Kochi, often called Ernakulam, is a vibrant city on Kerala's southwest coast. Known for its excellent healthcare facilities, Kochi attracts patients from different parts of the world, especially for heart transplants. However, the cost of these medical services in Kochi remains on the higher side. Read on to know how investing in health insurance in Kochi allows you to access quality healthcare at a more affordable cost.
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Check out the top reasons why it is important for everyone in Kochi to buy a health insurance policy:
6,51,00,000 Families have Trusted Policybazaar India No. of Claims Settled 8 Lakh Claim Amount Settled 4,007 Crore Check claims in your city Kochi No. of Claims Settled 31 K Claim Amount Settled 124 Crore Data Source: Policybazaar’s actual data of claims settled by its partnered insurers between 2018 and 2026.
Kochi has a high burden of lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes and cancer. According to a 2023 survey by the District Health Department, hypertension and diabetes are the most prominent lifestyle diseases in Ernakulam, with over 2.6 lakh people suffering from them. Since these diseases involve long-term treatment and are expensive, they can exhaust your savings in no time. But if you have health insurance for high blood pressure or health insurance for diabetes, your insurance company will take care of the treatment costs.
Heavy rains in Kochi often lead to waterlogging, creating the perfect breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes responsible for spreading vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya. As per official data, around 547 confirmed dengue cases were reported in the Ernakulam district in June 2024. Although most people recover from these mosquito-borne diseases at home, severe cases may require hospitalisation, leading to a hefty hospital bill. To stay financially protected from such medical exigencies, buying health insurance for vector-borne diseases is necessary.
Drinking water scarcity is a major problem in Kochi. As a result, the rise in water-borne diseases like hepatitis and diarrhoea is a serious concern. According to the Health Department data, more than 4,700 diarrhoea cases have been reported in Feb-March 2024. If it leads to hospitalisation, you can end up depleting your finances quickly. However, buying the list of health insurance plan enables you to get timely treatment in Kochi without the stress of draining your savings.
Healthcare costs in India are rising rapidly, including in Kochi city. No wonder even short hospital stays generate bills worth lakhs of rupees. In case of major illnesses, the expenses can shoot up to ₹20-40 lakh. With a mediclaim insurance policy, you can afford quality treatment at any Kochi hospital without worrying about the costs.
Arranging money for upfront hospital bill payments during a medical emergency can be very stressful. With health insurance in Kochi, you can avail cashless treatment at any hospital in the city, thanks to the cashless everywhere facility. Thus, you can focus entirely on your recovery while your insurance company handles the payment of bills directly with the hospital.
Here are some of the major health issues in Kochi:
Hypertension is the most common lifestyle disease in Kochi. According to a 2023 Health Department survey on NCD, approximately 1.4 lakh people in Ernakulam suffer from hypertension. Experts blame stress, lack of exercise, unhealthy food habits, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking for the high incidence of hypertension in the city.
Diabetes has a major prevalence in the coastal city of Kochi. As per the NCD survey conducted by the Health Department in 2023, more than 1.2 lakh people in Kochi are living with diabetes. Obesity, unhealthy diet patterns, sedentary lifestyles and family history are responsible for the growing burden of diabetes in the region.
Dengue fever is a significant concern in Kochi. According to the Health Department data, Ernakulam reported 3,834 cases of dengue in 2023. The numbers were alarmingly high in June 2024, earning the city the title of the ‘dengue capital of Kerala’. Health officials have identified intermittent rains, inadequate fogging & cleaning, waterlogging in open ducts in buildings and indoor plants in flats as the main reasons for the spike in dengue cases in the city.
Diarrhoea is a persistent problem in Kochi. As per the official data, about 2,940 cases of diarrhoea have been reported in Ernakulam in February 2024 and 1,834 cases in March 2024. The unhygienic conditions in certain parts of the city and the consumption of contaminated food and water have contributed to the spread of this disease.
Leptospirosis cases have sharply increased in Kochi. According to health officials, about 6 people died of leptospirosis in Kochi in the first four months of 2024. This disease has mostly affected people with underlying diseases and poor access to timely medical care.
Avg. claim ₹34 K
₹9 L
27 Claims
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₹7 L
4 Claims
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15 Claims
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4 Claims
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12 Claims
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Avg. claim ₹55 K
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Avg. claim ₹45 K
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Avg. claim ₹61 K
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Avg. claim ₹29 K
₹2 L
8 Claims
Avg. claim ₹33 K
₹14 L
44 Claims
Data Source: Policybazaar’s actual data of claims settled by its partnered insurers between 2018 and 2026.
Listed below are some of the health statistics of Kochi:
Medical Trust Hospital Kuzhuppilly OWNED BY PULIKKAL MEDICAL FOUNDATION ₹1 L PULIKKAL MEDICAL FOUNDATION OWNERS OF MEDICAL TRUST HOSPITAL ₹1 L LISIE HOSPITAL ₹1 L Lakshmi Hospital ₹1 L Lourdes Hospital ₹1 L MEDICAL TRUST HOSPITAL KUZHUPPILLY ₹1 L Data Source: Policybazaar’s actual data of claims settled by its partnered insurers between 2018 and 2026.
If you live in Kochi, buying the best health insurance plan is important to protect you and your family against sudden medical expenses. Experts recommend that your health insurance coverage should be at least 50% of your annual income in Kochi. However, you must ensure that the sum insured is adequate to cover the costs of treating critical illnesses like cancer.
Healthcare in Kochi is costly, and thus, choosing a health insurance coverage of at least ₹5-10 lakh per person is important. To cover the whole family under one policy, a family health insurance policy with a sum insured of ₹20 lakh or above should be considered.
Moreover, senior citizens living in Kochi should purchase a senior citizen health insurance policy with a minimum coverage amount of ₹15 lakh.
0-25 Yrs
Total Claims: ₹55 Cr
Avg Claim: ₹55 K
26-35 Yrs
Total Claims: ₹722 Cr
Avg Claim: ₹57 K
36-45 Yrs
Total Claims: ₹1,023 Cr
Avg Claim: ₹75 K
46-60 Yrs
Total Claims: ₹1,154 Cr
Avg Claim: ₹1 L
61 & above
Total Claims: ₹1,051 Cr
Avg Claim: ₹1 L
Data Source: Policybazaar’s actual data of claims settled by its partnered insurers between 2018 and 2026.
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) who frequently visit Kochi can buy health insurance for NRIs from any health insurance company in India. This policy can cover their medical expenses during their visits or stays in Kochi. Additionally, if they eventually return to Kochi after living abroad for several years, they can continue using the same NRI health insurance policy.
NRIs can also purchase health insurance for parents residing in Kochi, even if they live abroad. This will offer financial support to their parents in case of a medical emergency in Kochi.
Moreover, purchasing a health insurance plan in Kochi makes NRIs eligible for an 18% GST refund if they pay taxes in their country of residence.
People also read: GST Refund on Health Insurance for NRIs
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The Government of Kerala launched the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) scheme to provide financial support for medical care to over 42 lakh poor and vulnerable families of Kerala. However, KASP does not provide comprehensive coverage to Kochi residents, necessitating the need for private health insurance.
The table below highlights why the KASP scheme is insufficient for comprehensive medical coverage in Kochi:
| Category | Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) Scheme | Private Health Insurance |
| Sum Insured | The scheme offers a sum insured amounting to ₹5 lakh per household annually. | Private health insurance provides coverage for up to ₹6 crore, based on the individual's budget and preferences. |
| Eligibility Criteria | To be eligible, one must be a resident of Kerala, belong to a BPL or APL household with an annual income under ₹3 lakh, and provide the required documentation. | Private health insurance is available to everyone based on their age and health. |
| Scope of Coverage | The KASP scheme provides coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. | Private health insurance covers various diseases, surgeries, medical procedures, and therapies. |
| Procedures Covered | The KASP scheme covers around 1,573 medical procedures, including treatment-related expenses such as drugs, diagnostic services, and physician fees. | Private health insurance covers a wide range of procedures, including medical treatments, day care treatments, pre & post-hospitalisation costs, and OPD treatments. |
| Pre and Post-hospitalisation Expenses | The KASP scheme covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalisation and 15 days of post-hospitalisation expenses. | Most private health insurance plans typically cover pre-hospitalisation expenses for up to 60 days and post-hospitalisation expenses for up to 90 days, depending on the chosen plan. |
Consider these wellness and prevention tips to maintain good health in Kochi:
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*All the health insurance plans cover hospitalization expenses including COVID-19 treatment cover up to the specified limits. You can also buy specific COVID-19 health insurance policies such as Corona Kavach Policy and Corona Rakshak policy.
**All savings and online discounts are provided by insurers as per IRDAI approved insurance plans. #Tax Benefits are subject to changes in tax laws.
*₹1748/month is the starting price for a 1 crore health insurance for an 18-year-old male, with no pre-existing diseases. Discount on renewal premium is subject to the number of wellness points earned in the health insurance policy. For more details about the plans, please read the sale brochure carefully to get upto 100% discount on renewal premium.
*₹400/month is the starting price for ₹ 5 lakh Health insurance for a 30 year old male & 29 years old female, living in Delhi with no pre-existing diseases
*₹541/month is the starting price for ₹ 10 lakh Health insurance for a 30 year old male & 29 years old female, living in Delhi with no pre-existing diseases
*₹762/month is the starting price for ₹ 1 Crore Health insurance for a 30 year old male & 29 years old female, living in Delhi with no pre-existing diseases
*₹243/month(₹ 8/day) is the starting price for a 5 lakh health insurance for a 20-year-old male, non-smoker, living in Bengaluru with no pre-existing diseases
*₹2020/month is the starting price for ₹ 1 Cr Health insurance for a 50 year old male & 50 years old female, living in Bangalore with no pre-existing diseases rounded off to nearest 10.
*₹390/month (₹13 per day) is starting price for 1 cr. Health insurance for 25 years old male, with pre-existing diseases, residing from tier 1 city rounded off to the nearest 10.
*No medical tests are required unless requested by the insurer’s underwriter. In-case of pre-existing diseases relevant medical proof would be required as per the terms and condition of the policy opted.
*The values taken for effective cost calculation are indicative values and may change as per the selected plan.
*Coverage upto double the amount of Sum Insured is available on certain covers for a minimum plan of Rs. 5 Lakh on the first claim only to an individual of upto 45 years of age with no pre-existing diseases. The benefit is available with or without extra cost depending on the plan chosen.
*Coverage of pre-existing diseases is provided by insurer as per their underwriting policy.
*The scope of coverage may vary from plan to plan.
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