Karnataka: As the dengue epidemic continues to grip Karnataka, many residents are concerned about the financial burden of medical treatment. With rising hospitalisation rates and costs, the question of health insurance coverage is becoming increasingly important. Health insurance policies generally cover a wide range of medical expenses including hospitalisation, doctor’s fees and medicines. However, specific coverage for dengue may vary depending on the terms and conditions of the individual health policy.
Nawal Goyal, Founder and CEO, PolicyX.com says, “Generally, all health insurance policies provide coverage for hospitalisation due to dengue. Some health insurance policies are specifically designed to cover vector-borne diseases, these policies provide more comprehensive coverage for diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, etc. These policies offer benefits such as non-medical and medical expenses, home nursing, hospitalisation and cashless home treatment.” Dengue Coverage
Plan Name
Waiting Period
Coverage Amount
USP
Aditya Birla Active Health Platinum Enhanced
48 months
2 Lakhs – 2 Crores
Offers cashless home treatment for dengue up to the sum insured
HDFC ERGO Dengue Care
15 days
50,000-1 Lakh
Offers non-medical and medical expenses, home nursing, accommodation and hospitalization cover
Bajaj Allianz M-Care Policy
15 days
10,000-75,000
Covers 7 vector-borne diseases like dengue fever, malaria, filariasis, kala-azar, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, Zika virus
Future Generali Vector Care
15 days
10,000-75,000
Dengue fever, malaria, filariasis, kala-azar, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, Zika virus
Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0
24 months
5 Lakhs – 1 Crore
Cover for dengue up to sum insured
Source: PolicyX.com
Key factors to consider when assessing dengue coverage:
Pre-existing conditions: If dengue is considered a pre-existing condition, it may not be covered under the policy. Some insurers may have waiting periods or exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Policy exclusions: Some policies may exclude coverage for communicable diseases, including dengue. It is important to review policy exclusions carefully.
Sub-limits: Some policies may have sub-limits for specific conditions or treatments, which may limit the amount covered for dengue-related expenses.
Cashless hospitalisation: This feature allows direct billing to the insurance company, eliminating the need for an upfront payment. Check if your policy offers cashless hospitalisation at network hospitals.
Goyal says, “Policyholders can avail a sum insured of Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2 crore. Depending on the policy bought, the waiting period ranges between 15 days to 48 months. Some of the insurance policies that specifically provide cover for dengue are Aditya Birla Active Health Platinum Enhanced, HDFC Ergo Dengue Care, Bajaj Allianz M-Care Policy, Future Generali Vector Care and Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0.”
