Seasonal infections take a toll on health insurance claims
health insurance claims in Mumbai are due to seasonal infectious diseases, according to insurers. These ailments include vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, which see a spike in claims during July and August, and water-borne infections such as gastroenteritis, reported TOI. In winter, common claims arise from conditions like bronchitis and influenza. Many of these claims are linked to local hygiene conditions and could be largely avoidable.
Health insurance claims data analyzed by Policybazaar reveals that mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria constitute 15% of all seasonal illness claims. The typical treatment costs for these diseases range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,50,000. The claims for these ailments notably increase in July and August due to the humid conditions conducive to mosquito breeding.
Monsoon season also sees a rise in gastroenteritis, accounting for 18% of seasonal claims. The treatment costs for gastroenteritis are similar to those for malaria. Additionally, allergic reactions, which vary by region, contribute to another 10% of seasonal illness claims.
Winter brings about a different set of health issues, with claims for influenza and bronchitis peaking at 20% and 12% of seasonal illnesses, respectively. However, the cost of treatment for these conditions is generally lower, ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
“If you look at developed countries, the share of seasonal illnesses is much lower compared to developing countries. In case of India, even in developed parts of the
