As the number of COVID-19 cases in India crosses the 1,000 mark once again, a silent question looms over every policyholder — will your health insurance come through when you need it the most?
While most of us assume that a health insurance policy will take care of all hospitalization costs, the reality might be far from it. Past waves have exposed critical gaps in coverage that left many struggling to pay huge out-of-pocket expenses. With time still on your side, it’s vital to revisit your health policy — because not all plans are built for pandemic-level emergencies.
What Went Wrong Last Time?
When COVID first gripped the country, the fine print of many health insurance policies failed to meet real-world medical needs. Patients discovered:
- Room rent caps that disqualified claims for ICU stays or isolation rooms.
- PPE kits and sanitization items were excluded from coverage — despite being essential.
- Strict hospitalization rules, where home isolation or tele-consultation weren’t considered valid for claims.
These issues left many with massive bills even though they were “insured.”
What to Look for in a COVID-Safe Insurance Plan
Insurance experts now advise urban families to review their policy for pandemic-readiness. Here’s what you should ensure:
- Adequate Coverage Amount: Individuals in cities should opt for coverage between ₹10-15 lakh. For families of 3 or more, a floater plan of ₹20-25 lakh is recommended.
- Home Treatment Coverage: Mild COVID cases often don’t require hospitalization. Ensure your policy covers treatment at home.
- Teleconsultation Facility: Access to doctors over the phone during isolation is a must-have.
- Restore Benefit: If your coverage runs out mid-treatment, a restore clause ensures the sum is replenished automatically.
- No Room Rent Limit: COVID care often needs ICU or isolation rooms, which are expensive. Room rent limits can be a big hurdle.
- Consumables Coverage: PPE kits, masks, gloves, and sanitizers should be included — they’re not optional in a pandemic.
Top-Up for Extra Peace of Mind
Still stuck with an old policy? Consider a super top-up plan. These are ideal for covering extra costs like OPD, home care, or treatment at premium hospitals, especially when your base policy has limitations.
Don’t Wait for the Next Crisis
COVID-19 may have faded from headlines, but it hasn’t disappeared. With cases rising, now is the time to plug the gaps in your health insurance and protect your family’s financial future.
Read More: Trump Promised Peace in 24 Hours — 4 Months Later, He’s Threatening War
Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on The Ink Post. Get Latest Updates, Latest News on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Explainers.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and LinkedIn and Twitter to Stay updated!
