Dengue jolt makes citizens run for insurance cover

Hyderabad: Dengue fever took its toll on the affected families as many had to spend their hard-earned money on treatment leaving a big hole in their pockets. Some even had to take loans to meet the medical expenses.

The average treatment costs ranged from Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 for mild and moderate dengue cases, but for those whose platelet count dipped drastically, the treatment costs shot up from Rs 70,000 to Rs 2 lakh.

This unexpected health jolt had made people think seriously about the need for medical insurance. According to K Srinivas, a private employee at a supermarket in Hyderabad, his elder brother was affected with dengue and the family had to spend nearly Rs 35,000 for his treatment.

"He had no health insurance earlier. But after this health setback, he was advised to opt for family health insurance cover since he was married and has two children. He saved the money for school admission for his second child and now all that's gone," said Srinivas.

Siva Prasad, an insurance expert, said that health insurance covers entire family with a single medical insurance. By opting for affordable plans that come with a premium between Rs 12,000 to Rs 20,000 annually, one can get family health insurance. Middle-class sections, private employees, traders running small to medium businesses are now showing greater interest in medical insurance, said experts.

Dr Sanjeev Singh Yadav, state secretary of Indian Medical Association-Telangana, feels it is definitely useful to take a family health insurance policy as all members are covered thus sparing the head of the family from financial burden on medical treatment.

He, however, advised people to carefully chose the best insurance policy as each company has its own set of rules to extend claims. Dr Sanjeev stated that he himself has been taking family health insurance policy every year for the last 10 years. Then what are you waiting for?