at present are largely affected by the new variant of Coronavirus, Omicron BF.7 which is highly transmissible and is likely to result in an increase in Covid cases in other countries including India as well. It has been found that this variant has a shorter incubation period and is likely to infect even those who are vaccinated. 

In view of this sudden surge in Covid cases, the Indian government and other authorities are currently reviewing the situation. Even the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority, has reached out to insurers to tackle the predicted fourth wave efficiently. As per the Union Health Ministry, the number of active Covid cases in India witnessed a rise and increased to 3,428 on Monday. Thus, as a precautionary measure, IRDAI has advised insurance companies to prepare Covid emergency teams and enhance the facilities at network hospitals. 

Health insurance companies are advised to focus more on telemedicine support, cashless claim settlements as well as standardising the pricing of products like PPE kits. Furthermore, insurance companies have also been asked to increase awareness about Covid vaccination. For the same, discussions are ongoing to offer discounts to vaccinated policyholders. Life insurance companies on the other hand have been advised to get their capital situation assessed. While the Indian government has also revised guidelines for international arrivals and is taking other precautionary measures. 

Thus, insurers are gearing up in order to deal with the predicted fourth wave of Covid. It is also advised that individuals also take precautionary measures such as maintaining social distance, wearing face masks, using sanitisers, as well as adopting other steps to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Also Read: What Is Coinsurance In Health Insurance?