Check if your health plan is Covid-ready

ESSENTIAL TO HAVE OPD & AT-HOME COVER

- SAIKAT NEOGI

AS INDIA'S ACTIVE Covid-19 cases have crossed the 7,000-mark, individuals must ensure that their health insurance policy includes outpatient department (OPD) and consumables cover.

They should also assess whether the policy includes home care or domiciliary hospitalisation.

An OPD cover will ensure that the insured and his family are protected even when hospitalisation isn't required, by covering doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and medications, which can be quite expensive.

Even non-medical expenses—like PPE kits, gloves, or even room charges—can add up significantly in case of hospitalisation for Covid-19 treatment.

It is essential to examine that the policy has sufficient sum insured to cover high treatment costs for Covid-19, including ICU charges, oxygen support, and post-hospitalisation expenses.

Most of the recent policies also include coverage for home quarantine and telemedicine consultations, which are valuable in managing mild cases of Covid-19 at home.

Domiciliary hospitalisation

Domiciliary treatment for Covid is covered under most existing health insurance policies.

Domiciliary treatment, meaning treatment at home, is provided when hospitalisation is not possible due to a shortage of beds or the patient is immobile.