Uncertainty is a fact of life, and nothing has proven this better than the COVID-19 pandemic. Its ongoing effects have brought the entire world to its knees. After the second wave in India, as of June 18th, 2021, there have been a total of about 2.97Cr cases.
Amidst work-stress, worrying about health and pandemic-related issues, costs only add to the burden your employees must shoulder. And the increase in cases directly impacts healthcare costs, particularly for the treatment of COVID-19. With the fear of rising treatment costs and the rampant spread of the life-threatening virus, people are scrambling to take stock of their savings and stay financially prepared.
At this crucial hour, while your business takes all the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your employees safe and the Coronavirus at bay, it’s also a smart move to be ready for any eventuality. And here’s where health insurance comes into the picture to provide relief. It’s a weapon in your arsenal that offers financial security during the hour of need. It’s a vital tool for every employee and their family, not only during a pandemic but for any medical issues you may face in the future.
And taking everything into consideration what’s taken place in the country since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020, a set of guidelines for Coronavirus insurance have been released by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
If you’re considering COVID-19 health insurance for your organization, here are the different plan options.
Types of Health Insurance for COVID-19 In India
Corona can affect anyone. Of course, masks, sanitizers, and social distancing is your first line of defense to protect yourself and your family, but you need more. As per the IRDAI guidelines, the following COVID-19 plans aim to provide financial security to citizens, specifically for the treatment costs pertaining to the COVID-19 disease. There are two types of plans:
1. Corona Kavach
2. Corona Rakshak
All About Corona Kavach COVID-19 Health Insurance Plan
Corona Kavach Policy is akin to a regular health insurance policy that’s designed to cover treatment for COVID-19. You're given a sum insured and you can make claims for any expenses you incur.
Sum insured
Under this policy, Rs. 50,000 is the minimum and Rs.5 lakhs is the maximum sum insured for COVID-19 treatment.
Tenure
Government guidelines state that the term for Corona Kavach health insurance is to be short. Keeping it short helps curtail the cost of the premium, thereby making insurance affordable for everyone. It’s available for a tenure of 3 ½ months, 6 ½ months, and 9 ½ months.
Waiting period
The waiting period is 15 days before the policy cover comes into effect.
Eligibility
Anyone between the age of 18 to 65 years can avail the policy. You can buy it for yourself, your spouse, parents, in-laws, or dependents up to the age of 25.
Coverage
When it comes to dealing with the Coronavirus, immediate care is the best response. And so, this policy covers both at home treatment as well as hospitalization.
I. Corona Kavach for Hospitalisation
- Hospitalization expenses: Coverage for everything from doctor consultation fee, ICU, oxygen, PPE kits, blood tests, ventilator, medicines, gloves, nursing charges, anesthesia, ambulance costs up to 2000, bed charges are more.
- Pre-hospitalization cover: In the event, you have to get hospitalized, all costs incurred 15 days pre-hospitalization is covered like check-ups, doctor consultation, diagnosis, etc.
- Post-hospitalization cover: You get coverage for 30 days after your discharge for medical expenses that you incur.
II. Corona Kavach for Home Treatment
You can opt for home treatment, after the advice of a medical practitioner. And the Corona Kavach policy offers coverage up to 14 days for the following:
- Consultation and costs of the treatment prescribed by the medical practitioner
- Cost of oximeter, nebulizer, and oxygen cylinders
- Nursing charges
- Costs for prescribed medicines
- Diagnostic tests in the center or at home
Note: With home treatment, you can claim for the costs only if you have proof with documents of the expenses.
III. Ayush Treatment
If you seek treatment in the form of homeopathy, Siddha, Unani, or Ayurveda, you can avail of treatment for costs up to the sum insured as per your policy.
Before and after treatment charges
You get coverage for treatment-related costs that arise 15 days before home care or hospitalization and 30 days after you’re discharged or you’ve completed your treatment at home.
Premiums
Depending on factors like the insurer, tenure, sum insured, etc. the cost of premiums varies between Rs. 500 to Rs. 5000.
All About Corona Rakshak COVID-19 Health Insurance Plan
Unlike Corona Kavach, Corona Rakshak is a lump sum benefit policy, which helps cover specific requirements. You receive this lump sum irrespective of the treatment expenses. Let’s learn more.
Sum insured
Under this policy, Rs. 50,000 is the minimum and Rs. 2.5 lakhs is the maximum sum insured for COVID-19 treatment.
Tenure
Similar to the Corona Kavach policy, this one too is available for a tenure of 3 ½ months, 6 ½ months, and 9 ½ months.
Waiting period
The waiting period is 15 days after the policy commences.
Eligibility
Again, the eligibility for Corona Rakshak is the same as Corona Kavach. If you are between the age of 18 to 65 years can avail the policy.
Coverage
Being a lump sum benefit-based plan, what you get coverage for is inconsequential. You can get the sum insured after 72 hours of continued hospitalization.
Exclusions
A few things your policy does not cover are:
- Hospitalization under 72 hours
- You don’t get coverage for any diagnosis or treatment that’s not related to COVID-19
- Any coverage or treatment outside India
- Any claim you make before the initial waiting period of 15-days
Premiums
This too is the same as Corona Kavach. Depending on a variety of factors like the sum insured, tenure, and insurer, etc. the cost of premiums varies between Rs. 500 to Rs. 5000.
Here’s A Quick Comparison Between Corona Kavach And Corona Rakshak Insurance
Policy type
Corona Kavach - An indemnity-based policy that provides coverage for hospital bills when you get treatment for COVID-19.
Corona Rakshak - A benefit-based policy that provides a lump sum for any treatment of COVID-19.
Sum insured
Corona Kavach - Minimum Rs 50,000 and maximum Rs 5 lakhs.
Corona Rakshak - Minimum Rs 50,000 and maximum Rs 2.5 lakhs.
Premium cycle
Corona Kavach - One time premium payment
Corona Rakshak - One time premium payment
Tenure
Corona Kavach - 3 ½ months, 6 ½ months, and 9 ½ months
Corona Rakshak - 3 ½ months, 6 ½ months, and 9 ½ months
Age to qualify
Corona Kavach - 18 to 65 and dependent children up to 25 years
Corona Rakshak - 18 to 65 and dependent children up to 25 years
Waiting period
Corona Kavach - 15 days
Corona Rakshak - 15 days
Hospitalization terms
Corona Kavach - You can make a claim if you need hospitalization for over 24-hours
Corona Rakshak.- When hospitalization exceeds 72-hours, you can make a claim
Type of plans available
Corona Kavach - Individual + family
Corona Rakshak- Only individual
Make A Safe Bet
With the pace of infection increasing, and amidst other work-related stress, you don’t want your employees losing out on productivity due to stress. As an employer, you rather give your team a sense of security in the form of COVID-19 health insurance. This gives them the surety you care about them, as well as the peace of mind so they give their 100% towards your organization’s work.
At Loop Health, you can opt for a standard group health insurance plan and COVID-19 health insurance for your employees. With a plethora of benefits like holistic healthcare, a wide range of cashless hospitals, and more, you get all-around care for your team.
Also, one of the first causes of concern is if your fever, cough, fatigue, etc. are related to covid-19. To answer all this and more, there are specialized doctors and experts on Loop Health’s panel available to you 24 X 7 on the Loop Health App. When your employees need assistance, Loop’s got their back.
A COVID-19 cover for your employees can reduce a lot of their stress. To find out more, reach out to our team, anytime!
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