Many people’s lives have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID 19), which has been declared a pandemic. The overall number of people affected by the disease in India has reached 5.1 million (as of September 16, 2020) and is still increasing. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) released circular asking insurance companies to come up with health insurance policies that provide preventive coverage for expenses related to the coronavirus disease, in light of the rising number of cases and the lack of of of news of a good vaccine.
Let us learn more about coronavirus and coronavirus insurance in order to assess its relevance in today’s world.
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a group of viruses that target a person’s immune system, causing illnesses ranging from the common cold to Extreme Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). It’s an infectious disease that started in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 is a highly infectious virus with signs that are similar to the flu. Fever, dry cough, exhaustion, and a sore throat are some of the symptoms. The illness, on the other hand, affects people differently. People above the age of 60, as well as those with pre-existing medical conditions, have died as a result of it. As previously mentioned, it is a new strain of the virus with no known cure.
Read More: Family Health Insurance
What is the concept of a Coronavirus Health Insurance Policy?
Coronavirus health insurance is a specialized health insurance program that covers hospitalization, pre-hospitalization, and post-hospitalization expenditures, as well as other medical costs associated with COVID-19 care. In India, almost all health insurance plans now have coverage for coronavirus care. The coverage starts the day after the insured is found to be coronavirus positive. COVID-19 does not fall under the group of pre-existing diseases since it is a novel disease.
Types of Coronavirus Health Insurance In India
You can buy a regular health insurance policy that covers all medical costs, including those related to the treatment of novel coronaviruses if you are looking for a comprehensive health insurance policy. The IRDA recently unveiled two short-term health insurance plans that are specifically intended to cover coronavirus care costs.
In India, there are two types of corona health insurance policies.
Corona Kavach Policy: COVID-19 Insurance
Corona Kavach Policy is a regular health insurance policy with a single premium that covers COVID-19 care costs. It is an indemnity-based health insurance program that protects both people and families at a low cost. This policy will protect you, your dependent children, your parents, and your parents-in-law for 3.5 months (105 days), 6.5 months (195 days), and 9.5 months (195 days) (285 days). The scheme, which is available from both private and general insurers, covers AYUSH treatment costs, homecare treatment costs, pre-hospitalization costs, post-hospitalization costs, and road ambulance costs. The best part about the policy is that it has a 15-day waiting period, which means you can start using the advantages of the policy right away. You may also pay an additional fee for a regular cash bonus.
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Corona Rakshak Policy: COVID-19 Insurance
Corona Raksha Policy is a traditional health insurance policy that is specifically intended to cover medical costs associated with COVID-19. It is a benefit-based health insurance policy, unlike the Corona Kavach Policy, that pays the insured a lump sum benefit equal to 100 percent of the sum insured if he or she is tested positive for COVID-19. The policy provides compensation for sum insured options ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2.5 lakh in multiples of Rs. 50,000 on an individual basis.
Individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 will buy the policy. The policy is available for brief policy periods of 3.5 months, 6.5 months, and 9.5 months, and it terminates until the benefit is paid. The policy has a 15-day waiting period, but because it is a benefits-based policy, it does not have lifelong renewability.
Best Coronavirus Health Insurance Plan in India
#1.HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company
All of our health care policies at HDFC ERGO cover hospitalisation costs for Coronavirus, according to the policy’s terms and conditions. We seamlessly cover pre-hospitalization to post-hospitalization expenses.
In this case, health insurance would be incredibly helpful because it will cover any costs that you will incur in order to obtain the appropriate care. In the event that you are infected with Coronavirus, you will incur various hospitalisation costs. We take care of your medical bills for hospitalisation, pre-hospitalization, and post-hospitalization as you concentrate on a smooth recovery. Quarantine for the sole purpose of isolation with no treatment is not protected.
If you already have an HDFC ERGO health insurance plan, we will cover hospitalisation costs incurred by the Coronavirus.
Benefits
No room rent capping
Worried that your health coverage would prevent you from getting the hospital room of your choice? You can bank on healthcare conveniences with my:health Suraksha.
A large network of cashless hospitals
To ensure that you don’t have to pay for medical expenses, we have a large partnership with 10,000+ cashless network hospitals. You can get hospitalisation coverage without paying out of pocket if you use the cashless facility.
#1.1 Crore + Happy Customers
Relationships are redefined at HDFC ERGO. We are actively working to make insurance more available, affordable, and dependable. Promises are held, claims are met, and lives are nurtured with the utmost dedication here.
Immediate Settlement of the claim
We pre-authorize cashless claims in as little as 20 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long for your application to be processed. We also resolve claims for reimbursement within 6 hours°.
What’s Covered in this?
Sum Insured rebound
This works as a miraculous back-up, recharging your depleted insurance coverage in time for your next hospitalisation due to a new illness or accident.
Costs of hospitalisation
We seamlessly protect you for medical hospitalisation due to illnesses and accidents, just like every other health insurance plan.
Benefits of AYUSH
Enable your confidence in alternative therapies such as Ayurveda, Unaani, Siddha, and Homeopathy to flourish because we also cover hospitalisation costs for AYUSH care.
Pre-Hospitalization and Post-Hospitalization
It ensures that all of your pre-hospitalization expenses, up to 60 days after admission, and post-hospitalization expenses, up to 180 days after discharge, are covered, including diagnostics, investigation, and other costs.
Benefit in Instalments
Do you prefer to pay your health insurance premium in monthly instalments? If you answered yes, then get your health insurance from us and take advantage of our payment plan.
Benefits of Recovery
If you are admitted to the hospital for more than 10 days at a time, we will cover all other financial expenses that might have occurred as a result of your absence from home. It aids in the treatment of others.
What’s not covered?
Injuries from adventure sports
Adventure sports can offer an adrenaline rush, but they can also be risky when associated with injuries. Accidents occurring when engaging in adventure sports are not covered by our guidelines.
Injuries caused by oneself
You will consider injuring yourself, but we do not want you to do so. Self-inflicted accidents are not protected by our guidelines.
War
Battle can be both devastating and unlucky. Our strategy, however, does not cover any claims resulting from wars.
Participation in military drills
Our policy does not include injuries that occur when you are serving in the military (Army, Navy, or Air Force).
Sexually transmitted diseases (Venereal or Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
We are aware of how serious your condition is. Our policy, however, excludes venereal and sexually transmitted diseases.
Obesity care or plastic surgery
Obesity treatment and plastic surgery are not covered by the insurance policy.
Waiting Periods
First 24 Months From Policy Inception
After two years, only a few diseases and procedures are compensated.
First 36 Months from Policy Inception
Pre-existing conditions that are declared and/or approved at the time of filing will be protected after the first three years of continuous renewals.
First 30 Days from Policy Inception
Only involuntary hospitalizations would be accepted.
#2.Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited
We at Tata AIG acknowledge the value of health insurance. As a result, we’ve crafted our health insurance policies to cover a wide variety of scenarios without breaking the bank. Health insurance reimburses policyholders for medical costs due to a number of diseases and accidents. It pays for the majority of your medical, surgical, and dental costs (in some cases). The majority of claims are settled without the use of cash, although in some cases, compensation is made where we do not have a contractual relationship with the hospital. These health care benefits can be accessed by paying an annual fee. Both of these things will have to be charged out of pocket if you didn’t have health insurance, which might place a burden on your finances. You will be prepared to face even the toughest health crises if you have a strong health insurance policy.
Benefits
Tax Benefits U/S 80D
Section 80D of the Income Tax Act of 1961 allows you to save up to $75,000 in taxes.
Port with Ease
We recognise that there are occasions when you might want to switch service providers. With Tata AIG, the phase of insurance portability is a breeze.
Assistance available 24/7
At 1800 266 7780, you can reach Tata AIG members at any time of day for assistance in an emergency.
Coverage for organ donors
When an insured is the recipient, medical and surgical costs for organ donation are covered.
What’s Covered in this?
In-Patient treatment
Space rent, ICU charges, nursing charges, medications, and other associated consumables are all included in in-patient care. Health costs incurred as a result of the hospitalization will be reimbursed.
Pre-Hospitalization Health Costs
Medical Expenses accrued in the 30/60 days prior to the hospital admission date.
Post-Hospitalization Health Costs
Medical Expenses incurred 60/90 days after hospital discharge.
Day care Procedures
We recognize that thanks to technological advances, many treatments that historically needed more than 24 hours of hospitalization can now be completed earlier.
Domiciliary treatment
When medical treatment for an illness/disease/injury that would normally necessitate hospitalization is administered when confined at home due to any of the following circumstances:
- the patient’s condition is such that he or she cannot be taken to a hospital, or
- the patient receives care at home due to a lack of available hospital rooms;
Organ Donor Expenses
Organ donation is one of the noblest acts one can make, and we respect this act of selflessness. When an insured is a beneficiary, our plans cover the costs of organ procurement.
Accidental Dental treatment
Dental costs are not covered by all health insurance policies. However, if you have an unfortunate mishap and need dental care, certain plans will cover the dental costs. The liability that is protected depends on the specific product policy wordings.
AYUSH Benefit
Tata AIG celebrates India, the birthplace of Ayurveda, with an AYUSH benefit. In-patient therapies based on Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, or Homeopathy are also covered by our health insurance policies.
Vaccination
After two years of continuous coverage, AIG Health Insurance plans cover premiums for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine and Hepatitis B vaccine, as well as the Anti Rabies vaccine and Typhoid vaccination without a waiting period.
What’s not Covered?
Health Insurance Exclusions
Many medical procedures are protected by Tata AIG Health Insurance, although there are several exclusions. We are an open and frank firm, and we want you to know what we don’t protect.
Tata AIG MediCare Health Insurance Medical Exclusions
- Unless it is part of a medically appropriate procedure approved by the attending Medical Practitioner for rehabilitation after an accident, cancer, or burns, plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery is not recommended.
- Rest cure, sanatorium therapy, recovery measures, private duty nursing, respite care, long-term nursing care, or custodial care are all examples of treatment options.
- Both vaccinations, including vaccinations and immunizations (except for post-bite treatment and other vaccines specifically covered);
- Unless approved by the attending Medical Practitioner as a direct result of an otherwise protected allegation, hospitalization exclusively for enteral feedings (infusion formulae through a tube into the upper gastrointestinal tract) and other nutritional and electrolyte supplements are not covered.
- External Counterpulsation (ECP), Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP), Chelation therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Rotational Field Quantum Magnetic Resonance (RFQMR), External Counterpulsation (ECP), Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP), Chelation therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Tata AIG MediCare Health Insurance Non-Medical Exclusions
- Charges paid at a Hospital mainly for diagnostic, X-ray, or laboratory tests that are not associated with or incidental to the diagnosis and care of the positive nature or presence of any Disease or Injury that necessitates hospitalization.
- Foodstuffs (except patient’s diet), cosmetics, grooming papers, body care products and bath additives, barber or beauty service, and guest service are examples of personal comfort and convenience things.
- Care offered by a Medical Practitioner that is not within his scope of practice,
- Fees paid by a Medical Professional who lives in the same house as an Insured Person or is a close relative to an Insured Person’s family.
#3.Care Health Insurance
Benefits
The following are some of the major advantages of our personalised health policies with coronavirus coverage:
Cashless Care:
We have 8350+ network hospitals around the country where you can get cashless treatment. Subject to policy terms and conditions, we will pay your medical bills directly for COVID-19 care.
COVID Care:
If a positive confirmation diagnosis is received from a Government Approved Center, it is an add-on policy that covers medical expenses for COVID-19 treatment and/or quarantines.
CARE Shield:
It has three distinct advantages. Claim Shield/Inflation Shield/No Claim Bonus Shield
Care Shield- offers security for non-payable products such as gloves, goggles, and other protective equipment.
No Claim Bonus Shield- If the cumulative payable claim amount in the Policy Year is less than 25% of the Sum Insured, the No Claim Bonus (or No Claim Bonus Super, if chosen) in the base product will not be reduced.
Inflation Shield- At each renewal, the Amount Insured will be increased cumulatively based on the previous year’s inflation rate.
In-patient Treatment:
If you are admitted to a hospital for in-patient care for a minimum of 24 hours due to coronavirus, we will cover your costs if your medical professional recommends it.
Day Care Treatment:
We will cover your Day Care Treatment costs up to the amount covered if your stay in the hospital/day care centre is less than 24 hours.
Medical Costs Prior to and After Hospitalization:
We pay pre-hospitalization medical expenses for 30 days prior to your admission date and for 60 days after your hospital discharge date.
OPD Coverage:
OPD costs will no longer be a financial burden. After a positive confirmative COVID-19 diagnosis, receive Out-Patient consultations, Medical Tests, and Pharmacy expenses up to the specified number.
Online Service:
You can buy coronavirus health insurance with only a few clicks from the comfort of your own home.
Less waiting time:
It’s a welcome relief. Our COVID Cover health insurance plans have a 15-day waiting period following policy issuance.
What’s Covered in this?
- Wide Range of Sum Insured up to 1 Crore
- *Coverage for COVID 19
- 15 days Wait period for COVID Treatment
- Annual Health Checkup for all insured members
- AYUSH Coverage
- Cover 541 daycare treatments
- Automatic recharge
- Up to 150% increase in sum insured with NCB
What’s not Covered?
- Any pre-existing ailment/injury that diagnosed/acquired within 48 months before the issuance of the first policy
- External Congenital Diseases
- Cost of Spectacles/contact lenses or dental treatment
- Any diseases contracted before the initial waiting period of 30 days except those arising out of an accident
#4. Digit Insurance
Benefits
Zero-touch insurance:
The whole process of purchasing health insurance, as well as filing claims, is paperless and can be completed in a matter of minutes online.
Additional Sum Insured Available:
Specifically, at no expense for unintentional hospitalizations and critical illnesses!
Coronavirus is covered:
Despite the fact that COVID-19 is a pandemic, our health insurance covers coronavirus.
No Age-Related Copayment:
Our health insurance does not charge a copayment based on your age. This guarantees you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket during your claims.
No Room Rent Restrictions:
We realise that everyone has different tastes. As a result, we don’t have any room rental limits. Select any hospital room that you prefer.
2X Sum Insured:
If you use up your sum insured and need it again later in the year, we will re-insure you.
Cumulative Bonus:
A reward for keeping well! Get a cumulative bonus per year.
Get Medical Treatment at Any Hospital:
Choose from 5900+ hospitals in our India network for cashless claims or reimbursement.
What’s Covered in this?
All Hospitalization, including for Coronavirus
This includes hospitalization costs incurred as a result of an illness, an accident, or a critical illness. It can be used to cover several hospitalizations as long as the cumulative costs do not exceed the insurance limit.
Daycare Procedures
Medical bills are usually only covered by health insurance for hospitalizations that last more than 24 hours. This includes surgical procedures performed in a hospital that require less than 24 hours to complete due to technical advancements.
No Age-Based CopaymentDuring a health insurance claim, a copayment is the sum of money you would pay out of pocket. There are no age-based copayments in our plans!
Room Rent CappingThe rents for various types of rooms vary. The same way that hotel rooms have tariffs. Some Digit policies allow you to have no room rent limit as long as it is less than your Amount Insured.
What’s not Covered?
Expenses for Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Care
Expenses for prenatal and postnatal care, unless hospitalization is needed.
Pre-Existing conditions
If you have a pre-existing condition, you won’t be able to file a petition for it until the waiting period is over.
Hospitalization without a doctor’s approval
Any illness for which you are admitted to the hospital that does not correspond to the doctor’s prescription is not covered.
#5. ICICI Lombard Insurance company
We make health insurance easy!
Our Corona Kavach health insurance policy has a number of appealing characteristics, including low premiums and easy renewals. Our strong network of 6500+ cashless hospitals* across the country will provide you with prompt medical care. In addition, we have an in-house claims team that assists us in providing prompt claim service to all of our clients.
In addition, as a complement to your Corona Kavach package, we give Hospital Daily Cash cover for a small additional premium. With a set daily allowance, this add-on covers your out-of-pocket costs during your Covid-19 hospitalization.
Benefits
- COVID-19 hospitalization costs are covered by all ICICI Lombard health insurance plans.
- If you have a community health insurance policy, that would protect people between the ages of 18 and 75, mostly senior citizens who are the most vulnerable to the virus.
- If a medical practitioner recommends a hospital quarantine, the health insurer may cover the costs.
- As long as your hospitalization is in India, your travel history will not affect your claim admission.
- If you’re in the hospital, you can use the ICICI Lombard (IL) Take Care mobile app to submit a claim intimation online.
What’s Covered in this?
Inpatient hospitalization
On a positive Covid-19 diagnosis in a government-approved diagnostic center, hospitalization costs (for a minimum of 24 hours) will be reimbursed. This includes expenses such as room rent, boarding, and nursing; medical professional, consultant, and specialist fees; blood, oxygen, and ventilator charges; surgical appliances; medications and drugs; diagnostics, diagnostic imaging modalities, PPE Kit, gloves, and mask costs; and diagnostics, diagnostic imaging modalities, PPE Kit, gloves, and mask costs.
Treatment at home
Home care for Covid-19 is available for a maximum of 14 days per occurrence if a medical practitioner has recommended it. Doctor appointments, paramedic assistance, routine vital monitoring by nurses, investigations, and pharmacy services are all included under this benefit (medicines). Note: If you need oxygen for Covid-19 treatment, you must be admitted to a hospital.
The cost of an Intensive Care Unit(ICU)
Expenses for intensive care units (ICU) and intensive cardiac care units (ICCU).
Treatment for comorbid conditions
Care costs for any comorbid conditions, as well as Covid-19 treatment.
Inpatient AYUSH treatment
Covid-19 hospitalization expenses you incur as a result of AYUSH (as specified in IRDAI Regulations, 2016) systems of medicine will be covered up to the amount insured, with no sub-limits. This is only valid if you have a positive Covid-19 test at a government-approved diagnostic center.
Post-hospitalization
Medical costs incurred within 30 days of discharge from the hospital or completion of home care service.
Pre-hospitalization
Expenses incurred in the 15 days prior to hospitalization or home care treatment. This also includes the expense of the Covid-19 diagnostic.
Hospital daily cash cover
the daily allowance is fixed and ranges from Rs.250 to Rs.2500. Payable for every 24 hours of continuous Covid-19 hospitalization during the policy era, up to a limit of 15 days.
Expenses for ambulances
Expenses for road ambulances, up to Rs.2,000 per hospitalization.
What’s not Covered?
- Any hospitalization costs are mainly for diagnostic and assessment purposes.
- Expenses for diagnostic testing that are unrelated to the care you are receiving
- Expenses for OPD
- Expenses for spas and natural healing centers
- Bills for non-prescribed dietary supplements and substances
- Care costs incurred outside of India