Caused by the Mpox virus, Monkepox disease has gained huge attention in the past couple of years. Just like the viral disease Smallpox, Monkeypox causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes, and rash-like problems in the genitals. It is transmitted by animals to both humans and animals, and vice-versa. This is why it is also called Zoonotic disease. In July 2022, the WHO (World Health Organisation) had announced a Monkeypox outbreak and India had also witnessed a large number of cases.
The first case in India was reported on 14th June 2022 in Kerala and then in Delhi. The mortality rate of Monkeypox is a bit higher than that of Covid-19, as per WHO. Indian insurance companies provide health insurance coverage for Monkeypox so one has the needed mental peace and medical facility.
About Monkeypox Virus
In 1958, the outbreak was first reported and research was done on two monkeys which is why it is named Monkeypox. It is caused by two types of Mpox virus; West African virus and Congo Basin virus. By 2022, the disease had spread across 94 countries in the world.
The Mpox virus spreads through close physical contact between humans, animals or humans and animals. Bodily fluid, blood, respiratory drops, mucous lesions, etc. can transmit the virus from one person or animal to another. There is no such specific treatment for this disease since it is self-limiting and the person affected starts recovering on their own. People who have been inoculated with the Smallpox vaccine have a higher immunity against the virus.
General Signs and Symptoms of Monkeypox
Some of the very common signs of Monkeypox, to begin with, are fever and rashes. Other general signs and symptoms include:
- Head, muscles, and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Fatigue
Once the disease begins progressing, it also affects:
- Palms of hands
- Face
- Soreness in feet
- Genitals
- Mouth
- Eyes
Health Insurance and Monkeypox Virus
While you may not always be able to avert a disease like monkeypox virus, it is only prudent to safeguard yourself by taking all possible precautions. Another way to protect yourself and your loved ones, in case of an infection, is to have the right health insurance policy. As monkeypox is not a pre-existing ailment, it is generally covered under most standard comprehensive health insurance plans.
Importance of Health Insurance
When it comes to managing a medical emergency, one of the biggest concerns is the expenditure. A few days in the hospital can eat up years of savings, and thus having health insurance is imperative. You can get the best treatment without worrying about the hefty bills.
Health insurance can be quite useful in tackling medical situations. You must know why it is so important for you:
- Coverage for Diseases Like Monkeypox
With your health insurance plan, you can avail coverage for Monkeypox. Apart from this, various insurance companies also cover the medical treatment cost of Monkeypox.
- The Advantage of Cashless Health Insurance
Under this cashless health insurance option, your insurance company directly settles the bill with the hospital. Hence, you need not pay hefty sums from your end. However, to avail of cashless insurance, you need to visit one of the network hospitals or your insurer.
- Add-ons to Further Enhance the Coverage
Apart from the basic coverage of the health insurance plan, you may purchase add-ons to enhance the coverage. Since not everything can be included in a plan, add-ons become quite helpful.
- Pre and Post-hospitalisation
In case of medical urgency, the expenses may not be limited to hospitalisation alone. Pre-hospitalisation refers to several medical costs of a patient prior to admission to the hospital and post-hospitalisation refers to the expenses after the patient returns home from the hospital.
- Peace of Mind
Medical situations bring with them a lot of anxiety, caused by exhaustion of finances, compromising future financial plans, and so on. This is why it is advised to have health insurance so you have peace of mind in times of health crisis.
- Tax Benefits
Investing in health insurance plans also brings you tax benefits. Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, you can get a tax deduction of up to ₹50,000.
- An Affordable Way to Safeguard Yourself from Diseases
If you or someone you know needs pocket-friendly health insurance, then an affordable option is the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The government-initiated scheme offers cover to people who have a family income of less than ₹5 Lakhs a year. You can apply for the Ayushman card both online as well as offline in a few simple steps.
Conclusion
As discussed above, monkeypox is covered by most health insurance policies. However, the exclusions and inclusions, sub-limits and other features of the coverage may vary from plan to plan and insurer to insurer. As there has been an international outbreak, the chances of being infected can be high, and therefore having a health insurance policy that would cover all such risks is highly recommended. With the benefit of cashless insurance, you can seek good-quality treatment without having to run around arranging finances.