Coronavirus Insurance Cover

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected approximately 200,000 people around the world, and the count is increasing day by day. With the total number of casualties exceeding 14,000, many countries have declared the viral disease as dangerous. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has termed it a 'pandemic', meaning it has affected regions worldwide. (March '2020)

How can you prevent contracting Coronavirus?

Here are some basic tips you can follow to avoid contracting this disease:

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth without washing or sanitising your hands thoroughly.
Keep a safe distance from people suffering from any form of respiratory illness and avoid attending public events such as protests and festivals.
Practice self-isolation at home and avoid going out, unless absolutely necessary. When you come back home, change your clothes immediately and wash your hands thoroughly.
Always use a tissue while sneezing or coughing and immediately dispose of it in a bin.
If you are suffering from symptoms of Coronavirus, seek the help of a medical professional as early as possible.
Insurance for coronavirus.

In India, around 400 people have tested positive for this disease so far, out of a total population of over 1 billion. Given this small percentage, it is logical to ask: should you buy a specific coronavirus health cover? Or is an existing health insurance policy good enough?

Since COVID-19 is a novel disease, insurance providers have not put in place a specific coronavirus cover. Instead, most providers have included this disease among those they are covering, according to government directives. Here are some of the standard features of insurance that might prove to be useful if you have been diagnosed by coronavirus:

Hospitalisation cover
If you are hospitalised due to coronavirus, your insurance provider will provide hospitalisation cover under the plan. Since having CORONAVIRUS may require you to be hospitalised for a few days, all the expenses borne under this will be covered, either on a cashless or reimbursement basis.

Post- hospitalisation expenses

Having a prolonged illness such as the coronavirus could mean that you will have some health problems before you are diagnosed as well as after. Since most insurance providers cover Coronavirus, you can rest assured that any complications arising even after you undergo treatment will be covered under your insurance.

Waiting period

Most policies come with a waiting period of 2-3 years before certain diseases are covered. In the case of the novel coronavirus, this is not the case anymore, and you won't need to undergo such a long waiting period. However, some insurance companies do not cover infectious diseases for the first 30 days of the policy, so call your provider to confirm what is included and what isn't.

How can you claim cover if you are diagnosed with coronavirus?

The first thing you need to do when you are diagnosed is to stay calm, self-quarantine so that you don't spread the disease to others and call your insurance provider. Always ensure your policy is updated and enquire if your provider offers cashless treatment so that you focus on what is really important when you are sick - which is rest and recovery.

Now that you know what you might need if you have coronavirus decide whether you need a coronavirus cover (if your provider offers it) or if you are content with the existing protection your insurance policy provides.