The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the necessity of having health insurance, as the costs of medical care can be high, particularly for those who become severely ill with the virus. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to sweep the globe, reliable health insurance is more important than ever. But with so many different plans on the market, it can be challenging for you. In this blog, we’ll break down the basics of health insurance and how it relates to Covid-19, as well as provide some tips for finding the best plan for your needs.
What Is Health Insurance?
Health insurance covers the expense of overall medical care and can help cover expenses such as doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. Different types of health insurance plans are available, including employer-provided, individual, and government-funded plans such as Medicare and Medicaid. If you have a health id, it becomes easier to avail more benefits.
Types Of Health Insurance Plans
Here are a few types of health insurance plans available:
- Employer-provided plans: Many employers offer health insurance as a benefit to their employees. The employer may sponsor these plans, or the employee may choose plans through the employer.
- Individual plans: These plans are purchased directly by the individual and may be available through the healthcare marketplace or private insurance companies.
- Government-funded plans: Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program for those over 65, specifically younger individuals with disabilities. Medicaid is a federally funded health insurance program for those with low income and limited resources.
Why Is It Important During A Pandemic?
Hospitalisation for Covid-19 can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Many people have lost their jobs and income due to the pandemic, making it difficult to pay out-of-pocket medical expenses. Health insurance can help cover these costs and provide financial protection in a health emergency.
Example: Rohan, a self-employed small business owner, contracts Covid-19 and is hospitalised for a week. Without health insurance, he would be responsible for paying the entire cost of his hospital stay, which could be tens of thousands of dollars. Health insurance covers some of these costs, providing financial protection and peace of mind for Rohan and his family.
How Does It Cover Covid-19 Treatment?
Most health insurance plans cover the expenditure of Covid-19 treatment, including hospital stays, medications, and visits to the doctor. However, the specific coverage and out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on your plan. For example, some plans may have higher deductibles or copayments for certain types of treatment, while others may have more comprehensive coverage. Therefore, reviewing your plan’s coverage carefully and understanding any potential out-of-pocket costs before you get sick is important.
Finding The Right Health Insurance Plan
With so many different health insurance plans, it can take time to try and find the right one. However, these points will help you simplify your work:
- Determine your budget: How much can you pay monthly premiums? Remember that plans with lower premiums often have higher out-of-pocket costs when you need medical care.
- Understand your health needs: Do you have any pre-existing conditions that require regular medical treatment? Do you have a family history of specific health issues? Consider these factors when choosing a plan to ensure you have the coverage you need.
- Shop around: Be bold and compare multiple plans to find the one that best meets your needs and budget.
- Use the Cowin portal: The Cowin registration portal is a helpful resource for finding and comparing health insurance plans in India. It allows you to browse plans from various insurance providers and see how they compare in terms of coverage and cost.
Tips For Availing Benefits From Your Health Insurance Coverage
These are the steps to make the most of your insurance coverage:
- Understand your plan: Make sure you understand what your health insurance plan covers and your out-of-pocket costs. It can help you budget for healthcare expenses and make informed decisions about your care.
- Use in-network providers: Many health insurance plans have a network of providers with whom they have negotiated lower rates. Using in-network providers can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
- Take advantage of preventive care: Many health insurance plans cover preventive care, such as screenings and immunizations, at no cost to you. These services can help identify and address health issues early on, potentially saving you money in the long run.
- Use telehealth services: Many insurance plans now cover telehealth visits, which can be a convenient and cost-effective way to receive medical care.
Conclusion
In summary, it’s more important than ever to have reliable health insurance during the Covid-19 pandemic. Carefully review your plan’s coverage and understand any potential out-of-pocket costs. And feel free to shop around and compare multiple plans to find the one that best meets your needs and budget. Finding the right health insurance plan can ensure that you and your loved ones are protected in case of illness.
Also Read: 10 Benefits Of Buying Health Insurance At An Early Age