Best Health Insurance for Vector-Borne Diseases in India
A mosquito bite might seem like a minor nuisance, but in India, it could mean a hefty hospital bill. Vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are on the rise, with cases spilling beyond their usual seasons.
These diseases don’t just take a toll on health; they hit wallets hard too.
With India ranking fourth globally in malaria cases and vector-borne diseases accounting for 17% of all infectious diseases worldwide, the need for specialised health insurance is more pressing than ever.
The right policy can shield you from financial strain while ensuring timely access to quality treatment. Here’s a look at the top health insurance plans in India covering vector-borne diseases.
Top 5 Best Insurance for Vector-Borne
Diseases in India
| Features | Bajaj MCare | Shri Vector Care | Future Generali Future Vector Care | IFFICO Tokio MOS Bite | SBI VECTOR BORNE DISEASE COVER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of vector-borne disease cover | Covers 7 vector borne diseases: Dengue Fever, Malaria, Filariasis (once in a lifetime), Kala Azar, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, Zika Virus. | Covers diseases such as Dengue Fever, Malaria, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, Filariasis (once in a lifetime), and Kala Azar | Covers Dengue Fever, Malaria, Filaria, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, and Kala Azar. | Covers hospitalization expenses for positive diagnosis of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes including Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, and Zika Virus. | Covers hospitalization for vector-borne diseases including Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, Zika Virus, Lymphatic Filariasis (once in a lifetime), and Kala-azar. |
| Waiting Period | 15 days for new policies; 60 days for specific ailments if policy is renewed after a claim. | First 15 days of the date of commencement of the policy but 60 day waiting period applies if the insured is suffering or has suffered within 60 days prior to the date of proposal, except Lymphatic Filariasis. | 15 days from the date of policy commencement. But If the insured has suffered from any of the listed conditions (except Lymphatic Filariasis) within 60 days prior to the policy start date, the waiting period extends to 60 days. | 30 days after the commencement of the policy period | 15 days from the policy start date for new policies. |
| Instant Cover | No instant cover; coverage begins after the waiting period. | No instant cover; coverage begins after the waiting period | No instant cover; coverage begins after the waiting period. | No instant cover; coverage begins after the waiting period. | No instant cover; coverage begins after the waiting period. |
| Coverage for Complications | Not specified; generally covered as part of the disease treatment. | Provides lump sum payment for hospitalization due to covered diseases; complications are not explicitly mentioned | Not explicitly detailed, but the lump sum payment helps cover hospitalization costs. | Not explicitly detailed, but the coverage caters to hospitalization due to the listed vector-borne diseases. | Not explicitly detailed; primarily covers hospitalization due to the listed vector-borne diseases. |
| Cashless Facility | 18,400+ | 8,000+ | 8,400+ | 7000+ | 6000+ |
| Pre/Post Hospitalization | Coverage available, specifics not detailed in the brochure. | Not explicitly mentioned in the policy wording; primarily focuses on lump sum benefits for hospitalization | Not explicitly covered; focuses on hospitalization for a minimum of 24 hours due to the covered diseases. | Not explicitly mentioned; focuses on hospitalization expenses during the policy period. | Pre-hospitalization expenses covered for 30 days prior to hospitalization; post-hospitalization expenses covered for 60 days after discharge. |
| Approx. Premium Range (Annual) | For an individual, the annual premium ranges from ₹160 to ₹1,200 based on the sum insured options of ₹10,000 to ₹75,000 | Not specified in the sources; varies based on sum insured and group policy terms. | Premiums vary based on the chosen sum insured: - ₹10,000: ₹254 - ₹25,000: ₹461 - ₹50,000: ₹923 - ₹75,000: ₹1,384 Note: Premiums are exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST). |
For 1 year: range from 44 to 876 For 2 year: ranges from 85 to 1691 For 3 year: ranges from 123 to 2449 |
Premiums vary based on the sum insured and number of members covered; specific amounts are detailed in the premium chart within the policy document. |
| Coverage for OPD/Medication | Not explicitly mentioned; primarily focused on hospitalization for vector-borne diseases. | Not covered; benefits are limited to hospitalization for vector-borne diseases | Not covered; focuses on hospitalization expenses. | Not explicitly covered; benefits are primarily for hospitalization expenses. | Not covered; the policy focuses on hospitalization expenses related to vector-borne diseases. |
| Waiting Period for Pre-existing | 60 days for specific ailments if policy is taken post-diagnosis; otherwise, standard waiting periods apply. | Not applicable, as the policy does not cover pre-existing conditions or general illnesses | Not applicable, as the policy specifically covers vector-borne diseases only and does not cover pre-existing conditions or general illnesses. | Not applicable, as the policy specifically covers vector-borne diseases and does not cover pre-existing conditions. | There is a waiting period of 48 months for pre-existing diseases for both the main benefit and the optional covers (Daily Hospital Cash and Recovery Benefit) |
| Network Hospitals | Cashless facility available at designated network hospitals (specific names not provided). | Cashless facility available at designated network hospitals (specific names not provided) | Cashless facility available at network hospitals (specific names not provided). | Cashless facility available at network hospitals (specific names not provided). | Cashless facility available at network hospitals across India (specific names not provided). |
| Unique Benefits | 1. Online Discount - 20% discount applicable if customer buys the policy from our website 2. Employee discount - 20% discount is applicable for employees of our Company |
Restoration benefit is available under Option 2, where the sum assured will be restored to 100% upon admission of a claim, subject to a cooling-off period for the claimed condition. No sub-limits on room rent or treatment costs | - Coverage for multiple vector-borne diseases. - Lump-sum benefit upon hospitalization due to the covered diseases, irrespective of hospitalization expenses. - No pre-insurance medical examination required, irrespective of the sum insured and age of the insured. - Long-term discount applicable for single premium payments: 5% for 2-year policies and 7.5% for 3-year policies. |
- Family discount (5%) and direct purchase discount (5%) available, up to a cumulative 10% - Covers hospitalization due to multiple mosquito-borne diseases under one policy. - Covers diagnostic tests (e.g., platelet count), ambulance charges (up to ₹1,000), ICU |
Offers optional covers like Daily Hospital Cash Benefit, Recovery Benefit The Company will reinstate 100% of Sum Insured twice during the policy period upon payment of claim under the Main Benefit. |
| Is Portability Available | Yes, as per IRDAI guidelines for similar policies from other insurers. | Available for individual health insurance policyholders | Not mentioned in the documents. | Yes but The policyholder needs to apply at least 45 days before the premium renewal date | Yes, portability is available as per IRDAI guidelines. |
| Sum Insured (in ₹) | Options include ₹10,000, ₹15,000, ₹25,000, ₹50,000, and ₹75,000. | The sum insured available is from ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 75,000 | Options available: ₹10,000; ₹25,000; ₹50,000; ₹75,000. | Options range from ₹5,000 to ₹1,00,000 based on the chosen plan. | Options typically range from ₹10,000 to ₹2,00,000 based on the chosen plan as per policy details. |
| Entry Age | Minimum 18 years for adults; 0 days for dependent children; maximum 65 years for adults. | The minimum insurable age is from 91 days to 65 years | - Adults: 18 to 65 years. - Dependent children: No age restriction (1 day onwards). |
Minimum entry age is 3 months, and maximum is 65 years. For dependent children, the age is between 3 months and 25 years. | Minimum entry age is 18 years for adults; children can be covered under family floater plans with no specific minimum age mentioned. |
| Policy Type | Both Individual and Floater sum insured options are available. Floater policy can cover proposer, spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents | Both individual and family floater | Available as both Individual and Family Floater policies. | Individual and Family Floater options available. | Individual and Family Floater options available. |
| Policy Tenure | This is an annual policy. Lifetime renewal benefit is available under normal circumstances | The policy term is generally annual, as 'Policy year' means a period of twelve months. Renewal options are available | Options available: 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years, with lifelong renewability. | Annual policy. | Annual policy term only, with renewal options available as per policy terms. |
| No Claim Bonus | Not detailed in the provided sources; usually applicable in health insurance policies. | Not mentioned in the sources. | Not mentioned in the provided sources. | Not mentioned in the provided sources. | Not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources. |
| Free Look Period | 30 days from receipt of policy document to review and cancel if unsatisfied without claims made. | 15 days from receipt of policy document to review and cancel if unsatisfied without claims made | 15 days from receipt of the policy document to review and cancel if not satisfied. | 15 days from the receipt of the policy document to review and cancel if not satisfied, provided no claims have been made. | 15 days from receipt of the policy document to review and cancel if not satisfied, provided no claims have been made during this period. |
*Please read the disclaimer at the end of this page before purchasing this policy.
Our Top 3 Picks for Best Vector-Borne
Disease Insurance Policy
| Feature | Bajaj MCare | IFFCO Tokio MOS Bite | SBI Vector Borne Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | People looking for affordable plans with standard vector-borne disease coverage and online purchase discounts. | People who want hospitalisation benefits along with diagnostic tests and ICU coverage. | People who want a high sum insured with pre/post-hospitalisation benefits and reinstatement of the sum insured. |
| Key Advantage | Discounts on online purchases and no medical check-ups required. | Covers ambulance charges and ICU expenses, plus family and direct purchase discounts. | Higher sum insured (up to ₹2,00,000) and reinstatement of sum insured twice. |
| Key Limitation | No explicit coverage for complications and limited sum insured (max ₹75,000). | No pre/post-hospitalisation coverage and confusing premium structure. | 48-month waiting period for pre-existing diseases and no multi-year policy option. |
Bajaj MCare
Bajaj MCare is a specialised health insurance plan covering medical expenses for vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. It offers financial protection with a lump sum payout on diagnosis, ensuring stress-free recovery.
Why It Stands Out
Restoration Benefit – If a claim is made and the sum insured is exhausted, the policy allows for its restoration, enhancing the coverage.
No Medical Check-Up Required – Unlike some other health policies for vector-borne diseases, Bajaj MCare does not mandate a pre-insurance medical check-up, making it more accessible.
Cashless Facility at Network Hospitals – Offers a cashless hospitalisation facility, which reduces the financial burden during medical emergencies.
Discounts Available – A 20% online purchase discount and an employee discount of 20% make this plan cost-effective compared to others.
Comprehensive Coverage for Multiple Diseases – Covers seven vector-borne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, filariasis (once in a lifetime), kala azar, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and Zika virus. Some competitors may not cover all of these.
Potential Limitations
No Explicit Coverage for Complications – This insurance plan for vector-borne diseases does not clearly mention whether complications arising from the listed vector-borne diseases (such as prolonged hospitalisation or organ damage) are covered.
Waiting Period Restrictions – Although the standard waiting period is 15 days, if a policyholder has suffered from a covered disease within 60 days before purchasing the policy, the waiting period extends to 60 days, which may be a drawback for those seeking immediate protection.
Limited Sum Insured Options – The highest sum insured available is ₹75,000, which may be inadequate for severe cases requiring prolonged hospitalisation or intensive care.
IFFCO Tokio MOS Bite
IFFCO Tokio MOS-Bite is a unique health insurance add-on that covers medical expenses related to mosquito-borne diseases. This insurance policy for vector-borne diseases provides financial protection against hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, and treatment costs arising from these infections.
Why It Stands Out
Wide Coverage of Mosquito-Borne Diseases – Covers hospitalisation expenses for diseases caused by mosquito bites, including dengue, malaria, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and Zika virus.
Flexible Sum Insured Options – Offers sum insured amounts from ₹5,000 to ₹1,00,000, allowing policyholders to choose based on their needs.
Family and Direct Purchase Discounts – A 5% family discount and a 5% direct purchase discount can be combined, providing up to 10% savings on premiums.
Long-Term Tenure Options – Available for 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year durations, allowing policyholders to lock in benefits for a longer period without annual renewal hassles.
Additional Benefits Beyond Hospitalisation – Unlike many vector-borne insurance policies, this plan covers:
Diagnostic test expenses
Ambulance charges (up to ₹1,000)
ICU expenses
Potential Limitations
No Mention of Pre/Post-Hospitalisation Coverage – While hospitalisation costs are covered, there is no explicit mention of expenses incurred before admission (consultation fees, diagnostic tests) or after discharge (follow-up visits, medications).
No Explicit OPD Coverage – Outpatient expenses such as doctor consultations and medicines are not covered, which could be a drawback for those who do not require hospitalisation but still need treatment.
Premium Variability Across Tenures – The premium varies significantly depending on whether the policy is taken for 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years, which may be confusing for buyers when choosing the best option.
SBI Vector Borne Disease Cover
SBI Vector Borne Disease Cover is a fixed-benefit health insurance plan that provides lump sum payouts upon diagnosis of vector-borne diseases. It offers financial support for medical expenses without requiring hospitalisation bills.
Why It Stands Out
High Sum Insured Options – This health insurance for vector-borne diseases offers coverage ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹2,00,000, which is significantly higher than many competing policies.
Reinstatement of Sum Insured – The policy reinstates 100% of the sum insured twice during the policy period if a claim has been made, ensuring continued protection.
Covers a Broad Range of Vector-Borne Diseases – Includes dengue, malaria, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, Zika virus, lymphatic filariasis (once in a lifetime), and kala azar.
Pre/Post-Hospitalisation Coverage – Covers pre-hospitalisation expenses for 30 days before admission and post-hospitalisation expenses for 60 days after discharge, making it more comprehensive than some competitors.
Optional Benefits Available – Policyholders can opt for:
Fixed daily hospital cash benefit for each day of hospitalisation.
Recovery benefit that offers a lump sum amount to help with recovery expenses post-hospitalisation.
Portability Option Available – Policyholders can switch from similar policies of other insurers as per IRDAI guidelines without losing accrued benefits.
Potential Limitations
Long Waiting Period for Pre-Existing Conditions – While the standard waiting period is 15 days, there is a 48-month waiting period for pre-existing diseases, which is much longer compared to other policies that may not even have pre-existing condition exclusions.
No OPD or Medication Coverage – The policy focuses strictly on hospitalisation and does not cover outpatient expenses, diagnostic tests, or medication costs unless related to hospitalisation.
Annual Policy Only – Unlike some competitors offering multi-year policies, this insurance plan for vector-borne illnesses is available only for one year at a time, requiring yearly renewals.
What are Vector-Borne Diseases?
Vector-borne diseases are caused by pathogens transmitted to humans through vectors that are usually blood-feeding insects like mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas.
When a vector bites an infected host (human or animal), it picks up the pathogen. Later, when it bites another host, it injects the pathogen into their bloodstream, spreading the disease. This transmission cycle makes these diseases particularly challenging to control.
Why is it Important to Get Insurance for Vector-Borne Diseases?
With climate change and urbanisation making these diseases more common, protecting yourself financially is just as important as taking preventive measures. Below are some reasons why you should get insurance for vector-borne diseases:
What Illnesses are Covered in Vector-Borne Disease Insurance?
To ease the financial burden of treatment, many insurers offer vector-borne health insurance, covering hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, and medical expenses related to these diseases. Here’s a quick look at some common vector-borne diseases covered under such policies:
1
Malaria
Caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted by mosquito bites, malaria leads to high fever, chills, and severe complications if untreated.
2
Dengue
This disease causes intense body pain, high fever, and in severe cases, internal bleeding and shock.
3
Zika Virus
This viral infection is usually mild but poses serious risks to pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects in newborns.
4
Filariasis
Spread by infected mosquitoes, filariasis results in severe swelling in the limbs (elephantiasis) and can lead to lifelong disability.
5
Kala Azar
This disease is caused by sandfly bites and affects internal organs, leading to prolonged fever, weight loss, and anaemia.
6
Chikungunya
Known for its severe joint pain, chikungunya can cause fever, rashes, and long-term arthritis-like symptoms.
7
Japanese Encephalitis
A mosquito-borne viral brain infection, Japanese encephalitis can cause severe neurological issues, seizures, and even fatal complications.
Who Should Get Insurance Policy for Vector-Borne Diseases?
Some regions in India are more prone to waterlogging. This may happen due to improper infrastructure or the natural geography of that area. And since mosquitoes are one of the causes of vector-borne illnesses, people residing in such areas are more exposed to them.
What is Covered in Insurance Policies for Vector-Borne Diseases?
*Note that every health plan is different. Hence, you should always read the fine print before getting an insurance policy.
What is NOT Covered in Insurance Policies for Vector-Borne Diseases?
While insurance for vector-borne illnesses can be a lifesaver, it doesn’t cover everything. Like any policy, some exclusions might leave you paying out of pocket. Understanding these gaps can help you avoid surprises when filing a claim. So, what’s typically not covered? Let’s take a look.
*Note that every health plan is different. Hence, you should always read the fine print before getting an insurance policy.
Key Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Health Insurance for Vector-Borne Diseases
Before signing up for a policy, it’s crucial to check a few key details to ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your needs. Here’s what to look out for:
Disclaimer
