Coronavirus Health Insurance Solution Guide

The onset of Covid-19 has divided the globe in pre and post-Covid times. Our world is never going to be the same again. Even after half of the year 2021 has gone, the pandemic has been drastically affecting every part of our lives.

As India tries to speed up the vaccination drive, the number of deaths due to coronavirus has crossed the 4 lakh mark. The vaccination process started in January this year, so far only 5% of the population has been vaccinated fully. With over 30 million cases, more and more states are coming up with stricter laws as we still have the fear of the third wave looming over us. This deadly virus is not just highly contagious, but the repercussions of being infected are far too many. Apart from physical health, the diseases can cause great havoc financially as well. In such a scenario having an appropriate health insurance plan has become a basic necessity. 

Introduction to Coronavirus Health Insurance Plans in India

Under the guidelines issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority in India (IRDAI), covid-specific health insurance health plans have been launched. Although all health insurance plans in India provide hospitalisation expenses for Covid-19, there are some Covid-Specific Health Insurance Plans launched to overcome this specific concern. Such insurance plans, also called Covid 19 insurance plans, can greatly help in providing extensive coverage and saving you from dipping into your savings to pay for the high-cost treatment. 

The customised corona insurance plans cover the in-hospitalisation charges, the pre and post-hospitalisation and the various other medical expenses that you may have to make if you or an insured family member is tested positive with the virus. All insurers have been mandated to provide covid 19 insurance plans that offer you comprehensive cover. 

What is Coronavirus?

The Novel Coronavirus, which is a group of viruses that attack the immunity of an individual, can cause a range of diseases, starting from a common cold to SARS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The virus can cause infection in the upper throat, nose and sinuses. This virus is highly contagious and can affect people of all age groups. Individuals who are over the age of 60 years and those who already are suffering from some medical conditions are more prone to fall prey to this deadly virus.

Having a health insurance plan is more crucial than ever before. In a country where the insurance penetration is less than 5%, the government has been encouraging health insurance companies to launch more and more coronavirus insurance. A covid insurance plan will support you in managing your healthcare expenditure. And in a time when you are physically and mentally stressed, you would be assured of the finances being taken care of.

Key benefits of Coronavirus Health Insurance

Let us take a look at the key benefits of Covid insurance:

Types of Coronavirus Health Insurance Plans in India:

According to the IRDAI guidelines, all indemnity health insurance plans cover hospitalisation that is caused by Covid-19. However, with the Covid scare upending our lives in every possible way, it is only prudent that you cover yourself or your family against the financial crisis that the high-cost treatment can lead you to. Whether you have a regular health insurance policy or not, you can always consider buying coronavirus insurance. 

1. Corona Kavach Policy

   Launched by the IRDAI, Corona Kavach Policy is an indemnity based health insurance policy that covers the in-patient expenses due to Covid-19. In case you or an insured family member is diagnosed Covid positive at a government recognised healthcare centre/ hospital and requires hospitalisation of 24 hours or more, the medical expenses incurred due to the treatment will be covered by this policy. This is a covid-specific policy that would indemnify the expenses only related to covid hospitalisation. Being a standard Covid-19 insurance policy, the premiums applied are similar across different insurance companies.

   The main features of this covid insurance policy are as follows:

   1. You can opt for a sum insured from INR 50,000 to INR 5 lakhs
   2. An Indian between the age group of 18 to 65 years can buy this policy
   3. Corona Kavach Policy is available on an individual and on family floater basis
   4. Expenses on the consumables including PPE kits, ventilator, masks and gloves etc are covered
   5. The policy comes with a waiting period of 15 days
   6. You can opt for a policy term of 3.5 months, 6.5 months and 9.5 months
   7. Doctor-prescribed home care expenses are covered up to 14 days
   8. Pre and post-hospitalisation charges are covered for 15 and 30 days respectively
   9. Alternate treatments are also covered that include AYUSH treatments
   10. Road ambulance charges, for transport in a Covid emergency, up to a specified limit are covered
   11. You can avail an add-on of Hospital Cash by paying an extra premium
   12. Depending on the insurer and the hospitals, a cashless claim can be made<
2. Corona Rakshak Policy

   Another covid-19 insurance plan introduced under the guidelines of the IRDAI, Corona Rakshak Policy is a fixed benefit plan. Designed to cover covid-specific treatment expenses, this policy would pay you 100% of the sum insured in a lump sum when you are diagnosed with Covid and need hospitalisation of 72 hours or more.

   The main features of this policy are as follows:

   1. This policy can be purchased for a sum insured from INR 50,000 to INR 2.5 lakhs
   2. Any Indian between the age of 18 to 65 years is eligible for this policy
   3. This covid-19 insurance plan is available only on an individual basis
   4. You can opt for a policy term of 3.5 months, 6.5 months and 9.5 months
   5. There is a 15 day waiting period with this policy
   6. You do not need to undergo a pre-policy medical examination
   7. There are no deductibles under this plan
3. Coronavirus Group Health Insurance

   As the name suggests, this kind of Covid-19 insurance is available for your employees. You can purchase this plan for the people who are employees in your firm/ company or organisation. The policy would include the treatment expenses that are incurred towards the hospitalisation caused due to Covid-19.

   Offered by most health insurance companies, such group coronavirus insurance plans cover in-patient expenses, road ambulance charges, pre and post hospitalisation expenses up to a specified number of days, domiciliary hospitalisation, ICU and ICCU charges etc. However, depending on the plan and the company, there may be some features that are or are not available.

Table of best Coronavirus health insurance plans in India with premium-rate, coverages etc.

Corona Kavach Policy

The following table shows the premiums for ages between 25 to 30 years for all the tenures with a sum insured of INR 5 lakhs:

Corona Rakshak Policy

Given below are the Corona Rakshak Policy details by different companies:

Inclusions under Coronavirus health insurance policy

When you purchase Coronavirus Insurance, it generally includes the following. For a more specific list of inclusions, you are requested to go through the policy document :

1. In-Patient Expenses
   Your covid-specific indemnity based health plan will cover you for the medical expenses that are made for the treatment of covid.
2. Pre and Post-Hospitalisation
   Treatment expenses are not limited to the hospital. Most coronavirus health insurance policies will cover the expenses on the treatment up to a specific number of days before and after the hospitalisation of the insured member.
3. Home Care Treatment
   Most health insurance policies also cover home care treatment. This means that the treatment which otherwise required hospitalisation can be claimed for if it is prescribed by a recognised doctor. The treatment can be claimed for a specific number of days in a policy period.
4. Ambulance Charges
   Transport charges incurred for the transport of the insured member to the hospital will be covered up to a specified limit.
5. Alternate Treatments
   Most plans also cover alternate treatments that include Ayurveda, Unani, Sidha, Yoga and Homeopathy.

Exclusions under Coronavirus health insurance policy

The following conditions and situations are not covered under Coronavirus insurance:

1. The expenses that you may incur because of being in quarantine
2. The diagnosis that is done at an unauthorised centre
3. The recovery and bed rest that may be required after covid
4. Treatments that are taken outside the country
5. Hospitalisation that does not go beyond 24 hours

How to claim health insurance for Coronavirus?

When making a claim against your corona insurance policy, you need to follow a certain procedure in order to ensure a smooth and quick settlement. The procedure depends on the kind of plan that you have. When your test positive for Covid and are prescribed hospitalisation you must inform your insurance company as soon as possible. To do so, you can send them an email, notify the claim online or call customer care.

1. Indemnity Based Plans

   In case you have opted for an indemnity based health insurance plan you would be indemnified for the expenses on hospitalisation. You can make the claim on a cashless or reimbursement basis.

   At a network hospital, you would have to show your Health Card/ Policy Papers and then the company/ TPA will settle your bills directly. However, in the case of a non-network hospital, you would have to pay the bills yourself first, and after your discharge, you can request reimbursement.

   You would have to submit the Claim Form, all the covid treatment-related documents along with the KYC documents and details.

   In the case of Covid-specific health plans, you need to remember that you need to get the diagnosis from a government authorised healthcare centre.

2. Fixed Benefit Plans

   Depending on the procedure set by your particular health insurance company, you would have to submit your Covid-Positive Certificate with your insurer at the earliest. You must find out the procedure to be followed when filling out the application form. For the Corona Rakshak Plan, you need to provide a Covid Positive report from an authorised healthcare centre and require hospitalisation of 72 hours or more, to be eligible for a claim.

Things to consider while buying a Corona insurance policy

Though it is highly recommended that you do not procrastinate buying coronavirus insurance as soon as possible, however, keep the following points in mind when buying a policy:

1. Sum Inured should be Adequate

   With the third wave all set to approach, keep in mind that the sum that you have selected is enough for you or your loved ones. Saving a few bucks now and not being covered enough will only make you dig into your savings.

   Tip: When choosing a sum insured calculate the average treatment cost and multiply the amount for the number of insured members.

2. Maximum Coverage

   It is also important that you try and buy a plan that allows maximum benefits. A comprehensive health plan will cover Covid as well as other medical issues that may arise. In case you already have a health insurance policy and want to increase the cover, buying a coronavirus policy may be a prudent choice.

   Tip: Choose a plan that offers maximum benefits at the lowest premium.

3. Waiting Period

   Covid-specific policies are being offered with a waiting period of 15 days, while the regular plans have a waiting of 30 days. You would have to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.

4. Hospital Network

   A company that has a bigger network of hospitals would be in a better position to provide better coverage all through the country. Network hospitals offer cashless treatments that can prove to be very beneficial.

   Tip: Opt for a hospital that has its hospitals around your residence.

5. Explore the Options

   Today, if you have to compare two or more products or plans, it is a matter of a few clicks. You can compare the companies as well. Look at the company’s background, its approach towards its customers, claim settlement ratio and customer reviews.

Important facts of Coronavirus

Having affected millions of people all across the globe, there are certain facts about Coronavirus that may come as a surprise. 

1. Coronavirus is a virus very similar to SARS. Covid-19 stands for the disease.
2. Wearing a mask and maintaining social distance can greatly help in slowing down the infection.
3. The symptoms of Covid can be mild to severe to fatal.
4. The source of coronavirus is linked to animals.
5. Coronavirus can live on a surface for 2 to 3 days.
6. Even if someone has no symptoms of Covid, he/ she can spread the infection.
7. A large number of people never develop any symptoms despite being Covid positive. 

Common Myths about Coronavirus:

There are also some Myths about Coronavirus that need to be busted:

1. Myth: Summers can put an end to Coronavirus.
   Fact: WHO has claimed that there is no evidence that summers/ heat can prevent the spread.
2. Myth: A person who gets Covid dies.
   Fact: Most people who get infected with Covid have a fair chance of recovery. However, people with low immunity, heart or lung diseases and old age are more vulnerable to a more severe Covid.
3. Myth: Alcohol can cure Covid.
   Fact: Alcohol can bring your immunity down and so drinking alcohol will do much more harm than good.
4. Myth: After vaccination, I need not wear any masks or keep a social distance.
   Fact: A vaccine cannot make you 100% safe from an illness. Though vaccination would make you safer, carelessness may come with a price. 

Difference between social distancing, self-isolation and quarantine

All around the world governments and health experts are advising the common public to follow and practise social distancing, self-isolation as well as quarantine. Though these words have become a part of our active vocabulary, many still may find them to understand the differences. Let us take a quick look:

1. Social Distancing

   Maintaining a physical distance can play a major role in limiting the spread of the virus. As corona is highly contagious, close contact between two people will make the spread easy. Social Distancing simply means to maintain a physical distance of a minimum of 6 feet from everyone who doesn’t live in your house. It means to avoid:

   • Large crowd such as festivals, sports, music shows
   • Gatherings such as weddings, parties
   • Meeting friends and family members living outside your house
   • Going to public places such as markets, malls, restaurants, parks
2. Self-Isolation

   With the aim of keeping Covid-positive people away from all others, self-isolation is advised. People who are suffering from the following symptoms should keep themselves in isolation, even from their family members who live under the same roof. Practising self-isolation includes the following:

   • Being within the confinements of your home/ room for a minimum of 7 days
   • Staying in a well ventilated separate room, with no physical contact with others
   • Not having any visitors
3. Quarantine

   Quarantine is for everyone who has or may have had any kind of exposure to Covid or SARS positive people. When you are in quarantine, it means that you keep yourself separated from all others and keep your movements restricted till the time you do not have a fever for 3 days or test Covid negative.