Dengue, Malaria Cases Surge in Delhi: Know Why Health Insurance is a Must

Flood Water Spikes Dengue and Malaria Cases in Delhi

As per the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), more than 187 cases of dengue and 60 cases of malaria have been recorded in the city as of July 22, 2023. In fact, the dengue numbers are the highest this year since 2018. The city mayor has also suggested a possibility of a further surge in the cases due to floods. 

Low-lying areas of Delhi were flooded for more than a week in Delhi forcing several people out of their homes. While the stress and trauma from the flooding have impacted their immunity system, the stagnant water also became the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes that cause diseases like dengue and malaria. Even though the floodwaters have receded, the increased population of mosquitoes pose a higher risk of contracting water-borne diseases like dengue and malaria.

Often, people with severe dengue or malaria require hospitalization. In some cases, ICU admission may also be necessary. At this point, obtaining quality treatment for these water-borne diseases may come at a hefty price. Health insurance is the only way to protect your hard-earned money without compromising your treatment.

Why is Health Insurance Important Amidst a Surge in Dengue, Malaria Cases?

Take a look at the reasons why health insurance is a must for Delhiites amongst the rising dengue and malaria cases in Delhi:

1. Get Financial Assistance 

   Water-borne diseases like dengue and malaria can be expensive to treat as they may require doctor consultations, diagnostic tests and medication. Hospitalization may be necessary for severe conditions, which can burn a hole in your pockets. With health insurance, you don’t have to worry about paying these medical bills, as the onus will fall on your insurance company. You can also choose to buy a customized health plan for vector-borne diseases available with multiple insurers. 

   For more details, read Health Insurance to Cover Vector-borne Diseases

2. Access to Best Quality Treatment

   Availing the best quality medical treatment for dengue and malaria becomes accessible if you have a health insurance policy. It allows you to get admitted to the best hospital in your neighbourhood no matter the cost, as your insurer will take care of hospital bills. 

3. Avail Cashless Hospitalization 

   Health insurance allows you to avail cashless hospitalization for dengue or malaria at any of the network hospitals of your insurance company. Your insurer will take care of the hospital bills while you can focus entirely on your recovery. Today, all health insurance providers in India offer cashless hospitalization benefits nationwide.

4. Coverage for Pre and Post-hospitalization Expenses

   Unlike popular belief, health insurance plans not only cover hospitalization expenses but also pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization expenses. This means your insurance company will pay for the medical expenses incurred before getting hospitalized for dengue/malaria and after getting discharged. These include the cost of doctor consultations, blood tests for dengue/malaria and medicines, amongst others.

   However, the coverage for pre and post-hospitalization expenses are limited to 30/60/90 days before hospitalization and 60/90/120/180 days after discharge, depending on your policy terms and conditions.

   People also read: What are Pre & Post Hospitalization Expenses in Health Insurance?

5. Covers the Entire Family

   One of the best parts about buying health insurance is that it offers medical coverage for individuals and families. This comes in handy if more than one member of your family suffers from dengue or malaria. With family health insurance, you can raise a claim with your insurer for the treatment expenses of all the insured family members suffering from these vector-borne diseases.

Tips to Prevent Dengue and Malaria

Here are a few tips to prevent dengue and malaria:

• Wear light-coloured and full sleeves clothes
• Avoid keeping doors and windows open in the evening
• Use mosquito repellents to keep the mosquitoes away
• Avoid storing water in and around the house
• Apply mosquito repellent cream before stepping out
• Use a mosquito net while sleeping 
• Cover your windows and doors with nets to prevent mosquitoes from entering your house
• Dispose of stored water once a week
• Cover all water tanks inside the house
• Dispose of mosquito breeding sites and scarp materials properly
• Rinse, clean and dry all water utensils in a week
• Cover vent pipes with net
• Empty all contaminated water container
• Eat healthy food to keep your immunity high

Summing It Up

Dengue and malaria are seasonal diseases that witness a surge around monsoon. As these diseases are life-threatening and require hospitalization in severe cases, investing in a health insurance policy is a wise decision. Make sure to compare different plans and coverage benefits to find a health plan that offers comprehensive coverage against vector-borne diseases.