New-look Health Plans
Difficult times often expose vulnerabilities of life. Coronavirus has made people realise how easily life can be taken away. It has also made them understand the importance of health insurance. We are in a situation where there may be possibility of the entire family requiring medical care.
To increase health insurance penetration, the Insurance Regulatory And Development Authority (IRDA) has introduced a number of changes to improve coverage, service quality and claim experience of policyholders. Some have already been implemented.
These changes are a good point for you to take stock of your health insurance cover. And if you do not have health insurance, it can be a good time to buy one considering customer-friendly changes IRDA has brought about and the health crisis we are facing.
Corona Cover
Many policyholders are not sure if their policy covers coronavirus infection or not. “Viral infections are covered. This is one of the common infections a policyholder can contract. All Covid-related diseases and complications are covered by the basic health policy,” says Dr. S Prakash, Managing Director, Star Health and Allied Insurance.
IRDA has issued guidelines to remove doubts among policyholders. “A basic health policy covers medical expenses, that is, hospitalisation expenses, for any viral infection, including coronavirus. Also, as instructed by IRDA, insurers are liable to pay for treatment of coronavirus,” says Ravi Vishwanath, President, Accident & Health, HDFC ERGO General Insurance.
