Friday, Sept 27 2024
Source/Contribution by : NJ Publications

Season of Monsoon, Mosquitoes & Medical Insurance

The monsoon season brings beauty and relief from the heat, it brings a welcome change from the hot summer, but it also increases the risk of various weather related illnesses. Common problems include respiratory issues, waterborne diseases, and vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria.

Due to the corona pandemic, people have become more aware about health, hygiene, diseases and viral infections. Such health emergencies give us a stark reminder on the importance of both health and healthcare infrastructure.

Why Health Insurance is Important During Monsoon

There are many reasons why health insurance is undoubtedly crucial during the rainy season. Here are a few:

Increased Risk of Illness: The damp and humid conditions during monsoon are ideal for the growth of disease-causing organisms. This leads to a rise in infections and the spread of viruses. Stagnant water can breed bacteria, leading to illnesses like diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera.

Mosquito-borne diseases: Mosquitoes thrive in damp conditions, increasing the risk of dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.Vector borne diseases are particularly challenging to control due to the complex interactions between the vectors, pathogens (virus/bacteria) and the environment. Climate change, urbanization and increased commute (travel) time have contributed to the spread of these diseases.

Accidents: Slippery roads can cause vehicle crashes and injuries. While car insurance covers vehicle damage, a health insurance plan protects you financially for medical needs arising from such accidents. Electrocution - Excessive rains and collateral flooding, open/damaged wires pose a serious risk of electrocution.

Expensive Treatment Costs: Medical treatment for covid-19, monsoon-related illnesses can be expensive, especially for vector-borne diseases. Sample Dengue Fever treatment costs – diagnosis, hospital room rent and doctor’s fee

On an average, when you add up all expenses (and based on the number of days you have to be hospitalized, and the severity of your condition and the medicines) treatment for dengue fever and malaria can cost up to Rs 30,000 to Rs 70,000 or more.

The above are only approximate average costs and can still differ based on the severity of your health condition, city you live in and the hospital you choose to get treated in.

No matter how much you try to escape these ailments or accidents, it is quite possible that you will fall prey to any during the monsoon season. A good health insurance plan can ease the burden of unexpected medical expenses. Here's how it helps:

Hospitalization Coverage: Protects you from high costs associated with medical treatment, including hospital accommodation, medical care, nursing, and medications.

Diagnostic Tests: Covers necessary tests like blood, stool samples, urine analysis, and imaging scans to diagnose illnesses.

Medication Expenses: Takes care of the pharmacy costs of prescribed medications for treatment.

Outpatient doctor consultations: Many times, you don’t need to get admitted for treatment of vector borne disease. However, there may be a few doctor consultations and related outpatient medical expenses. That can be covered under an OPD cover.

High quality healthcare: Quality healthcare is expensive and the last thing one wants to compromise on when they are ill is their health treatment! You can choose and go for quality healthcare without any worries!

Tax saving: Premium paid for health insurance policy is allowed for tax deduction upto Rs 25,000/*-.

Good Health / No Claim Bonus: If you don’t claim in your health insurance you still get benefits like no claim bonus, discount on renewal premium for maintaining good health.

So all in all Health Insurance is a win-win situation!

Summary

Having health insurance is crucial throughout the year, but it's especially important during monsoon. If there's a good time for getting a health insurance policy, then it is now! Don't limit an insurance policy to seasons as you never know how they might help you. You may need a health insurance policy anytime and anywhere. Don't wait for emergencies to get health insurance. It's a year-round necessity that safeguards your well-being and finances. By taking precautions and having the right insurance plan, you can enjoy the monsoon season without risking your health or finances. Carefully research health insurance plans or contact your insurance expert to understand various benefits and exclusions before choosing one.

Invest in Your Health, Get Insured

*Disclaimer: As per income tax act 1961. Source of treatment costs: Medifee