Insurance firms rush in as Covid cases rise

Over the last two days, several citizens have been bombarded with tele-callers who are selling health insurance policies as Covid-19 cases are now rising across the country.

By Kumaran P. | NT

Bengaluru: With insurance companies proving to be a saviour to many families during the last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, the sale of health insurance policies had cooled down after the number of cases went down.

However, over the last two days, several citizens have been bombarded with tele-callers who are calling and selling health policies as Covid-19 cases are now rising across the country.

Sunil, a resident of Frazer town said, “I have received 4-5 calls in a day asking me if I have health insurance or if not, they are asking me to purchase one health policy. They are telling me that Covid-19 is on the rise and they will cover the policy up to a few lakhs at the initial buying of the policy itself and I do not have to wait. Our family is so confused with the policies that we have and are so scared with this Covid mess.”

Health insurance companies have ensured that they cover any basic illnesses and Covid-19 right from the time the policy is taken. Deepak Kumar, a resident of Arekere Mico Layout said, “Last year, my policy covered over Rs 3 lakh for my COVID-19 treatment at a private hospital. Again, my father was admitted and his insurance got covered. I do not know without these health policies where we would have gone to pay our hospital bills. I hope this time, we are keeping ourselves safe and away from the disease to avoid any risks.”

On January 3, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India issued a press statement which said, “The press release of April 1, 2020 clarified that all the indemnity based health insurance products that cover the treatment costs of hospitalization offered by all general and health insurance companies cover the costs of hospitalization treatment on account of Covid-19.”

“In the wake of recent instances of the spread of Covid-19 cases being reported under Omicron variant, it is clarified that all health insurance policies issued by all general and health insurance companies that cover treatment costs of Covid-19 also cover the costs of treatment towards Omicron variant of Covid-19 as per terms and conditions of policy contract,” the statement added.

The IRDA also said that the Insurance companies shall put in place an effective coordination mechanism with all their network providers (hospitals) for the purpose of making available seamless cashless facilities to all policyholders in case of hospitalization if any and render speedy services to all policyholders.