Insurance Plan Targets Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Digital platform offers affordable coverage amid rising dengue, malaria cases in India.
As vector-borne illnesses surge, a new insurance plan offers financial protection. With dengue and malaria impacting public health, affordable solutions are increasingly vital for Indian households.
Tackling Financial Burdens of Disease
Rising treatment and hospitalization costs associated with illnesses such as dengue fever can create financial strain for some families. According to government figures, India reported over 94,000 dengue cases in 2023.
PhonePe, a digital payment platform, is now offering a Dengue and Malaria Insurance Plan, giving specific health coverage against mosquito- and air-borne diseases. The policy starts at ₹59 annually and provides coverage up to ₹1 lakh.
Comprehensive Protection
The insurance plan safeguards against more than ten diseases including Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya, Filariasis, Japanese Encephalitis, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, Typhoid, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, and Meningitis. Protection encompasses expenses tied to in-patient hospitalisation, ICU fees, diagnostics, prescribed treatments, and doctor consultations. Further, it includes pre- and post-hospitalisation care and medically advised at-home care.
Moreover, vector-borne diseases account for more than 700,000 deaths each year worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. These are spread through vectors like mosquitoes and ticks and are greatly impacted by environmental factors. For example, as temperatures rise, mosquitoes expand their range, increasing the risk of diseases like Zika and West Nile virus (CDC).
Accessibility and Availability
According to **PhonePe**, the product is available immediately on its platform. The company aims to broaden access to those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The policy gives continuous protection for 12 months, going beyond the typical monsoon season.
Insurance may be purchased by **PhonePe** users. In the app, they must go to the insurance section, select the dengue and malaria plan, and finish the digital purchase.