A rise in dengue cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) has led to insurance companies offering single disease-specific covers. These covers will not only cover dengue but also other critical illnesses including cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.
Most health insurance policies launched after 2014-2015 cover dengue under the umbrella. However, policies launched prior to 2014-2015 are offering add-ons against diseases like dengue.
ICICI Lombard General Insurance is offering add-on covers for dengue and chikungunya for all health insurance policies launched and issued prior to 2014-2015. Quoting Sanjay Datta, Chief of Underwriting and Claims, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, “For our newer policies, like Complete Health Insurance and Health Booster we have inpatient coverage for all vector-borne diseases including dengue and chikungunya. Besides allopathic treatment, the insured has the choice to undergo inpatient AYUSH treatment.”
Addressing the issue of prolonged hospitalisation due to dengue and chikungunya, Sanjay Datta expressed his concern on the strain on the patient's financial resources. He further added that the comprehensive health insurance policy offered by ICICI Lombard provide several benefits including day care treatment, emergency ambulance cover and claim service guarantee that help address specific needs.