Delhi Floods Trigger Surge In Dengue, Malaria: Do You Have Adequate Health Insurance? 

According to a recent municipal report, the national capital has witnessed a surge in dengue cases, with over 160 reported cases till mid-July this year, the highest number of cases for this period since 2018. Additionally, the report issued by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) reveals that 54 malaria cases have been recorded during the same timeframe. The increased rainfall during this season leads to a rise in the activity of disease-carrying vectors, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and other blood-feeding anthropods, posing a significant threat to public health. These diseases, commonly called vector-borne diseases, result from infections transmitted to humans and other animals by these disease-carrying vectors.
 
As the rain pours down and the seasons change, an invisible threat lurks in the shadows - disease-carrying vectors. With increased rainfall, mosquitoes, ticks, and other disease-transmitting anthropods become more active, posing a significant threat to public health. These blood-feeding pests transmit dangerous illnesses, collectively known as vector-borne diseases, to humans and animals alike.
 
In such times, it becomes crucial for individuals and families to safeguard their health and finances with the right health insurance coverage. Vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, and more can lead to severe health complications and prolonged medical treatment.  
 
Here's why adequate health insurance is paramount during these challenging times. 
 
Financial Protection: Shielding From Exorbitant Medical Expenses

Siddharth Singhal, the business head of health insurance at Policybazaar.com, emphasizes the need for prioritizing health during the monsoon. He explains, "The chances of being affected by deadly vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, typhoid, cholera, etc., can lead to prolonged medical treatment or even hospitalization. It is advisable to have comprehensive health insurance coverage with an adequate sum insured to reduce the financial burden during hospitalization." 
 
He further highlights the importance of Outpatient Department (OPD) coverage: "In cases where one doesn't need to be hospitalized, the OPD expenses can still cost a fortune. The OPD cover pays for outpatient treatment like doctor consultation, pharmacy bills, and diagnostics to minimize the out-of-pocket cost, which is crucial to battle the financial risks associated with vector-borne diseases." 
 
Protection Beyond The Waiting Period - Cover For Vector-Borne Diseases

Madhumathi Ramakrishnan, Senior Vice President of Star Health and Allied Insurance Company, assures that basic indemnity health insurance policies include coverage for vector-borne diseases after an initial waiting period. She says, "Most health insurance policies usually cover such seasonal diseases and offer covers like pre and post-hospitalization." 
 
In addition to standard coverage, Star Health offers a range of comprehensive benefits to tackle vector-borne diseases effectively. Ramakrishnan explains, "Apart from these covers, we also offer cover for day care treatment, telemedicine consultation, home care treatment, prophylactic vaccination, and OPD consultation. Our home health care and telemedicine consultation play a key role in this context, as in most cases, vector-borne diseases categorized as mild may not need hospitalization and may require mainly hydration, antipyretics, and supportive care." 
 
Long-Term Health Implications: Securing Your Wellbeing

Ramakrishnan emphasizes the significance of long-term health implications and the need for suitable health insurance coverage. She advises, "When choosing an insurance policy, one must consider the incidence of such diseases in the family. Additional cover for home care treatment, telemedicine consultation, and OPD consultation can be very helpful here." 
 
For cases where the existing insurance policy lacks OPD consultation cover, Ramakrishnan suggests, "The policyholder can opt to purchase specialized OPD insurance, which can be beneficial for minor sickness and day care treatments." 
 
In the face of increasing vector-borne disease risks during the monsoon, health insurance is crucial for protecting individuals and families from the dual burden of health and financial uncertainties. Hence, comprehensive health insurance coverage with adequate sum insured and OPD benefits can be a financial safety net, minimizing out-of-pocket costs and ensuring long-term security against vector-borne illnesses. Choose wisely, stay protected, and weather the storm with the right health insurance plan.