Vector Borne Disease Health Insurance – Coverage And Benefits

Read on to know the benefits, inclusion, exclusions and factors to consider when buying a health insurance policy for vector-borne diseases.
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3 min
8-January 2024

Vector-borne diseases are caused by a variety of pathogens that are transmitted to humans and animals by blood-sucking arthropods such as ticks, mosquitoes, and sandflies. The incidence of these diseases has been on the rise due to various factors, including climate change and travel. In India, vector-borne diseases are a major public health concern, accounting for millions of cases and thousands of deaths every year.

To combat the growing threat of vector-borne diseases, insurance providers have introduced specialised health insurance plans. In this article, we will discuss vector-borne diseases, vector-borne disease insurance, precautions for vector-borne diseases, and the factors to consider when purchasing vector-borne disease insurance.

What are vector-borne diseases?

Vector-borne diseases are infections ­­­transmitted to humans and animals by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and sandflies. Common examples include malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, Lyme disease, and chikungunya. These diseases are prevalent in various parts of the world, impacting millions of lives annually.

Vector-borne diseases are particularly challenging to control due to the complex interactions between the vectors, pathogens, and the environment. Climate change, urbanisation, and increased travel have contributed to the spread of these diseases, making them a global health concern.

Also, check: Health insurance for dengue

What is vector-borne disease insurance?

Vector-borne disease insurance policies are health insurance policies specifically designed to provide financial protection against medical expenses arising from the treatment of vector-borne diseases. These policies aim to ease the financial burden on individuals and families affected by these diseases by covering costs such as hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, medication, and other related medical expenses.

If you are looking for a pocket-friendly option to cover expenses in case of vector-borne disease treatment, then you can buy the Aditya Birla Vector Borne Treatment Cover. This plan is offered through Bajaj Finance at an affordable annual premium of Rs. 508. It offers coverage of up to Rs. 30,000 in case of hospitalisation due to dengue or malaria.

List of vector-borne diseases in India

As we mentioned earlier, vector-borne diseases are a major public health concern in India, with millions of cases reported every year. Here is a list of some of the most common vector-borne diseases in India:

  • Malaria: A parasitic infection is transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
  • Dengue fever: Caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, it results in flu-like symptoms and can lead to severe complications.
  • Chikungunya: Transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, causing fever, and severe joint pain.
  • Zika virus: Spread by Aedes mosquitoes, Zika can lead to birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
  • Japanese encephalitis: A viral infection is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, affecting the central nervous system.
  • Lyme disease: Transmitted by ticks, it causes symptoms like fever, fatigue, and skin rashes.

Get coverage for treatment and hospitalisation of Dengue with Dengue Cover.

Precautions for vector-borne diseases

While vector-borne diseases are widespread, adopting preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection:

  • Use mosquito repellents: Apply insect repellent on exposed skin to ward off mosquitoes.
  • Wear protective clothing: Covering arms and legs can prevent mosquito and tick bites.
  • Eliminate breeding grounds: Regularly empty stagnant water containers to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
  • Use bed nets: Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent night-time mosquito bites.
  • Vaccination: Where available, consider vaccinations for specific vector-borne diseases.

Why should you purchase vector-borne disease insurance?

Purchasing vector-borne disease insurance can help individuals and families protect themselves against the financial burden of these diseases. Given below are a few common benefits of buying a vector-borne disease health insurance plan:

  • Financial protection: Vector-borne diseases often require prolonged medical treatment, leading to substantial healthcare expenses. Vector-borne disease insurance provides financial coverage for hospitalisation, medications, and other medical services, ensuring that the financial burden does not compound the stress of the illness.
  • Specialised coverage: Unlike standard health insurance policies, vector-borne disease insurance is specifically tailored to address the unique challenges posed by these diseases. This specialised coverage ensures that individuals receive adequate financial support during their treatment journey.
  • Rising incidence rates: The increasing prevalence of vector-borne diseases, particularly in regions prone to outbreaks, underscores the importance of being prepared. Investing in vector-borne disease insurance is a proactive step towards safeguarding your health and financial well-being.

Factors to consider when buying vector-borne disease insurance

Here are some factors to consider when purchasing vector-borne disease insurance:

  • Coverage scope: Evaluate the range of diseases covered by the insurance policy. A comprehensive policy should include common vector-borne diseases prevalent in your region.
  • Waiting periods: Understand the waiting periods associated with the policy. Some insurance plans may have waiting periods before certain benefits become applicable.
  • Claim process: Familiarise yourself with the claim procedures. A smooth and efficient claims process is crucial during times of illness, ensuring that you receive timely financial support.
  • Network hospitals: Check the list of network hospitals associated with the insurance provider. A broader network ensures access to quality healthcare facilities.
  • Premiums and deductibles: Compare premium rates and deductible amounts across different insurance plans. Choose a policy that offers a balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage.

Inclusions and exclusions under vector-borne disease insurance

Here are some of the common expenses that are covered under a vector-borne disease health insurance policy:

Key inclusions:

  • Hospitalisation expenses
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Medication costs
  • Doctor consultations
  • Ambulance charges
  • Post-hospitalisation expenses

List of some key expenses not covered under vector-borne insurance policies:

Key exclusions:

  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Experimental treatments
  • Non-allopathic treatments
  • Cosmetic procedures
  • Vector-borne diseases contracted before the policy's inception

How can you buy health insurance plans online?

There are multiple online portals where you can buy health insurance plans easily and digitally. One such platform is the Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall, where you can choose from a list of health insurance plans offered by leading insurance providers in the country. These plans vary based on the coverage and diseases covered. If you are looking for plans that specifically provide coverage for vector borne diseases, then you should carefully read the policy details to check the diseases covered under the plan, and choose the policy best suits your needs.

Vector-borne diseases are a growing concern in India, with millions of cases reported every year. To protect themselves against the financial burden of these diseases, individuals can consider purchasing vector-borne disease insurance. These plans provide coverage for medical expenses related to vector-borne diseases and can help individuals and families safeguard their health and financial well-being. When choosing a plan, individuals should consider factors such as coverage, premiums, inclusions and exclusions, and network hospitals.

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Frequently asked questions

What are vector borne diseases examples?

In India, examples of vector-borne diseases include malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar). These diseases are transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected mosquitoes and other vectors.

What is the most common vector borne disease?

Dengue and malaria are two of the most common vector borne diseases in India.

How are vector-borne diseases treated?

Vector-borne diseases are treated through a combination of methods, including medication to manage symptoms and eliminate the pathogen, vector control measures such as insecticides and mosquito nets, and public health interventions to prevent transmission and spread.

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