Last Updated:
Experts recommend urban residents have insurance coverage of at least Rs 10–15 lakh, while families with over three members should opt for a floater cover of Rs 20–25 lakh
Experts urge no room rent limits as COVID patients often need costly ICU or isolation rooms. (Representative/Shutterstock)
With COVID-19 cases in the country crossing 1,000, it has become essential for policyholders to carefully review the terms and conditions of their health insurance plans. Many existing policies may not fully cover treatment costs, especially during a surge. The recent rise in infections highlights the importance of timely policy checks and updates to ensure adequate coverage during medical emergencies like COVID-19.
Previous COVID-19 waves exposed significant shortcomings in many health insurance policies. Essential expenses such as hospital room rent limits and PPE kits were often excluded, presenting a major drawback. Moreover, the stringent definitions of hospitalisation and lack of coverage for home treatment posed significant challenges.
According to experts, urban residents should secure insurance coverage of at least Rs 10-15 lakh. For families with more than three members, a floater cover of Rs 20-25 lakh is advisable. It is essential that the insurance policy includes domiciliary treatment, which allows patients with mild symptoms to be treated at home, covered by the insurance. Tele-consultation facilities are also crucial, enabling patients to receive virtual advice from doctors.
Additionally, the policy should offer a restore benefit so that treatment can continue even after the insurance amount is exhausted. Experts have stressed that there should be no limit on room rent during hospitalisation, as Covid patients often require ICU or separate rooms, which are more costly. Items like PPE kits, masks, gloves, and sanitisers should also be covered due to their significant expenses during the last outbreak, they added.
According to experts, if a basic health insurance policy has a limited sum insured, opting for a super top-up policy can be a valuable addition—especially in cases of prolonged illness, high medical expenses, or repeated hospitalisations. Many older insurance plans come with significant limitations, often excluding coverage for OPD expenses, home treatment or treatment at select hospitals.
- First Published:
Source link
[ad_3]
