Health Insurance: Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans Cover Mucormycosis

There’s no doubt that the second wave of Covid-19 has been more devastating than ever before. India recorded its highest-ever surge of 4.14 lakh Covid cases in May and became the third country to have the highest number of Covid deaths after the US and Brazil. What was more worrisome was the increasing number of cases of Mucormycosis among recovering and Covid recovered patients particularly patients with high-dose steroids.

It is a rare but dangerous fungal infection also called the ‘black fungus’ caused by a group of moulds known as mucormycetes, which are generally found in soil, plants, manure and decaying vegetables and fruits.It affects the sinuses, brain, lungs and can be life-threatening in diabetic or severely immune-compromised individuals such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS.

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Beyond this black fungus, white fungus and yellow fungus cases have also been observed in hospitals. White fungus, also known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by the candida yeast, a fungus type. Yellow fungus is the most lethal of the three types of fungus. 

Now, a case of Green fungus (Aspergillosis) has also been reported in Madhya Pradesh. Seeing the adversity of the infection, the Health Ministry had told India’s 29 states to declare the infection an epidemic. The treatment cost of mucormycosis at private hospitals is higher and can be unaffordable for many. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has mandated that Covid-19 related complications will be covered under your comprehensive health insurance. 

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“However, policyholders must note that there are 30 days waiting period for any illness under a health insurance policy except for coverage of accidents. Be it a heart ailment, Covid-19, or black fungus, this 30 days waiting period will be applicable. There is no waiting period other than that for Mucormycosis,” he added. 

Policyholders are suggested to adhere to terms and conditions of the policy, inform insurers about any pre-existing disease, planned or emergency hospitalization among other things. Keep the required documents handy for a hassle-free and quick claim settlement process. It should be noted that Covid-19 specific plans such as Corona Rakshak and Corona Kavach won’t cover black, white and yellow fungus. 

Buy a comprehensive Health Insurance Plan For Treatment of Mucormycosis

The treatment cost of this infection can range in between Rs 10-15 lacs. Therefore, it is always suggested to buy a health insurance plan which has a higher sum insured and provides adequate coverage. You should also check the restrictions in your policy such as room rent limit and co-payment. There could be a room rent limit which is the maximum amount covered by an insurer for the room in your policy. This means customers will have to necessarily bear some part of the medical bill. Typically, room rent capping is in the range of 1-2% of the sum insured. Go for health insurance plans which don’t have a room rent limit.
 

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