India confirmed its first case of Mpox on Monday, raising concerns about the spread of the virus alongside other prevalent diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. The rising number of infectious diseases is causing a surge in medical expenses, leaving individuals vulnerable to high treatment costs.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared the clade 1 variant of Mpox a public health emergency in August 2024, but the Union Health Ministry clarified that India’s first patient is infected with the clade 2 variant, which is not part of the current emergency. As the threat of an outbreak looms, let’s explore how a standard health insurance plan can provide financial security against diseases like Mpox.
Is a Standard Health Insurance Plan Enough for Mpox?
Health insurance experts affirm that most basic health insurance plans cover medical expenses for Mpox, as it is categorized as an infectious disease. According to Rakesh Jain, CEO of Reliance General Insurance, “Since Monkeypox is classified as an infectious disease, the costs associated with hospitalization, diagnostic tests, and treatment are typically included under the standard provisions of comprehensive health insurance policies.” However, he advises policyholders to review their specific policy details or consult their insurer to confirm the extent of coverage.
Soaring Hospitalization Costs for Viral Infections
The cost of treating viral infections, especially in metropolitan areas, has escalated, with hospitalization driving expenses even higher. Siddharth Singhal, Head of Health Insurance at Policybazaar, notes that “The cost of treatment for severe viral infections can exceed ₹10- ₹15 lakh, especially in private hospitals in major cities.” He recommends that individuals living in metro cities opt for health insurance policies with a sum insured of ₹1 crore.
Should You Buy a Specific Infectious Disease Cover?
For enhanced benefits, policyholders may consider specific infectious disease covers or vector-borne disease riders, which offer additional support beyond a standard health policy. Such riders can help with prolonged hospitalizations from diseases like dengue or malaria. As Rakesh Jain explains, “These optional benefits, such as a hospital cash rider, offer a daily cash allowance during hospitalization, helping to cover unexpected expenses.”
Despite their benefits, infectious disease covers remain less popular, with limited options available in the market. According to S K Sethi, co-chair of the BFSI Committee, “In the past, companies introduced specialized insurance products for diseases like malaria and dengue, but they struggled to attract significant customer interest.”
Comprehensive Coverage and Telemedicine Services
Experts stress the importance of comprehensive health insurance plans that cover pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, ambulance charges, ICU fees, and more. Parthanil Ghosh, Director & Chief Business Officer at HDFC ERGO General Insurance, emphasizes checking an insurer’s claim payout ratio for reliability and also recommends policies that offer telemedicine services. “Telemedicine has become crucial for ensuring healthcare accessibility, especially during quarantine or when physical doctor visits are not feasible,” he added.
How Insurers Are Adapting to Frequent Disease Outbreaks
With the increasing frequency of global disease outbreaks, insurers are updating their risk-assessment methods and policies. Siddharth Singhal of Policybazaar highlights that insurers are now leveraging data-driven underwriting and partnering with healthcare providers to ensure better access to care during outbreaks. Telemedicine and digital health services are also being integrated into insurance policies to enhance customer support.
