India:Health insurance claim amounts for seasonal illnesses soar

Health insurance claims for seasonal illnesses have risen by about 150% in recent years, according to a study of reported claims by the digital insurance platform Policybazaar.

These illnesses include vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, and water-borne infections such as gastroenteritis, during the monsoon season. In winter, the illnesses are usually bronchitis or influenza,

The report points out that the cost of medical treatment for dengue and malaria can go up to INR150,000 ($1,787), while for gastroenteritis it can soar to INR180,000. In peak seasons, the claims related to these ailments account for 35-40% of the total health insurance claims.

Dengue and malaria account for 15% of total seasonal illnesses claims. The cost of treating these mosquito-borne diseases typically ranges from INR50,000 ($596) to INR150,000. These claims surge in July and August when humid conditions create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Gastroenteritis or stomach flu has the same treatment expenses as malaria. This ailment accounts for 18% of seasonal claims. Another 10% of seasonal illness claims are due to allergic reactions where the periodicity varies according to region.

Mr Siddharth Singhal, head of health insurance at Policybazaar, said, “These seasonal illnesses add to the frequency of claims. However, the average claim amount is much lower than for chronic illnesses.”

Seasonal illnesses show higher incidence in the metropolitan cities. Mumbai records the highest number of claims at 20%, followed by Delhi at 18%, Bangalore at 15%, Chennai at 12%, and Hyderabad at 10%.