Seasonal infectious diseases are the cause of nearly one-third of health insurance claims that insurers have received. These include ailments that are spread by water, like gastroenteritis, or diseases carried by vectors, such as dengue, and malaria, which resulted in a significant number of claims in July and August. It is typically influenza or bronchitis in the winter.

These claims are mostly preventable because a considerable number of them are connected to the local hygienic conditions.

However, claims data clearly show that they affect every socioeconomic section.

15% of all claims for seasonal illnesses are related to vector-borne illnesses including dengue and malaria, according to Policybazaar analysis of reported health insurance claims. Treatment for various diseases spread by mosquitoes usually costs between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1,50,000. In July and August, when the weather is humid and mosquitoes are more likely to breed, the claims increase.

The stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, is another sickness that is most common during the monsoon and requires the same treatment as malaria. 18% of seasonal claims are related to this disease. A further 10% of claims related to seasonal illness are caused by allergic reactions, the occurrence of which varies based on the location. Claims for bronchitis and influenza peak at 12% and 20% of all seasonal diseases in the winter. The price of treatment is less expensive, though, ranging between Rs 25,000 and Rs 1 lakh.

“These seasonal illnesses add to the frequency of claims. However, the average claim amount is much lower than chronic illnesses, and in terms of value, the share of claims would be below 20%.” said Singhal. According to Singhal, the cases of hospitalization for illnesses that would have earlier been treated at home have gone up. “This is a positive development as it is always good to have professional support.” he said.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Priyanka Pandey/MSM)