Does Health Insurance Cover Coronavirus?

Infecting over 800000 people globally and death cases of more than 40000, coronavirus which has been declared as a pandemic has been raging havoc on nations worldwide. Italy has sadly been hit worst causing more than 12000 deaths and cases in US is rapidly increasing like fire. Cases in India is less as compared and currently in lockdown mode natiowide as it seems very important to keep social distancing to contain the outbreak.

When this outbreak started most of the people were already in travel mode which has led this virus to spread exponentially at the global level. Insurance companies provided travel insurance covering individuals if the contract the disease while traveling. 


But what about now when this outbreak has already arrived in a country like India? 
We are not traveling to any country and trying to avoid getting infected as much as we can. With few cases already confirmed in India in the first week, the widespread panic of getting infected is increasing among all of us with Coronavirus spreading rapidly. 

We suddenly remember that we have our Health Insurance Policy. Awesome! So, now we think that we are covered. But wait, a doubtful question arises -  

Will my Health Insurance policy cover Coronavirus?

A simple answer would be "Yes". Because the exception in a general Health policy states that "any pre-existing diseases are not covered". Since this special form of Coronavirus(COVID-19) is a newly discovered virus, so it is obligatory as per Insurance contract to Indemnify the Insured. If your Health Insurance policy is not disease-specific, it will cover quarantine and hospitalization expenses. 

The tension doesn't end here. Insurance companies have different conditions associated with coverages so it would be better if you read the conditions properly or ask with your Insurance provider whether the coverage for coronavirus will be covered or not. 

IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has taken paramount actions and ordered Insurance companies to expedite the claims relating to quarantine and hospitalization. It has asked Insurers to step in and play a supportive role in starting a new need-based Insurance Plans for individuals. 

Life Insurance Policy will cover death due to Coronavirus. The legal heir/nominee will get the Sum assured as the death benefit from the coverage. 

Will my Insurance Policy cover Coronavirus (COVID-19) if I get my policy now?

If you are planning to buy an insurance policy or your insurance policy is under process during the outbreak, the insurance co. may reject or impose a greater premium. It will grant policy only if you are not infected already due to COVID-19, and a certain condition may be stipulated in the policy stating "covered only if adhered to utmost good faith (disclosing all material information before issuance of policy)". 


In this high-tension time, the Insurance companies are stepping in and providing Insurance policies and coverages to individuals. While Insurance plays their major role, it becomes our duty to adhere to the safety precautions. 

Since there is no specific medical treatment and vaccine still, we have our roles to play and a social vaccine can be created if we keep Social Distance, wash hands regularly. Avoid touching anyone as much as you can, and if accidentally you have touched someone, avoid touching your nose mouth, etc. Practice sneezing under elbows.