Is Your Health Insurance Ready to Handle the Next Health Crisis?
Another virus is making waves—Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). First reported in China, it has now spread to countries like the U.S. and poses a real concern. If this sounds a bit too familiar, it should.
Like COVID-19, HMPV causes respiratory issues, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weaker immune systems.
While scientists work to understand and manage HMPV, there’s one thing you can do now:
Check your health insurance. If there’s one lesson the COVID-19 pandemic taught us, it’s that being unprepared for a medical emergency can hit hard—not just physically, but financially.
In India alone, COVID-19 claimed 3.91 lakh lives. Yet only 14% of the population was insured, leaving many families scrambling to cover hospital bills.
With HMPV looming, it’s worth asking yourself: Is your health insurance ready to handle what’s coming?
A Practical Guide to Smarter Health Insurance
Here’s how to make sure your health insurance has you covered, no matter what:
1. Individual vs. Family Floater Plans
If it’s just you, an individual policy works fine. But for families, a family floater plan ensures everyone’s covered under one sum insured. It’s efficient and often more cost-effective.
2. Critical Illness Coverage
Policies designed for critical illnesses can be a lifesaver. They provide a lump sum for severe health conditions, like respiratory complications, that might arise from viruses like HMPV.
3. Coverage Details
What’s covered? Hospital stays, diagnostic tests (like PCR tests), and
post-hospitalization care should be non-negotiable. And don’t forget to check exclusions, like pre-existing conditions or epidemic-related clauses.
4. Sum Insured
Bigger is better here. Respiratory treatments can be expensive, and having a higher sum insured ensures you’re not caught off guard.
5. Waiting Periods
Many policies have a 30-day waiting period for new illnesses and longer for pre-existing conditions. Be clear about these timelines.
6. Cashless Network Hospitals
Cashless treatment is a game-changer during emergencies. Make sure your policy is linked to a strong hospital network.
7. No Claim Bonus (NCB)
Every claim-free year can increase your sum insured. Think of it as a bonus for staying healthy.
8. Pre- and Post-Hospitalization Coverage
Medical expenses don’t start or stop at the hospital door. Good policies cover
consultations, tests, and follow-up treatments.
9. Daycare Procedures
Modern healthcare often involves treatments that don’t require a hospital stay. Your insurance should include these.
Don’t wait until it’s too late!
HMPV may not be a household name yet, but it’s a reminder that health crises can hit when we least expect them. The best time to prepare is always now.
Take a fresh look at your health insurance policy—are there gaps in coverage? Is the sum insured sufficient?
Health insurance is more than just paperwork—it’s your Kavach in a world full of uncertainties.
The sooner you strengthen it, the better equipped you’ll be to face whatever challenges lie
ahead.
Kapil Jain is the Director of Enrichwise Financial Services Pvt. Ltd and Enrichwise Insurance Broking Services Pvt. Ltd., an IIM Indore Gold Medalist in Finance and an investor for 25+ years. He is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve financial independence through
informed, goal-oriented planning.
For Insurance, Investments and Tax Advisory contact +919821860804 or email
planner@enrichwise.com