Coronavirus Health Insurance: Compare & Buy Plans, Premiums & More

The onset of Covid-19 has divided the globe in pre and post-Covid times. The pandemic that witnessed its birth in the popular city of Wuhan, China has now completed its 3 waves. The third wave begin with South Africa and initially this new variant, Omicron, was found to be suspicious if not too fatal. However, vaccination have worked quite well in keeping people safe. Even people with pre-medical conditions have shown good resistance against this virus though fatalities have occured.

WIth caregul precautions, regular testing and proper medications and quarantine, people have shown good improvement. Although, the third wave seems to have come to an end, the world now has to live with this virus like several others and undoubtedly, this is the new normal. This deadly virus is not just highly contagious, but the repercussions of being infected are far too many. Apart from physical health, the diseases can cause great havoc financially as well. In such a scenario having an appropriate health insurance plan has become a basic necessity.

Introduction to Coronavirus Health Insurance Plans in India

Under the guidelines issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority in India (IRDAI), covid-specific health insurance health plans have been launched. Although all health insurance plans in India provide hospitalisation expenses for Covid-19, there are some Covid-Specific Health Insurance Plans launched to overcome this specific concern. Such insurance plans, also called Covid 19 insurance plans, can greatly help in providing extensive coverage and saving you from dipping into your savings to pay for the high-cost treatment. 

The customised corona insurance plans cover the in-hospitalisation charges, the pre and post-hospitalisation and the various other medical expenses that you may have to make if you or an insured family member is tested positive with the virus. All insurers have been mandated to provide covid 19 insurance plans that offer you comprehensive cover. 

What is Coronavirus?

The Novel Coronavirus, which is a group of viruses that attack the immunity of an individual, can cause a range of diseases, starting from a common cold to SARS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The virus can cause infection in the upper throat, nose and sinuses. This virus is highly contagious and can affect people of all age groups. Individuals who are over the age of 60 years and those who already are suffering from some medical conditions are more prone to fall prey to this deadly virus.

Having a health insurance plan is more crucial than ever before. In a country where the insurance penetration is less than 5%, the government has been encouraging health insurance companies to launch more and more coronavirus insurance. A covid insurance plan will support you in managing your healthcare expenditure. And in a time when you are physically and mentally stressed, you would be assured of the finances being taken care of.

Common symptoms of COVID-19

As analyzed so far, covid-19 affects different people differently. However, some of the common symptoms include:

• Tiredness
• Fever
• Cough
• Loss of smell or taste

In most of the patients, these mild symptoms are found. Other less common symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Aches and pains
• Red eyes
• Rashes
• Diarrhea
• Discolouration of toes or fingers

Mostly, people with moderate level of risk, have reported these symptoms with sore throat being widely felt. People with high risk may report symptoms like:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Loss of speech

How can I protect myself from coronavirus?

Novel Corona Virus 2019 is something that has no sureshot cure but can be cured if everyone starts following the basic rules of sanitation and hygiene. These are some of the habits that you need to incorporate in your daily life no matter what to stay safe and protected from covid:

• Wash your hands often to wash off any germ or virus
• Sanitise your hands when not at home right after touching something
• Wear a mask when stepping out. This is a must.
• Wear the government-approved mask. It must not have filters.
• Maintain social distancing whenever in public.
• Do not step out or go to crowded places until it’s the only option left.
• Avoid meeting people unless really required. The world has now the internet. Reach out to your loved ones and friends online through face time and calling.
• Sanitize each and every product that enters your house from outside.
• When you return home, make sure you dip your clothes in warm water and Dettol and get a quick bath.
• Keep shoes outside, always.
• Wear a face shield and PPE kit if you are an emergency services employee.
• Say no to touring. Vacations and occasions can wait but viruses will not.

If you follow these simple rules, you may remain safe throughout any wave that attacks. However, if you feel like any of the symptoms of covid, immediately isolate yourself and get tested. Stay quarantined for a week or 10 days, have medications, and you will be all fine.

What to do if you think you are infected?

As coronavirus is a strong and contagious virus, it is spreading too fast and has already caught millions of people. In case you are feeling physically weak and have any symptoms that might be a warning sign for covid, the first and the immediate action must be self-isolation. This is necessary to keep the rest of your family safe. 

As a next step, you should immediately get in touch with your preferred doctor and follow their prescription without any further delay. Get yourself tested and if positive, follow the medication and release yourself from isolation only after testing negative. Also, you must inform all those people who you got into touch in the past 3 to 5 days so they can also get tested.

Role of coronavirus (COVID-19) health insurance policy’

With the rapidly rising cases of covid-19, the rush for hospital treatment and medications have also seen a devastating splurge. Amidst all this, health insurance policy is a pillar of reliance one needs. It has become quite a popular fact that this SARS disease is not going to see its dead-end any sooner and maybe the world will have to live with it forever, having a covid-specific health insurance plan can be a wise choice for everyone out there.

It gives you coverage for pre and post hospitalisation as well as in-patient hospitalisation expenses. The only thing that remains out of the reach of a covid-specific health insurance plan is it does not cover the expenses incurred during isolation where there is no hospital treatment going on.

Is Omicron covered under the existing health insurance policy?

Until the second wave, the world witnessed the arrival of the Delta variant of SARS Covid-19 and these were covered under health insurance plans. However, people have been suspicious that if or not Omicron variant is also included in the health insurance policy.

IRDAI has announced that all the health insurance policies of India that covers Covid-19 will also cover the Omicron variant since it is a variant of Covid-19. So, if you have coverage for Covid-19, you are going to receive coverage for Omicron as well.

Key benefits of Coronavirus Health Insurance

Let us take a look at the key benefits of Covid insurance:

Covid Health Insurance	Coverage
Treatment of Covid-19	Covered with no extra costs
Home Treatment	Covered when doctor-prescribed
Consumables	Covers the cost of PPE kits, masks, gloves, ventilator,
Co-Payment	Not age-based
Cashless Claims	Can be made at In-Network hospitals
Riders	Can be opted by paying an extra premium

Types of Coronavirus Health Insurance Plans in India:

According to the IRDAI guidelines, all indemnity health insurance plans cover hospitalisation that is caused by Covid-19. However, with the Covid scare upending our lives in every possible way, it is only prudent that you cover yourself or your family against the financial crisis that the high-cost treatment can lead you to. Whether you have a regular health insurance policy or not, you can always consider buying coronavirus insurance. 

1. Corona Kavach Policy
   Launched by the IRDAI, Corona Kavach Policy is an indemnity based health insurance policy that covers the in-patient expenses due to Covid-19. In case you or an insured family member is diagnosed Covid positive at a government recognised healthcare centre/ hospital and requires hospitalisation of 24 hours or more, the medical expenses incurred due to the treatment will be covered by this policy. This is a covid-specific policy that would indemnify the expenses only related to covid hospitalisation. Being a standard Covid-19 insurance policy, the premiums applied are similar across different insurance companies.
   The main features of this covid insurance policy are as follows:
   
   1. You can opt for a sum insured from INR 50,000 to INR 5 lakhs
   2. An Indian between the age group of 18 to 65 years can buy this policy
   3. Corona Kavach Policy is available on an individual and on family floater basis
   4. Expenses on the consumables including PPE kits, ventilator, masks and gloves etc are covered
   5. The policy comes with a waiting period of 15 days
   6. You can opt for a policy term of 3.5 months, 6.5 months and 9.5 months
   7. Doctor-prescribed home care expenses are covered up to 14 days
   8. Pre and post-hospitalisation charges are covered for 15 and 30 days respectively
   9. Alternate treatments are also covered that include AYUSH treatments
   10. Road ambulance charges, for transport in a Covid emergency, up to a specified limit are covered
   11. You can avail an add-on of Hospital Cash by paying an extra premium
   12. Depending on the insurer and the hospitals, a cashless claim can be made<

2. Corona Rakshak Policy
   Another covid-19 insurance plan introduced under the guidelines of the IRDAI, Corona Rakshak Policy is a fixed benefit plan. Designed to cover covid-specific treatment expenses, this policy would pay you 100% of the sum insured in a lump sum when you are diagnosed with Covid and need hospitalisation of 72 hours or more.

The main features of this policy are as follows:

1. This policy can be purchased for a sum insured from INR 50,000 to INR 2.5 lakhs
2. Any Indian between the age of 18 to 65 years is eligible for this policy
3. This covid-19 insurance plan is available only on an individual basis
4. You can opt for a policy term of 3.5 months, 6.5 months and 9.5 months
5. There is a 15 day waiting period with this policy
6. You do not need to undergo a pre-policy medical examination
7. There are no deductibles under this plan

3. Coronavirus Group Health Insurance
   As the name suggests, this kind of Covid-19 insurance is available for your employees. You can purchase this plan for the people who are employees in your firm/ company or organisation. The policy would include the treatment expenses that are incurred towards the hospitalisation caused due to Covid-19.

Offered by most health insurance companies, such group coronavirus insurance plans cover in-patient expenses, road ambulance charges, pre and post hospitalisation expenses up to a specified number of days, domiciliary hospitalisation, ICU and ICCU charges etc. However, depending on the plan and the company, there may be some features that are or are not available.

Table of best Coronavirus health insurance plans in India with premium-rate, coverages etc.

Corona Kavach Policy

The following table shows the premiums for ages between 25 to 30 years for all the tenures with a sum insured of INR 5 lakhs:

Name of the Company	The premium for 3.5 months	The premium for 6.5 months	The premium for 9.5 months	Sum Insured	Claim Settlement Ratio
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance	INR 792	INR 1,056	INR 1,320	INR 50,000 to 5 lakhs	98.61%
Oriental Insurance	INR 636	INR 1,039	INR 1,286	INR 50,000 to 5 lakhs	92.71%
Star Health & Allied Insurance	INR 1,408	INR 1,690	INR 1,901	INR 50,000 to 5 lakhs	99.9%
United India Insurance	INR 620	INR 1,140	INR 1,660	INR 50,000 to 5 lakhs	89.81%
Raheja QBE	INR 375	INR 550	INR 650	INR 50,000 to 5 lakhs	30.29%
National Insurance	INR 510	INR 745	INR 900	INR 50,000 to 5 lakhs	45.37%

Corona Rakshak Policy

Given below are the Corona Rakshak Policy details by different companies:

Name of the Company	Premium	Sum Insured	Coverage Available on	Claim Settlement Ratio
Bajaj Allianz Corona Rakshak Policy	INR 792 onwards	INR 50000- INR 2.5 lakh	Individual Basis Only	98.61%
Future Generali Corona Rakshak Policy	INR 552 onwards	INR 50000- INR 2.5 lakh	Individual Basis Only	93.34%
Manipal Cigma Corona Rakshak Policy	INR 1,923 onwards	INR 50000- INR 2.5 lakh	Individual Basis Only	99.96%
Edelweiss Corona Rakshak Policy	INR 609 onwards	INR 50000- INR 2.5 lakh	Individual Basis Only	99.72%
Oriental Insurance	INR 636 onwards	INR 50000- INR 2.5 lakh	Individual Basis Only	92.71%

Inclusions under Coronavirus health insurance policy

When you purchase Coronavirus Insurance, it generally includes the following. For a more specific list of inclusions, you are requested to go through the policy document :

1. In-Patient Expenses
   Your covid-specific indemnity based health plan will cover you for the medical expenses that are made for the treatment of covid.
   
   
2. Pre and Post-Hospitalisation
   Treatment expenses are not limited to the hospital. Most coronavirus health insurance policies will cover the expenses on the treatment up to a specific number of days before and after the hospitalisation of the insured member.
   
   
3. Home Care Treatment
   Most health insurance policies also cover home care treatment. This means that the treatment which otherwise required hospitalisation can be claimed for if it is prescribed by a recognised doctor. The treatment can be claimed for a specific number of days in a policy period.
   
   
4. Ambulance Charges
   Transport charges incurred for the transport of the insured member to the hospital will be covered up to a specified limit.
   
   
5. Alternate Treatments
   Most plans also cover alternate treatments that include Ayurveda, Unani, Sidha, Yoga and Homeopathy.
   

Exclusions under Coronavirus health insurance policy

The following conditions and situations are not covered under Coronavirus insurance:

1. The expenses that you may incur because of being in quarantine
2. The diagnosis that is done at an unauthorised centre
3. The recovery and bed rest that may be required after covid
4. Treatments that are taken outside the country
5. Hospitalisation that does not go beyond 24 hours

How to claim health insurance for Coronavirus?

When making a claim against your corona insurance policy, you need to follow a certain procedure in order to ensure a smooth and quick settlement. The procedure depends on the kind of plan that you have. When your test positive for Covid and are prescribed hospitalisation you must inform your insurance company as soon as possible. To do so, you can send them an email, notify the claim online or call customer care.

1. Indemnity Based Plans
   In case you have opted for an indemnity based health insurance plan you would be indemnified for the expenses on hospitalisation. You can make the claim on a cashless or reimbursement basis.At a network hospital, you would have to show your Health Card/ Policy Papers and then the company/ TPA will settle your bills directly. However, in the case of a non-network hospital, you would have to pay the bills yourself first, and after your discharge, you can request reimbursement.You would have to submit the Claim Form, all the covid treatment-related documents along with the KYC documents and details.In the case of Covid-specific health plans, you need to remember that you need to get the diagnosis from a government authorised healthcare centre.
   
   
2. Fixed Benefit Plans
   Depending on the procedure set by your particular health insurance company, you would have to submit your Covid-Positive Certificate with your insurer at the earliest. You must find out the procedure to be followed when filling out the application form. For the Corona Rakshak Plan, you need to provide a Covid Positive report from an authorised healthcare centre and require hospitalisation of 72 hours or more, to be eligible for a claim.
   

Things to consider while buying a Corona insurance policy

Though it is highly recommended that you do not procrastinate buying coronavirus insurance as soon as possible, however, keep the following points in mind when buying a policy:

1. Sum Inured should be Adequate
   With the third wave all set to approach, keep in mind that the sum that you have selected is enough for you or your loved ones. Saving a few bucks now and not being covered enough will only make you dig into your savings.
   
   Tip: When choosing a sum insured calculate the average treatment cost and multiply the amount for the number of insured members.
   
   
2. Maximum Coverage
   It is also important that you try and buy a plan that allows maximum benefits. A comprehensive health plan will cover Covid as well as other medical issues that may arise. In case you already have a health insurance policy and want to increase the cover, buying a coronavirus policy may be a prudent choice.
   
   Tip: Choose a plan that offers maximum benefits at the lowest premium.
   
   
3. Waiting Period
   Covid-specific policies are being offered with a waiting period of 15 days, while the regular plans have a waiting of 30 days. You would have to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.
   
   
4. Hospital Network
   A company that has a bigger network of hospitals would be in a better position to provide better coverage all through the country. Network hospitals offer cashless treatments that can prove to be very beneficial.
   
   Tip: Opt for a hospital that has its hospitals around your residence.
   
   
5. Explore the Options
   Today, if you have to compare two or more products or plans, it is a matter of a few clicks. You can compare the companies as well. Look at the company’s background, its approach towards its customers, claim settlement ratio and customer reviews.

Tips to follow when buying COVID-19 insurance

Buying a health insurance policy that covers Covid-19 have become a need of the hour. However, there are a few things that you must be very careful about when planning to purchase a Cvodi-19 health insurance plan. Here are some of the best possible tips mentioned to help you get your hands on the right one:

• Read between the Lines
  A health insurance policy includes various clauses that validate a policy and the coverage you get under it. There is a clause named the Co-Payment Clause which requires both the party, the insured and the insurer, to fix a percentage of the claim amount that the insured person will have to pay when a claim a made. Make sure you decide the percentage carefully. In case you wish full coverage, go for a plan that has no co-payment clause. Reading all the clauses carefully is very important.
  
  
• On-time approval
  Claim settlement is the ultimate goal of a health insurance policy. When you plan to purchase a covid health insurance plan, make sure you fully understand the company’s process of settling the case. It must be simple, quick, and easy or else, you may not receive the much-needed assistance on time. And help delayed is help in vain.
  
  
• Network Hospitals
  The network hospitals refer to the ones where you can simply get treatment without making monetary process. The expenses are settled between the company and the hospital without your interference. You will only have to pay for the expenses that are not covered in the policy. Make sure the company has a wide, strong, and reliable network of hospitals.
  
  
• Incurred Claim Ratio
  Incurred claim ratio gives you a crystal-clear idea of the financial condition of a company and how capable it is to settle your claims when raised. The higher the ICR value, the higher is your chances of receiving the promised aid.
  
  
• Waiting Period
  Waiting period refers to the time period until which you need to wait to get the expected assistance. After the waiting period only, an insured person is eligible to receive financial aid from the company. So, make sure you are fine with the waiting period of the company or look for another one as each company has different sets of waiting periods.
  

Important facts of Coronavirus

Having affected millions of people all across the globe, there are certain facts about Coronavirus that may come as a surprise. 

1. Coronavirus is a virus very similar to SARS. Covid-19 stands for the disease.
2. Wearing a mask and maintaining social distance can greatly help in slowing down the infection.
3. The symptoms of Covid can be mild to severe to fatal.
4. The source of coronavirus is linked to animals.
5. Coronavirus can live on a surface for 2 to 3 days.
6. Even if someone has no symptoms of Covid, he/ she can spread the infection.
7. A large number of people never develop any symptoms despite being Covid positive. 

Common Myths about Coronavirus:

There are also some Myths about Coronavirus that need to be busted:

1. Myth: Summers can put an end to Coronavirus.
   Fact: WHO has claimed that there is no evidence that summers/ heat can prevent the spread.
   
2. Myth: A person who gets Covid dies.
   Fact: Most people who get infected with Covid have a fair chance of recovery. However, people with low immunity, heart or lung diseases and old age are more vulnerable to a more severe Covid.
   
3. Myth: Alcohol can cure Covid.
   Fact: Alcohol can bring your immunity down and so drinking alcohol will do much more harm than good.
   
4. Myth: After vaccination, I need not wear any masks or keep a social distance.
   Fact: A vaccine cannot make you 100% safe from an illness. Though vaccination would make you safer, carelessness may come with a price. 
   

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying COVID-19 Insurance

Humans are bound to make mistakes but when you know well about a matter, you tend to avoid a lot of mistakes. When it comes to buying a health insurance policy, there are certain common mistakes that you should avoid to make the best of your policy:

• Buying a policy you don’t really understand:
  There are certain Covid health insurance plans which are complex and difficult to understand. While it is not necessary that the policy will not be beneficial but there is no point in buying a policy that you cannot really understand. Without complete knowledge, you might not be able to get all the possible benefits.
  
  
• Hiding leads to rejection
  Some of the health insurance policy does not cover pre-existing medical condition wherein you do not get coverage for it. You may have to pay an extra premium if bought it into coverage. However, some people tend to hide their pre-existing medical condition to avoid paying a high premium and receiving financial help at the time of need. This is the biggest mistake one could do because if found, your claim will be rejected and you may further face problems.

Difference between social distancing, self-isolation and quarantine

All around the world governments and health experts are advising the common public to follow and practise social distancing, self-isolation as well as quarantine. Though these words have become a part of our active vocabulary, many still may find them to understand the differences. Let us take a quick look:

1. Social Distancing
   Maintaining a physical distance can play a major role in limiting the spread of the virus. As corona is highly contagious, close contact between two people will make the spread easy. Social Distancing simply means to maintain a physical distance of a minimum of 6 feet from everyone who doesn’t live in your house. It means to avoid:
   • Large crowd such as festivals, sports, music shows
   • Gatherings such as weddings, parties
   • Meeting friends and family members living outside your house
   • Going to public places such as markets, malls, restaurants, parks
     
     
2. Self-Isolation
   With the aim of keeping Covid-positive people away from all others, self-isolation is advised. People who are suffering from the following symptoms should keep themselves in isolation, even from their family members who live under the same roof. Practising self-isolation includes the following:
   • Being within the confinements of your home/ room for a minimum of 7 days
   • Staying in a well ventilated separate room, with no physical contact with others
   • Not having any visitors
     
     
3. Quarantine
   Quarantine is for everyone who has or may have had any kind of exposure to Covid or SARS positive people. When you are in quarantine, it means that you keep yourself separated from all others and keep your movements restricted till the time you do not have a fever for 3 days or test Covid negative. 

Benefits of buying Coronavirus policy from Turtlemint

In such perilous times when the world is surrounded by the fears of diseases and infections, buying a health insurance policy is nothing short of a basic necessity. But in this rush to protect yourself and your family do not make the mistake of buying a health plan that may not suit you the best. There are many Coronavirus health policies available in the market, and selecting the one that will fulfil your insurance needs and also suit your budget can be quite difficult. But thanks to Turtlemint, this process can become quite easy.

Comparing plans, their benefits and the premiums they charge etc. can be done conveniently and safely from your home via your smartphone or your computer. Once you make the comparison and select the plan for yourself, you can buy the policy through Turtlemint. We, at Turtlemint, help you with careful research and consideration so that you can invest in the best possible plan. Stay safe, take care and take your vaccination on time. Wear masks and let us all join hands to protect this nation from the attack of the deadly virus.

Common mistakes to avoid when buying COVID-19 insurance

Humans are bound to make mistakes but when you know well about a matter, you tend to avoid a lot of mistakes. When it comes to buying a health insurance policy, there are certain common mistakes that you should avoid to make the best of your policy:

• Buying a policy you don’t really understand:
  There are certain Covid health insurance plans which are complex and difficult to understand. While it is not necessary that the policy will not be beneficial but there is no point in buying a policy that you cannot really understand. Without complete knowledge, you might not be able to get all the possible benefits.
  
  
• Hiding leads to rejection
  Some of the health insurance policy does not cover pre-existing medical condition wherein you do not get coverage for it. You may have to pay an extra premium if bought it into coverage. However, some people tend to hide their pre-existing medical condition to avoid paying a high premium and receiving financial help at the time of need. This is the biggest mistake one could do because if found, your claim will be rejected and you may further face problems.
  

How to buy coronavirus health insurance from Turtlemint?

There are different health insurance companies that offer Coronavirus health insurance plans. At Turtlemint, it becomes easier to surf the plans of popular and authentic companies and get yourself the most desired and beneficial one. You can easily purchase your preferred Coronavirus health insurance plan at Turtlemint by:

• Click on “Health” on the top bar
• Click on “Coronavirus health insurance”
• It will take you to a new page
• Click on “Purchase health insurance plan”
• It will lead to a page where you can buy a new policy or contact an advisor at Turtlemint.
• Fill out the form and attach the necessary documents.
• Upon confirmation and payment, you will be confirmed about your health insurance plan.

Health insurance calculator

Premium plays a centric role when it comes to purchasing a health insurance plan like the Coronavirus health insurance plan. So, before you make the purchase, the decision becomes easier if you get an idea of the premium you will probably have to pay. You can easily calculate the premium for a health insurance plan using a health insurance calculator.

At Turtlemint you can use the free premium calculator can assess the premium amount. It is quite simple to use. By mentioning a few details like your age, gender, location, and financial coverage you need, you can calculate the premium amount. It also helps you compare the premium amount of various health insurance companies so you can easily make your decision. It is essential to note that several other factors affect your premium like a medical condition, members covered, riders, features selected, etc.

Conclusion

Purchasing a health insurance cover for Covid-19 is a wise investment. If you have insurance cover, you need not worry about expenses incurred and can calmly focus on your recovery. There are certain covid-specific plans like Corona Kavach Plan which is for individuals and their families. It offers homecare and pre and post-hospitalisation expenses and ambulance cover as well. Another one is Corona Rakshak which is a fixed benefit plan. The insured must be hospitalised for more than 72 hours to receive the lump sum amount. Depending on your budget and needs, you can pick the plan that suits you the most.