Why is it important to be covered for both the coronavirus and vector borne diseases as well?

1
India is still one of worst affected countries when it comes to the COVID-19. (1)
2
Vector borne diseases account for 17% of all infectious diseases and leads to up to 700,000 deaths every year, worldwide! (2)
3
India has a long history of malaria due to both its large population and climatic conditions. 2018 alone saw 429,928 cases of malaria and 96 malaria deaths! (3)

What’s great about Digit’s Health Insurance covering COVID-19 and Vector Borne diseases?

  • Individual cover for each family member: Everyone needs adequate protection, that’s why this policy can be bought for each individual member of your family.
  • No room rent capping: Everyone has different preferences, and we understand that. That’s why, there is no limit on room rent or ICU room rent either. Choose any room you like.
  • Customize your sum insured: Everyone’s requirements aren’t the same. That’s why we give you the option to choose your sum insured based on your personal requirements! 
  • Minimum waiting period: There is only a minimum waiting period of 15-days for this policy, from the date of the start of the policy.
  • Simple, and digital-friendly: Right from the process of buying this health insurance policy to making your claims is seamlessly simple and online.

What’s covered under this policy?

  • Hospitalization for the COVID-19, Dengue, Malaria, Filariasis (Payable only once in a Lifetime), Kala Azar, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, and the Zika Virus.
  • Pre-hospitalization expenses, up to 30 days
  • Post hospitalization expenses, up to 60 days
  • Road ambulance charges (1% of your chosen SI, up to Rs 5,000)
  • Second medical opinion is covered

This cover is filed with the regulator, IRDAI, under their Sandbox Regulations. 

Formation of Group for the Purpose of Group Insurance; 442/IRDAI/HLT/GEN/GOD-SB/2019-20

 

What’s not covered?

We believe in transparency, and don’t want you to face any last-minute surprises. So here’s what you should know too – on what is not covered in this policy.

  • Hospitalization is only applicable if the insured tests positive for the COVID-19 or any of other 7 vector borne diseases.
  • There is an initial waiting period of 15-days from the date of policy inception.
  • Symptomatic treatment in the absence of a positive test report is not covered.
  • Testing for COVID-19 done in any center apart from ICMR, National Institute of Virology Pune, or any authorized test center of India is not covered.
  • Treatment outside India is not covered.
  • Any pre-existing conditions (whether declared or not declared) is not covered.
  • Insured members should not be suffering/suffered from respiratory-related symptoms like severe cough, respiratory distress, breathlessness from the last 2 weeks. Additionally, insured member(s) should not be suffering from diabetes, hypertension, diseases related to heart/lungs/liver, cancer, stroke, or any condition that needs ongoing medication and are not due for any medical treatment.
  • Hospitalization expenses for any other diseases apart from the COVID-19 and the 7 vector-borne diseases are not covered in this specific policy.
  • Insured members already suffering with any symptoms or being treated for any of the 7 vector borne diseases or covid-19 at the time of buying this policy will not be covered.
  • Insured member Quarantined due to COVID-19 or has been treated/tested positive for COVID-19 will not be covered
  • Home hospitalization is not covered in this policy.

Which Vector Borne diseases does this policy cover?

Malaria

Malaria is one of the most common and severe vector borne diseases in India. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected anopheles mosquito.  Symptoms for the same include chills, fever and sweating, that can show up to few weeks after being bitten. The treatment expenses for the same is covered under this policy. 

Dengue

Dengue is one of the most common diseases people face during the monsoons in India.  It is transmitted by female mosquitoes mainly of the daytime feeder species aedes aegypti. The symptoms for the same include high fever, headaches, rashes, and muscle pain. The treatment costs for the same is covered under this policy. 

Zika Virus

The Zia virus is transmitted through the same mosquito breed that spreads dengue i.e. the aedes aegypti species mosquito and the albopictus as well. However, it is not as common in India anymore and the infection too isn’t as life threatening except it does pose a risk to pregnant women. However, rest assured because the treatment expenses for the same are covered under this policy.

Filariasis

Generally affecting people in their childhood, Filariasis is a disabling and painful vector borne disease caused by the infection of roundworms of the filarioidea type. They are transmitted and spread by blood-feeding insects like black flies and mosquitoes. The symptoms of the same are different than other vector borne diseases; i.e. elephantiasis –edema with thickening of the skin and underlying tissues. The treatment expenses are covered once in a lifetime within this policy.

Kala Azar

Although currently rare in India, the kala azar is a dangerous vector borne disease caused by the leishmania parasites and transmitted by sandfly bites. Symptoms of the same include fever, weight loss and swelling of the spleen or liver. If left untreated, the disease can prove to be quite fatal. However, rest assured - the treatment for the same is covered under this policy.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral infection caused by mosquito bites. Symptoms of the same include sudden fever and joint pain. Muscle pain, headache, fatigue and rashes may occur too. Most people usually recover after a week of being treated. The expenses towards chikungunya too is covered in this policy.

Japanese Encephalitis

Common among kids aged 3 to 6 years, the Japanese Encephalitis is spread through vectors like mosquitoes, pigs and water birds. Unfortunately, it is the common cause of encephalitis (inflammation of one or more parts of the brain) too. However, the Japanese Encephalitis can be treated and the costs for the same are covered under this policy.

Things you should know about this policy

Getting diagnosed with these dreadful illnesses is heart breaking. Digit understands this and offers a cushion which will reimburse you for the expenses incurred due to hospitalization for any of the 8 diseases (including COVID-19)

On claims related to vector borne diseases

  • You will be covered for hospitalization expenses if you are diagnosed with and hospitalized solely for COVID-19, Dengue, Malaria, Filariasis (payable only once in a Lifetime), Kala Azar, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, and Zika Virus.

On claims related to the COVID-19

  • Hospitalization expenses incurred due to being quarantined in a government, military or government approved hospital are also covered, if you are suffering from COVID-19 as an inpatient and hospitalization was solely due to COVID-19 during the policy period.
  • Hospitalization for Covid-19 is applicable in all hospitals over India. However, claims will be admissible only after the insured is tested positive for coronavirus conducted from any of the ICMR authorized test centres in India.

FAQs about Health Insurance for Vector Borne Diseases & COVID